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Reaching for Peace in the Holy Land

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Although small in number, Israelis and Palestinians committed to peace provide a glimmer of hope for the future. On this week’s edition of Making Contact, Israeli women defend Palestinian human rights at military checkpoints near Jerusalem. In Ramallah, we hear from Palestinian high school girls confronting issues of violence by Israeli troops and suicide bombers. And, just outside Jerusalem, we visit a school at Israel’s only integrated Jewish and Palestinian village. Correspondent Reese Erlich takes us on a tour of the region.

Featuring:

Ronny Perlman and Yael Israeli, Checkpoint Watch; Gidon Perlman, medical doctor and reservist in the Israeli Defense Forces; Joseph, a Palestinian taxi driver; Hussein Faroun, resident of Abu Dis; Hind Awwad, Amra, and Rena, students at a Quaker high school in Ramallah; Abdessalam Najjar, public relations officer for Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salaam; Ruth Schuster, resident of Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salaam; Riak Rizik, former mayor of Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salaam.

This program was also produced for PEACETALKS, exploring alternatives to violence through compelling, in-depth radio storytelling. Online at www.peacetalksonline.org

Contact Information for Guests:

Machsom Watch/Checkpoint Watch

Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salaam – Israel


Review of this program on PRX (Public Radio Exchange):

Posted: 12-31-2004
Reviewer: Bill Palladino, Independent Producer

Making Contact covers serious international issues in Israel and Palestine. This is a program from the point of view of peace advocates, looking for a peaceful solution to the seemingly intractible problems in this conflict ridden area of the mideast. We follow a group called “checkpoint watch” as they go to the border crossing stations in Jeruselem. It gives a chilling, yet calm, look at the day-to-day activities of people in this violence stricken area. There is such a clear dichotomy of interests here, and not much middle ground. Several stories about Palestinians and their difficulties just attempting a simple existence. The most interesting stuff here is when the Making Contact reporter Reese Erlich talks to young palestinians. These are the voices we rarely hear in the national media debates about this issue. Another point of interest is a visit to a community outside Jeruselem where Israelis and Palestinians live and work together – another side of this complex story we rarely hear about. Making Contact is serving a powerful role in public broadcasting news. It showcases serious issues from unusual points of view. It includes well-edited segments, excellent audio quality, and a refreshing voice and focus for public radio.

Rating: 5/5
Adjectives: Informational, Political

Author: Radio Project

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