“We are the people you see in the videos and pictures of Al-Beit with blurred faces and distorted voices.

Although we have a lot to say, we cannot speak freely and openly because we are between a rock and a hard place:

On the one hand, we live under the dictatorial rule of the Palestinian Authority, which does not allow us the freedom of expression and choice, and does not allow new voices to grow. On the other hand, we live under the Israeli military rule, that we also did not choose, which cause us great suffering by demolishing our homes, in our collective punishment, in restrictions of our freedom of movement and treats us as potential terrorists. When we talk about a common future with the Jews and Israel throughout our Land, the Palestinian Authority works against us, whether through ordered interrogations, arrests and even incarceration and physical violence. Meanwhile the State of Israel, which brought the Palestinian Authority to control us, ignores us and even makes our activism in Al-Beit difficult.

In addition, our families and the society to which we belong and come from, see us as traitors because they don’t trust Jews or Israel and because of the inner divisions and the hostility within ourselves.

To the Jews of Palestine we say: Our roots and love for our homeland are deep. We are here to stay and we will never leave, but we also know that this is also your homeland and you returned here to stay forever with us. You are part of our family and we have no hatred for you. Although we value the Land and want to live within it as equals, we do not have much love for your state, which ignores us and sees us as a burden and as an ongoing threat. Despite the hardships we suffer and the injustices of the past, we are committed to recognizing and building a hate-free common future, from the river to the sea.

To the Arabs of Palestine we say: It is time for us to take responsibility for our future here. No more victimhood, accusations or escape from responsibility. If we truly love our home, we must be willing to make real efforts towards building a new future and shared freedom for ourselves and our neighbors by viewing our society as part of this process.”

The Noble Quran, chapter 4 (The woman)

In the name of G-d the merciful.

36. Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

Why are we part of Al-Beit?

“In addition to the values ​​and political goals of Al-Beit which views us as historically destined compatriots from the river to the sea, Al-Beit provides a space for our freedom of expression in the way we experience ourselves, gives us a stage to influence, what we don’t receive in the PA dictatorial system, opens a door for personal and social growth, and allows us to take part in the process of building the future of Palestine, as decision makers and as local representatives and leaders in our communities.”