26 August, 2005

 

Since school is starting soon, today I went to Tuba to visit the children that will have to pass near the settlement in order to walk to school in Tuwani. The Israeli military, by order of the Knesset (Israeli congress), has said they will escort the children to and from school each day. We will have to see if the soldiers actually protect the children this year or merely allow settlers to harass and attack the children as they did last year.

Though Tuba is only about a mile away, going directly there from Tuwani requires passing very near Ma’on Settlement and Havat Ma’on outpost. Hafez and I decided to go the safer long way around the mountains, which takes about an hour and half on foot. Instead of walking, he suggested it’d be faster if we ride donkeys, and I jumped at the chance. “How hard can it be?” I thought, I am fairly skilled on a bicycle after all.

Next time, I’m walking.

With donkeys, it should have only taken us an hour, but it took almost two because I had such trouble keeping the donkey on the path. Amira (the name I chose for my donkey meaning “princess” in Arabic) had a mind of her own, and would frequently take deters to eat plants or sniff the presents left behind by other donkeys. It took me awhile to master the clicking and grunting sounds that it took to keep her on track. It also didn’t help that Amira knew I wouldn’t beat her as most other riders would to keep her in line. Several times, Hafez had to dismount to chase after me and drag me and Amira back onto the path.

I couldn’t believe how labor intensive it was. My inner thighs were sore for two days afterwards. I have to wonder if it was as hard for Amira.

Tuba has a very clear view of the Israeli settlement and outpost. I got to see first-hand the recent expansion of the outpost documented in CPT’s recent report. The settlers have now moved out of the trees and into the valley, deeply encroaching onto Tuba’s land. Tuba villagers are frightened that land-grabbing settlers may soon try to forcefully evacuate the villagers from their homes like settlers have in several other villages in the area. Meanwhile, we’ll continue monitoring the Israeli military escort of the children and stay in close touch with Tuba.

Picture of Havat Ma’on expansion at www.lovinrevolution.org

Before leaving, we were treated to a fabulous meal in one of the caves Tuba villagers call home. Fresh eggs cooked in goat butter, dried goat cheese, fresh baked bread and freshly picked tomatoes and cucumbers, all produced right there in the village. Two cups of tea later, we were back on our donkeys to Tuwani.

The trip back was a little faster, as I’d better mastered controlling Amira and Hafez said the donkeys were anxious to get back to their babies. “Well at least you didn’t fall off” Hafez said, though I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or not.