Women for Palestine is a network of Australian women who stand for nonviolence and human rights in the Holy Land. “As women, we believe that our inherent inclination for healing and nurturing can indeed have a powerful effect on the attitudes and actions of all people who are caught in a spiral of hurt, anger and retribution. We believe that peace is the only solution to conflict and that even small beginnings can make a difference.”

As suggested on their site, I spent some time exploring the content and links provided: ‘images and information on Palestine ranging from expressions of the joy of a child’s hope’ in the Children’s Corner to ‘a tormenting experience of life in a local Palestinian school ‘via Voices from Palestine.

I was very impressed by The Book Club section. It provides a very compelling collection of books…some of which I have never heard of. I decided that I must have every single book listed that I don’t already have. 

The one which stood out most to me is “Palestinians Speak: I painted the Snow Black…because we are afraid of the days” … Someone wrote: After reading Palestinians Speak, you may be persuaded to give up the idea of owning a semi-detached house and the latest Volkswagen beetle and head for the refugee camps in Lebanon. This actually reminds me of what I was discussing with a friend this morning - about my ultimate fear of getting stuck in Palestine while on vacation. Seriously, now that I think about my statement I feel like crap. Every time I passed through the refugee camps in different parts of Palestine, I appreciated every single thing I had this much more and didn’t care the least bit for what I didn’t have… I love Palestine, it holds a very very special place in my heart and despite being there was very depressing, I missed it the minute I left Ramallah. It also reminded me of the brief conversation I had with a delegation member- who is American- (I cannot recall her name!) from the Palestinian Solidarity Group-Chicago a few weeks ago about her experience in Palestine. I asked  how she liked Ramallah. “I love it, but Ramallah is too western for me…I love Balata. To me, that was Palestine.” she said with a genuine smile… very impressive coming from an American whose passion is Palestine!

“From the silence, let the whispers grow until with one voice we can all find a way to go forward in peace and once again hear the laughter of children ring out in that most ancient land of Palestine.”