Widespread resistance to the Israeli presence within the West Bank, whether violent or peaceful, is a constant feature of life within the occupied Palestinian territories. With no money and little international support, Palestinian activists are risking their very own lives and sacrificing their well-being to fight the numerous elements of control imposed by the Israeli state – checkpoints, permits, the wall, prisons – but above all, the dearth of freedom, respect and dignity.
This is precisely the case of Ahed Tamimi, a 17-year-old Palestinian girl who was arrested in December 2017 for punching an Israeli soldier. The video of the event that went viral was recorded by her mother, who was also arrested for uploading it. The strike got here just an hour after the identical soldiers shot Tamimi’s 14-year-old cousin, Mohammed within the face, leaving him in critical condition.
The Tamimi case has divided opinion, with either side accusing the opposite of using it to further their very own agenda. The trial has drawn criticism, partially since it involves the arrest of a minor in particularly aggressive circumstances. Ahed’s appearance also attracted attention. Parts of the Israeli press reported that the family was using blue-eyed blonde Tamimi for promoting purposes. Some even questioned could she probably Palestinian “that’s what it looks like.”
Meanwhile, the legal process is progressing slowly. Her military trial was recently adjourned again until March 11 – a decision made behind closed doors after international journalists, human rights researchers and observers were ejected from the courtroom.
Amidst this chaos, I interviewed Tamimi’s father, Bassem. He claims that the Israelis need to keep the matter behind closed doors for fear of international attention.
The face of conflict
While within the West Bank, I repeatedly encountered certain threads related to the method. All the Palestinians I spoke to deeply respect and admire Tamimi, but many worry that Ahed’s high-profile case detracts from attention to other ongoing cases, of which there are plenty.
Tamimi is the tip of the iceberg. According to the human rights association, Addemeer’s prisoners number greater than that 450 children in Israeli prisons, a number that has doubled within the last three years. Tamimi’s age shouldn’t be unique, and neither is her treatment. Western media have to be careful to not give attention to the fragmentary elements of the occupation, be it the wall, the checkpoints, some arrests, and never to distract from taking a look at the occupation as a whole. But in line with Bassem, if Ahed is the one who brings the occupation to the forefront, so be it.
But what about Tamimi’s safety, well-being and education? Is the clan living in Nabi Salih, a small village whose existence has come under increasing threat because the establishment of the growing Halamish settlement, right to place their children (not only Tamimi) in such a position to further their popular resistance? What in regards to the safer options that many Palestinians select within the wealthier bubble of Ramallah, the de facto administrative capital of the West Bank?
Bassem agrees that he’s tormented by the undeniable fact that his daughter is losing her childhood and taking responsibility for something her generation shouldn’t must be responsible for. However, for him, normalizing the conflict shouldn’t be an option. He is greater than aware that he and his family shoulder a heavy burden of representing occupied Palestine. He is continuously wanted by journalists. Raising awareness of the cause, especially internationally, is in truth his foremost activity and can’t be taken flippantly. He says with pride that he’s a member of Fatah and doesn’t need to hear bad things about people in power.
Environmental Protection Agency
His apparent stoicism may be interpreted within the West as hard-hearted, indifferent, even manipulative, but in Israel and Palestine he cannot afford to be seen as playing the victim. Any display of emotion – regardless of how well received by international audiences – would only weaken his case.
There is little question in regards to the pride he has for Ahed. Scrolling through photos on her phone, she comes across one of her when she is about ten years old, wearing a pretty summer dress made of traditional Palestinian fabric, smiling on the camera. He hesitates for a moment as he looks at it, and yes, emotion crosses his face – after which he immediately returns to the purpose.
Childhood violated?
Tamimi’s campaign, which goals to boost awareness of all diseases attributable to the occupation, includes social media, weekly Friday demonstrations and other protests. Bassem says proudly Janna Tamimi, his 11-year-old niece, who has made a name for herself as the youngest journalist in Palestine. Better known as Janna Jihad, she has over 250,000 followers Facebookand uses Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to cover the occupation – as do other members of Tamimi’s clan.
Whether or not Ahed is noticed primarily for her appearance, the moral point is whether or not her case may be used to profit the numerous other minors who’re or might be arrested. Tamimi’s family shouldn’t be optimistic in regards to the final consequence of the postponed trial, but even with a sentence of as much as ten years in sight, Ahed herself still plans to check law to fight for others in similar situations.
These activists – or freedom fighters, as they call themselves – bring to the fore the frustrations of others living under occupation who cannot easily speak out. They face international and external censorship and find international support for their existence undermined, while at the identical time they are sometimes seen collectively as suffering. “Don’t call us victims, we should not victims. That’s an important thing to indicate the world – that is the foremost lesson I learned from my daughter.”
