From the Ground: The Real Israel-Palestine

West Bank: To Visit, Or Not To Visit

Some of you know that we have long considered a visit to the West Bank as integral to a proper understanding of the conflict taking place here in Israel/Palestine. We have several contacts there who expressed their willingness to meet with us to discuss the situation.

That was all before Israel’s assault on Gaza.

Now, we’re not sure if it’s a wise idea to go. We certainly don’t want to endanger our lives. But after two and a half weeks here, we feel a stronger-than-ever pull to see the truth behind this oppressed and occupied land.

So we’re playing it by ear. We’re in constant communication with our West Bank contacts and will rely on their advice to determine if we will go or not.

The original plan was to arrive in Ramallah tomorrow (Friday), and to stay until Sunday. That plan has been scrapped (it’s not possible anyway; the border’s have been temporarily closed due to fears of an attack on the Sabbath).

Still, we’re hoping to at least spend part of the day on Sunday in the West Bank. Again, we’re playing it by ear.