A busy week. From Jerusalem we went down to Gaza for three days last week. That place always sort of fills you up with a whole range of different emotions, and this time was no different. Like the West Bank, Gaza has been occupied by the Israel’s since 1968. In 2006, the militant group Hamas was elected to rule the strip by Gazanas themselves, and the Israeli’s more or less washed their hands of it and put in place a blockade, with US support – limiting goods like cement and water pipes, and even children’s toys, saying they are a threat to Israeli security. Gazans tunneled into neighboring Egypt to bring in goods, which they are proficient at, but the whole economy is one of stagnation – survival really – and will ultimately remain so until the occupation is finally ended – and there is no likelihood of that any time soon.
What always strikes me when I go there is how generally upbeat the people are, given the incredibly difficult circumstances. Imagine how you would feel if someone occupied your country, dictated everything you could and could not bring in, helped bring about an unemployment rate of more than 60%, and wouldn’t let you leave – ever. That’s what most in Gaza face, yet despite it they get educated, do whatever they can to support their families, and enjoy what few liberties they have – like a day at the nearby beach, albeit one cluttered with trash and impacted by tons of raw sewage dumping into the sea each day from old and broken pipes.
Coming here to Beirut yesterday is like arriving on a different planet. Beirut was once called the Paris of the Middle East. With a mixed society of Muslims and Christians, there is a vibrant night life here, with bars and restaurants and lingerie shops and dance clubs. The women are dressed like they spent 6 hours getting ready to go out, and you can sit down and spend $100 on a meal and couple drinks, easily. I have some old friends here I am eager to catch up with. Busy few days ahead but looking forward to being back in Lebanon.
For those who don’t understand the Middle East crisis, and the causes and realities of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, I will end as I usually end trips to that part of the world, with the call to please find other sources outside of the American press to educate yourself on what is really going on in your country’s name, and with your country’s treasure, in Gaza and the West Bank. I promise you it is not what you have been led to believe by the hijacked American press.
July 22nd, 2010 | by David in Travel
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All Material © 2008 David Snyder
