Jehan "JeJe" Alfarra, from Gaza City, uses her blog (called "Palinoia" -- a play on "Palestine paranoia," since so many Westerners have exaggerated fears about the people and the place) to advocate for "trade, not aid." What Gaza needs most, she and others say, is not more aid in the form of handouts, but the freedom to travel and export. Most Palestinians -- including those in Gaza -- are talented, resourceful…
Jehan "JeJe" Alfarra, from Gaza City, uses her blog (called "Palinoia" -- a play on "Palestine paranoia," since so many Westerners have exaggerated fears about the people and the place) to advocate for "trade, not aid." What Gaza needs most, she and others say, is not more aid in the form of handouts, but the freedom to travel and export. Most Palestinians -- including those in Gaza -- are talented, resourceful and hard-working. Give them the ability to fend for themselves by lifting the Israeli siege, and watch out! They will not only survive, but THRIVE.
One of the most common questions Westerners ask about the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is, "Where are the Palestinian Gandhis?" In other words, if Palestinians just tried renouncing violence and resisting peacefully, they would attract much more sympathy and be more effective in their struggle against Israeli occupation.
But non-violent resistance comes in many different forms and there are many 'Palestinian
One of the most common questions Westerners ask about the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is, "Where are the Palestinian Gandhis?" In other words, if Palestinians just tried renouncing violence and resisting peacefully, they would attract much more sympathy and be more effective in their struggle against Israeli occupation.
But non-violent resistance comes in many different forms and there are many 'Palestinian Gandhis'! They just need a platform that amplifies their voices. These videos were profile a a number of "extraordinary ordinary" people in the Gaza Strip who are peacefully advocating for change in whatever way they can.