In Video: Life on both sides of the wall in the West Bank for two mothers
Beyond the Wall: Two Women, Two Worlds
In the heart of the West Bank, only four miles apart, two women live in worlds that could not be more different. Bazi Ruben, a settler, and Sheda, a refugee, share a common goal: to provide the best for their children. Yet, their experiences are a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life divided by a wall of fear and injustice.
A Life of Limits
Sheda, a Palestinian refugee, was born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank. Her family has been displaced since 1948, when the State of Israel was established. She is now a working mother of two, living a life of limited opportunities. "There’s no space for us to build more," she laments, "not even a small garden for our children to play in."
Sheda’s daily life is a constant struggle, with long lines at the water and electricity distribution centers, and a chronic shortage of jobs. Over half a million children in her camp are without access to education, thanks to a relief organization banned by the Israeli government.
A Life of Privilege
Bazi, a settler, was born in the United States but moved to Ephrat, an Israeli settlement, with her husband. She lives a quiet, suburban life, surrounded by modern amenities like schools, playgrounds, and a dentist’s office. Her four children can walk to school and friends, an opportunity denied to many Palestinians.
The settlement, a self-sustaining community, offers a comfortable lifestyle, with a synagogue, ice cream shop, and bagel shop just a stone’s throw away. Bazi’s concerns are about the safety of her children, particularly with her husband’s recent enlistment in the Israeli Defense Forces.
A Wall of Fear
The wall that separates their worlds is a physical barrier, but also a symbol of the fear and mistrust that divides them. Sheda’s children face a bleak future, with high unemployment and limited opportunities. She worries about their future, and the walls that will limit their horizons. "This is a very tough place to live," she says, with a heavy heart.
Bazi, on the other hand, is grateful for the services available in her settlement, but feels a sense of disconnection from the outside world. "I don’t think I’m doing anything illegal," she says, yet she acknowledges the controversy surrounding the settlements.
A Cry for Change
As the wall stands tall, both women are left to wonder: is a solution in sight? Can change be achieved, or will the status quo persist? For now, they remain apart, yet connected by a shared desire for a better future.
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