The Freedom Bus (sponsored by Friends of the Jenin Freedom Theatre) traveled to Beit Ummar, a village surrounded by seven settlements which have confiscated much of Beit Ummar’s land and almost all its water. A fire broke out in the woods where we were having lunch. This one was probably set by kids rather than settlers, but settler-set fires are always a danger. We had a graphic illustration of what it is like to live without water or any public services. The hills are tinder at this time of year, covered with dried gorse and thistles.
The small fire spread quickly and threatened to engulf the trees. There is no fire department, and little access to water. People began beating the fire out with shovels and blankets, throwing small bottles of water at it. Finally, someone called the water tanker truck that supplies the village with water once a week. It arrived and the people fighting the fire loaded jerrycans with water and threw them on the fire. Finally it was contained. Had we not been on the spot for a picnic lunch, the fire might not even have been seen until it became an uncontrollable blaze.
“Israel” could not survive were it not for denying Palestinians access to water in the OT. The survival of the oppressed Palestinians and how they get about their daily lives for 64 years is really something to be admired. I am in awe of their patience and resilience. Thanks for sharing (and caring).