[mgj-discuss] Hello from Nablus

[Crystal Sylvia]

Hello,
I have been in Nablus for three days now.  Before that our group
decided last minute to go to Ramallah so we could protest the f-16
bomber killings committed by the Israeli Occupying Force (IOF) last
week.  We did a very confrontational action in which we spray painted
and poured red paint on tanks and jeeps that were stationed outside of
a Palestinian building that was taken over by the IOF to use as their
offices.  The soldiers shot their guns up in the air and at the ground
but no one got hurt or arrested.  And we  managed to get in all of the
Palestinian papers and on the news.  

I can't recount all that we have done so far because I do not have
time.  We have participated in some direct actions and protests,
prevented Israeli soldiers from detaining innocent men, and we are
staying with families who fear Israeli retaliation.  This morning a
group of us along with many Palestinian men removed three road blocks
that were made by Israeli soldiers.  They blocked access from Nablus to
three small villages.  There was absolutely no reason for the IOF to do
this execpt to terrorize and harrass people.  After we finished two
water tank trucks passed through to deliver water to the villages.
People in taxis were able to drive to the hospital and get into Nablus.

Even though the Israeli government says its military operations are
restricted to combatting terrorism- i.e. going after suspected
militants or families of suicide bombers, 99.9% of their actions only
brutalize innocent people including children and the elderly.  They
imprison people in their home by implementing curfews and putting up
roadblocks and check points.  This prevents people from doing
everything from working, buying basic necessities like food and getting
their sick children to a doctor. The psychological terror that has been
and continues to be inflicted on the Palestinians is overwhelming.  A
lot of what we have also done besides what I mentioned above is to
listen to their stories.  Two days ago we visted with two familes of
men who were gunned down by soldiers in the mountains as they were
returning from work.  This may sound trivial but it is not.  The
Palestinian people want the world especially Americans to know what the
IOF is doing in the name of fighting terrorism.  Many of the family
members are happy that we are there to listen and sometimes are
surprised to the extent that we agree with them- our disdain for Bush,
the nature of US imperialism and of course the absolute necessity that
the occupation ends. During these times we let them know that when we
return to the United States we will share their stories and pictures
with our neighbors families and communities.

Even though as international, I witness this brutality that seems
relentless, I continue to be inspired everyday.  The Palestinian people
are very courageous and continue to resist the occupation in everyway
that they can. Children fly kites in the sky during curfew- sometimes
from their windows.  In the early evening it is truly a beautiful sight
to see dozens of kites in the sky flying free in defiance of the
curfew.  

The children also take string tied to cans and tie them on cats' tails
during curfew so when the cats run through the streets the sounds shows
that the street will not be silent!  In Nablus there are many who
ignore curfew as an act of resistance.  One final example, are taxi
drivers.  I spoke to a taxi driver today who drives to support his
large family. During our conversation someone asked if he risks his
life by driving.  He said, "Yes of course they may kill me but if I
stay home I will die there without food because of the curfew.  I would
rather die in the street!"

I will write again when I can.  I would also like to thank those who
have sent me e-mails. Sorry I can not respond to each person.

Peace in Palestine,
crystal



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