It’s come to that time of this blogging (and night) where I just want to knock out and not write anymore but today was THE day so far!
The day started with a trip down to the ‘Old City’ through Damascus gate. The place is beautiful and literally untouched- it contains holy sites for Muslims, Christians and Jews. (Just Google it if you want to know more) Importantly for me, it contains the Al-Aqsa Complex. The Narrow alleyways and architecture in itself are an experience! After having ‘brunch’ in the old city (Hummus, Falafel, bread – thats all these guys seem to have out here!) we walked towards the Al-Aqsa Complex. There is a narrow market street with a door at the end that leads out directly in front of Qubbut-ul-Sakhra (Dome of the rock). To make the visit here and a number of other Ziyayats is one of the most important things I wanted to get out of my trip to Palestine. Unfortunately because of time constraints and arsey guards at the entrance I only managed to get a glimpse for a minute or so read a quick Dua and bounce. The feeling thought stood there is indescribable. I am blessed beyond blessed and probably not worthy of this opportunity. The whole trip is worth it for this short moment alone. It’s one of them where you have to be there to see it, to feel it, to appreciate it to understand it – I guess until you come you won’t understand. Although this was my last day in Jerusalem before moving to Ramallah I know for certain I will be back. I am hoping to come for the full weekend for Milad Shareef (The Prophet Muhammad PBUH Birthday) in a couple of weeks and a few more times atleast before I leave.
We left to go back to the office and then after some mind numbing health and safety training that was largely irrelevant the rest of the evening was spent at the French Institute and the Educational Bookshop, Jerusalem. This is sort of a hang pad for activists, journalists, development workers etc. Here I saw an amazing documentary by an Israeli Ra’anan Alexandrowicz called The law in these parts. Having studied law and understanding and appreciating the rule of law this was an eye opener to say the least. The Film / Documentary used archive footage and interviews with a number of people to show how the law has been used, abused, twisted, justified and shaped to compound a distinct policy. A part of the documentary that was particularly moving was when an ex Supreme Court Judge admitting that ‘’Of course’’ he knew of torture and abuse historically that led to convictions and thought this was okay. Many parallels perhaps can be drawn with modern day Britain and the complicity of the British Government in the Torture of its Nationals. The Guy was a heavy guy no doubt, but i couldn’t help feeling that legally no progress has been made in the past half century and that none is likely to be made anytime soon. The situation is similar to having a Ferrari that needs some work. We can polish it to make it aesthetically pleasing, we can place the finest Italian leather seats inside it to attempt to make things comfortable along with air conditioning and even oil the wheels that allow it to roll to ease the friction on the floor. What is the ultimate use though when there is no engine and there is no licence to allow it to be driven?? - #Fail. Helps perhaps put into to context the project work being carried out here by a number of different agencies, bodies and governments. One of the most optimistic and forward thinking members of the development group was even depressed and deflated towards the end; I guess the situation and helplessness just pulls it out of you.
I spoke to Ra’anan afterwards in the question session and asked him how he saw things progressing form a legal drafting and policy perspective; he hoped the film would have the desired effect and he gave an example of how the judiciary is becoming aware that the decisions made on controversial laws would and could have implications in the future; whether this will be enough – who knows. I bought a book at the end of the end of the night I have been advised to read called ‘In Search of Fatima’ by Ghada Karmi (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!) and met the film geezer and got off – a good, laced with sombre end to what turned out to be a long day.
"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones"
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