don't let them win...

In all seriousness folks, there's some really great stuff going on here. Since I know that when people talk about all the great stuff going on in Palestine they are usually talking about non-violent resistance and olive oil, you may be suprised to learn that there's more than just unrecognized democracy and something to dip your khobs in. Oh... but when I say "you" I don't really know who I'm talking to.... so perhaps you wouldn't be surprised. Anyhow, yesterday, thanks to Riwaq, I saw stuff that was making me say anjad wallah all day long. While I'm not usually a fan of taking tours on air-conditioned buses (though this bus' a/c was broken), I'm willing to make exceptions for the right kind of people and we all know a good egg when we see one right? These guys are certainly good ones. They restore historic buildings all over the West Bank and not just for the sheesy museum go-ers either, since Palestine for some reason doesn't attract too many of those, but rather for the people! Yes, the people! Or as they say here... the balestinian beoble. Our guide and Riwaq co-director, Nazmi Al Ju'beh is the man at the microphone and architect Ruba Salim is to the left. Sorry.. I don't know who that is in the corner but he seemed to me "official" in some capacity.




side by side: old and new construcion in Bruqin (in village of Bruqin, Salfit District)


Bruqin Services Center


Salfit Community Center


Salfit Community Center




Thank you Riwaq for doing what you're doing. As I told Ruba during the tour, a job at Riwaq must be one of the few jobs in Palestine where you can actually see something getting better instead of getting worse.

Glossary:

khobs = pita bread
Anjad wallah! = really by god!