I am the separation barrier. Separating two countries, two leaders, two religions. I stand here, between them. Thick layers of powerful messages coat my body. Israeli watch guards hover over me, threatening to spray tear gas at anyone trying to attack.
I divide two lands. Israelis live on one side of me and Palestinians on the other. Israelis and Palestinians have been fighting over this land since 1948 when Israel was born. The Jews had wanted their own country for thousands of years, and after the holocaust, so many Jews were displaced that it only made sense to create a Jewish country to provide homes for them. But the Palestinians never accepted Israel.
I represent division. Jewish Israelis are not allowed to travel to Palestine but Arab Israelis can pass through my gates at leisure. Palestinians are only allowed to travel to Israel if they have special visas which are very hard to get. They must maintain a completely clean record to do so. One spit or strike could mean being trapped on one side of me for the rest of their life. Over 18 years I have watched people get hurt right in front of me, thrown against me, bloody and wounded. I stand strong, unaffected, separating two countries, two leaders, two religions. I am the separation barrier.
Paloma,
This is such a powerful essay from an unusual point of view. Keep up the good work! -Auntie Manya
I loved this piece, Paloma! Give your whole family my love! —Trina
Paloma, beautiful perspective! Thanks! — I’m reading “The Internationalists”, a recent historical perspective on war and the evolution of law addressing conflict resolution. Excellent! May be of interest to you and your family. Best to Hayes and all!