17 March 2009
It seems like a bygone time. Peace peace peace had finally arrived. Dad while he welcomed peace and actively fought throughout his life for a settlement by negotiations with Israel, was blunt in his assessment of the Oslo agreement in so far that it was front-loaded to Israel’s favor. The points he raised to the Palestinian Legislative council at the time proved to be correct!! More to come
However nothing could take away the magic of that first trip to Palestine almost a year after Oslo. Excitement, hope and optimism. This was going to be the Golden age for Palestinians and Israelis. We were going to show the world how these two old foes were going to create a vibrant society. Everything seemed possible even the protocols of crossing the bridge from Jordan were taken with amusement.
It was hot the day we crossed the border. Several Palestinian dignities had crossed over that day and under the agreement between the PA and Israel there was a limited number that received the VIP treatment.
Jordanian VIP Room
From the Jordanian side dad me Soraya and dads bodyguard were ushered into the VIP area while we waited for permission from Israeli to cross the 100 yard bridge. We would have been quiet happy to get on the bus or cross on foot but of course that was not possible as we had to wait for a VIP car to cross which sounds really impressive but in truth was just a normal bog standard old car. The absurdity for us or anyone to be delayed because of protocol was just so absurd.
The bus we were not allowed in
The bridge we could not walk across
Anyway after hours of waiting we got into the car for the ten second journey were we were met by the Israelis who took us to the VIP room which was a small room with left over fruits and the bonus air conditioning. Stuck in this room were various well-known Palestinians who were crossing the other way.
While we waited for security to check our luggage we were informed by the Israelis that the quota for VIP cars was already used for the day. Let me explain a little. To cross from Jordan to Israel, as the many Palestinians will testify is a test of endurance with so many pointless procedures geared to frustrate and humiliate you.
Being VIP for what its worth was marginally better, nevertheless even in the spirit of optimism good will blah blah, Israel still wanted to make sure that we knew who was in control.
So we waited patiently till a taxi arrived that gain we had to get in while we crossed from Israel into Palestine.
As those who know me will tell you I have a tendency for drama and non stop talking. Nothing is just simply ok it’s either terrific or lousy. Ditto with my emotions. I was excited to be here on this journey but I was a sophisticated traveler and nothing would de stabilize my outward composure.
Wrong. Sitting in the broken down taxi with my father and daughter driving down those few minutes to the Palestinian border were I could see in the distant the Palestinian flag and delegation waiting to receive my father moved me more than I could possibly imagine. I was stuck for words. I was coming home. I was in Palestine.
Finally on Palestinian Soil
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