The Palestinian community of Budrus was profiled in the award-winning documentary, Budrus, for their non-violent efforts to prevent the Separation Barrier from cutting through the middle of their village, severing off 300 acres. Budrus was one of the first to publicize these efforts and brought non-violence as a tactic to the forefront of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
I was in Budrus on Land Day, which commemorates the ongoing conflict over land ownership and sovereignty, when a non-violent protest at the relocated Separation Barrier was met with tear gas. Caught in the midst of this scene, I experienced firsthand the burning and nausea induced by the chemicals. Wouldn’t it be better to provide positive reinforcement for peaceful protest rather than undermining that as a tactic for change?
For an article detailing my experiences in Budrus, click here.
The day began with a peaceful, almost celebratory protest commemorating Land Day.
The graffiti above the door reads "Welcome" with image of resistance fighter/terrorist (depending on one's perspective) to the side.
Villagers gathered at the Separation Barrier.
After three warnings to return to the village, Israeli troops began firing tear gas at the demonstrators.
After the tear gassing began, everyone ran away from the Barrier.
Tear gas burns the eyes, face, and skin.
Recovering from the effects of tear gas.
Surgical masks provide a false sense of security against the tear gas
Friends well acquainted with the effects of tear gas.
I learned many lessons that day, including the value of lemon to mitigate the effects of tear gas induced nausea.
International NGOs, the U.S. and the U.N. seek to help but also to normalize a difficult situation.
Non-violent protest can replace slingshots with words.
Fatah emblem depicting two fists holding rifles, with a hand grenade in between. In the background is a map of all of Israel as part of Palestine.
Hamas and Fatah are both active in Budrus.
Young Israelis from Anarchists Against the Wall support the non-violent resistance of the Palestinians at Budrus.
Standing atop a mausoleum at the cemetary.
Watching the Israeli soldiers who have entered the village.
Reeling from the tear gas.
Image of Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), founder and leader of the Fatah political party.
Surveying the scene from above.
What does her future hold?
Young patriotism.
Main street after everyone returns home. Fatah emblem depicting two fists holding rifles, with a hand grenade in between.
"Resistance" graffiti of Abu Al Layl's Brigade.
Budrus, with 1,400 residents, is located in the West Bank on the Israel-Palestine border.
