THE humiliation and suffering endured by Palestinians is largely overlooked, according to a former Border minister who examined their plight during three months in East Jerusalem.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Joan Fisher described her placement as an ecumenical accompanier to audiences at La Trobe University Wodonga and Emmanuel Anglican and Uniting Church in West Wodonga late last week.
Now based in Shepparton, Reverend Fisher became only the 10th Australian to take part in the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment program in Palestine and Israel.
"Because I liked the idea of accompanying people in their daily life, to see what life is like," she said.
Between March and June this year, Reverend Fisher worked with a small international team that observed everyday events for Palestinians, such as trying to access holy sights and passing through checkpoints, which could take up to two hours.
"There was frustration and anger; we didn't actually see shootings and so on but I can understand how it would happen,” she said.
"Many of them are still in refugee camps which three generations ago their ancestors were moved into in 1948 and they have not had an opportunity to get out of them.
"Their living situation, education situation, everything is second or third rate and they are just so frustrated - no change, no serious movement towards peace."
The ecumenical accompaniers also reported on the demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem.
"It's almost impossible for Palestinian people to get building permits, so you can wait 10 years and pay thousands of shekels and get turned down," Reverend Fisher said.
Building without a permit risked severe consequences.
“Bulldozers, military police, helicopters, police dogs come, just before dawn usually, knock on the door, get the people out and demolish the house," she said.
"Most Israeli people don't know about the suffering of Palestinians nor do they seem to want to know."
Reverend Fisher said she never felt in danger during her placement, having received training beforehand about assessing situations. The ecumenical accompaniers worked in pairs and considered exit plans during any demonstrations.
"Our task is to accompany and monitor and report, rather than get into the thick of it and be waving flags and getting arrested," she said.