March 13, 2003

The Arab-American University of Jenin sits on a hill just outside Zababdeh.

This afternoon we got a call from one of the University students who participated in the exchange program back in April. He's from the village of Saida, near Tulkarem, which the Israelis have been occupying since yesterday and are not letting anyone in or out. Such events used to make the news, but they've become so ordinary, no one pays attention. His older brothers and father were rounded up with the men and taken to the school. His mother had to be taken to the hospital because of the stress. So his little brother is at home alone with his sisters.

On top of that, his cousin (his same age) was killed. Now the army wants to demolish the cousin's family's home, which is next door to our friend's. On top of the fear of demolition is the knowledge that demolitions are not always precise - a wall falls into a neighbor's house, etc. He was beside himself, unable to eat, unable to sleep or concentrate, unable to reach his father or brothers (there was no communication from the school where the village's men were herded) or speak with anyone except his young frightened brother. He wanted to know if we knew any internationals in Tulkarem who might be able to help. Through some connections, we were able to make contact with the International Solidarity Movement. They had been down at the edge of Saida for a while, unable to enter or do anything. At least we were able to force him to eat some food. Later, an email he sent to one of the American students was forwarded to us.