my various trips to historic palestine represent a kind of evolution in me as an activist, and a jew. my first trip was in january of 2000, an all-expense paid tour with "birthright israel" for predominantly secular western jews. i had a great time, but was uncomfortable with the indoctrinating aspects of the one-sided tour. i promised myself i would be back to explore on my own. when i did return, i was scared out of plans to visit the west bank by friends who warned me i would be killed. only on my third and fourth trips did i venture into the occupied territories, and as i expected, i was warmly received and never threatened--except by occasional israeli soldiers and settlers. while working in palestine, i try to visit israel occasionally to see friends, visit israeli peace organizations, and explore the landscape. i often visit palestinian towns, which were conveniently excluded from my first, otherwise thorough tour (click for goofy pictures from 2000)
jaffa |
akko |
the southwest |
the negev |
tel aviv |