Arab Populations Tiyul

This past Thursday, my program went on a tiyul(trip) up north to the Wadi Ara region of Israel. The Wadi Ara is known for its Arab population. As part of our class on the Arab Populations of Israel, we learned first hand what these populations feel about their situation. We went to the cities of Umm al-Fahm,Baqa al-Gharbiyye and Bartaa. These cities have an Arab Muslim majority. These cities also are extremely close to the Green Line and Bartaa is divided by the Green Line so there is an Israeli Bartaa and a Palestinian Bartaa.

The city of Bartaa is very interesting in that is divided by the Green Line, yet not the Separation Wall. Both sides of the city are connected, yet some residents carry Israeli ID's while others carry Palestinian ID's. Since the city is in a unique situation, there is a tax free zone on the Palestinian side since the PA has not come to collect taxes. This means that Palestinian side has lower prices on goods and has attracted many residents with Israeli ID's to set up businesses on the other side of the Green Line and vice versa. With the economic situation being as it is, many Israelis travel to Bartaa to buy goods since it is cheaper than buying them in Israel. When talking with some of the residents, they all have something different to say. Every single one feels differently about the situation. Some feel Israeli, while others feel Palestinian. Yet they all feel Arab. Some point to one side or the other, yet it was interesting to hear one man say its extremists on both sides for the current status quo. We also learned that many residents of Bartaa  want to keep the status quo because of the economic benefits they experience. It was interesting to learn that even though they would like to see something done about the situation here, they are looking at what will make them prosperous and stable.

 After Bartaa, we went to Baqa al- Gharbiyye to talk with a group of teachers at a local high school. It was very interesting to hear what they had to say. We had so many questions for them. It was eye-opening to hear what they had to say and how they have experienced living in Israel as an Arab. After that we went for lunch at a great restaurant for shwarma, hummus, and falafel. All of the food was delicious and flavorful. I had lamb shwarma in a pita, but others got hummus, falafel and salads. As is typical in other Shwarma and Falafel restaurants in Israel, salads are available with your meal. You go up to the buffet, and take which salads you want. The fried eggplant and cauliflower were great.

After lunch, we went to a very cool art museum in Umm al-Fahm. The gallery was very interesting. They were getting ready for a new exhibit so some of the pieces were not labeled, but it was fascinating. The gallery also had an exhibit on the elders of the Wadi Ara. When looking at the faces of the elders, I noticed that they did not have happy facial expressions. Their facial expressions seemed to be indifferent, sad, or pissed off. Maybe they seemed this way because of what they had experienced during their lives. They have obviously been through a lot. They have seen discrimination, not to mention the status quo. I could see the history they had experienced on their faces. It left me wondering why the status quo is what it is. The other side of the conflict was evident. It was great to see it. It brings the whole situation to a new level for me. Anyways, it was a fascinating tiyul and it left me asking many questions. If I could do it again I would because it was a very rainy and gross day so we had to dodge the rain while we were walking. Anyways more to come from Tel Aviv in the coming future.