פייסבוק

The Good Shepherd Collective welcomed a group of 40 students from the Netherlands in Um Al Khair village. The student delegation from the Netherlands learned about the Nakba, the forced displacement of the Hathaleen families from their historical lands in al-Arad, their resettlement in Um al-Khair, and how the on-going expansion of the illegal Jewish settlement of Carmel had ushered in a new era of violence and oppression during its establishment in the 1980’s.

“The message of the people of Um al-Khair is one of darkness and of light at the same time,” said one of the participants who wished to remain nameless for fear of Israeli reprisals at the Tel Aviv Airport. “The discrimination and organized violence by the settlers and the absolute indifference by liberal Israelis gives a sobering picture of why this program of colonialism has lasted for decades. Yet at the same time, this community’s dedication to nonviolent resistance and the risks they take for speaking the truth is inspiring. Visiting Um al-Khair really brings it all together.”

If you’re interested in organizing a meeting in the South Hebron Hills, please email us at info@goodshepherdcollective.org