Political Art Decorates the Wall / Security Barrier
In the last decade Israel built a wall separating it from the Palestinian Territories in order to stop Palestinian terrorists from getting into Israel, and most people in Israel attribute the dramatic drop in violence since then to this barrier. Since the wall’s been erected, terrorism within Israel has gone down about 90 percent. While it has angered people around the world who care about the plight of the Palestinians, many Israelis would say, “Sorry about the inconvenience, but what’s a matter of convenience for Palestinians is a matter of survival for us.” While the wall is generally nicely finished on the Israeli side, on the Palestinian side it’s rough concrete punctuated by fortified towers. The concrete provides a big and inviting canvas for angry Arab artists and fascinating viewing for any visitor.
When Israel celebrates its Independence Day each spring, the same event is mourned as “The Day of Catastrophe” on the other side of this wall. While Israelis celebrate their independence by setting off fireworks and having big family BBQs, charred towers like this one are a reminder that, on the other side of the barrier, the anniversary is remembered differently — for example, it’s an excuse for angry Palestinian teenagers to stack tires against these symbols of occupation and set them on fire.Much of the art along the wall has a David and Goliath theme, with slingshot-wielding boys tormenting well-armed troops.There’s a big culture of hero- and martyr worship in Palestine. This woman, Leila Khaled, won notoriety by hijacking a TWA plane flying from Rome to Tel Aviv in 1969. Is she a terrorist or a freedom fighter? It really depends on who you ask.In this mural the imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti is lionized. I was told that there’s a very good likelihood that the extreme Hamas party could beat the more moderate Fatah party in the next Palestinian election, which could in turn radicalize the West Bank as Hamas has radicalized Gaza. Moderates claim that if Israel would let Barghouti — the only Fatah leader with any charisma — free, Barghouti could help things stay on a moderate course. Many wonder why, if Barghouti could help moderation and Hamas would bring more extremism, Israel refuses to release Barghouti.
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5 Replies to “Political Art Decorates the Wall / Security Barrier”
Why does the wall follow a route which encompasses an additional 13% of Palestinian territory, olive groves, aquifers, Palestinian homes? Why is it not built on the green line?
I’ve heard no mention of security for Palestinians. They have no army and limited police. They have no security form land theft for settlements, home demolition, night raids, Israeli checkpoints within their own territory. The relative death tolls of Palestinians and Israelis clearly show who is at risk. State terrorism parades as concern for security and, ironically, just produces more frustration and violence.
Esther, I think we could rationalize what is fair many ways. The fact that one side has more fatalities than the other does not determine the aggressor. German and Japanese deaths in WW II were greater that American deaths. The truth is that international boarders are typically determined by war, including our own. And we know that some believe unfairly for Mexico.
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, from the 10th century to WW I had a German majority who called it Pressburg and it was part of Hungary which called it Pozsony. In 1923 Turkey and Greece had a people exchange of Orthodox and Muslim. After WW II Germans were expelled from Bohemia and Jews from Arab lands. We read nothing about these refugees.
One could ask, “Why have not Muslims been expelled from Israel and all the land west of the Jordan, as Jews (and now Christians) were removed from Arab lands?”
M Craig — Hear Hear. I was about to write the same thing about WWII’s relative casualties.
Esther — It is the Palestinians who started and continue the hostilities. They could have had a state in 1947. They won’t be happy until killing Jews stops being their top priority.
LesLein you are wrong.
The artists are the heart of the people of Palestine. Their artwork is a direct reflection of their struggles, hearts, and tears. To have this wall is another way to hold down any economical opportunities possible for the Palestinian people.
Why does the wall follow a route which encompasses an additional 13% of Palestinian territory, olive groves, aquifers, Palestinian homes? Why is it not built on the green line?
I’ve heard no mention of security for Palestinians. They have no army and limited police. They have no security form land theft for settlements, home demolition, night raids, Israeli checkpoints within their own territory. The relative death tolls of Palestinians and Israelis clearly show who is at risk. State terrorism parades as concern for security and, ironically, just produces more frustration and violence.
Esther, I think we could rationalize what is fair many ways. The fact that one side has more fatalities than the other does not determine the aggressor. German and Japanese deaths in WW II were greater that American deaths. The truth is that international boarders are typically determined by war, including our own. And we know that some believe unfairly for Mexico.
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, from the 10th century to WW I had a German majority who called it Pressburg and it was part of Hungary which called it Pozsony. In 1923 Turkey and Greece had a people exchange of Orthodox and Muslim. After WW II Germans were expelled from Bohemia and Jews from Arab lands. We read nothing about these refugees.
One could ask, “Why have not Muslims been expelled from Israel and all the land west of the Jordan, as Jews (and now Christians) were removed from Arab lands?”
M Craig — Hear Hear. I was about to write the same thing about WWII’s relative casualties.
Esther — It is the Palestinians who started and continue the hostilities. They could have had a state in 1947. They won’t be happy until killing Jews stops being their top priority.
LesLein you are wrong.
The artists are the heart of the people of Palestine. Their artwork is a direct reflection of their struggles, hearts, and tears. To have this wall is another way to hold down any economical opportunities possible for the Palestinian people.