The Renewed Israeli Occupation
2 million Palestinians under curfew for 42 days!

Inside Ramallah
How Can the World Witness Such Suffering and Yet Do Nothing?

I am writing this letter on a Saturday evening--a day of the week when many people are preparing for a fun evening out with friends and loved ones. As I write, my desk periodically shakes due to the sounds of gunfire and tank shelling. Israeli soldiers are driving through the deserted streets of Ramallah shouting "Mana ata jawaal, Mana ata jawaal" -- you are under curfew. Periodically they catch someone trying to break curfew and either detain them or shoot in the air--like just a moment ago on the street in front of my house. You may not believe this, but I cannot remember what it must be like to have the freedom to do something as simple as taking a walk, let alone enjoy a Saturday night out with friends. I now consider myself lucky if curfew is lifted for a few hours so I can go to my office and meet with my colleagues, then dash to the market to get a few days worth of fruits and vegetables before curfew is slammed down on us once again.
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For years I wondered how the world could have turned their backs on the Jews in the late 30s when they were being destroyed by the Germans. Now I see the same thing happening again, only it is Jews destroying Palestinians this time. What will you say when your grandchildren ask you about this? Will you say "Gosh, we didn't know."? We are seeing the Warsaw Ghetto replayed.