With an organization called Rabbis for Human Rights, I periodically go to the West Bank to assist Palestinians cultivate their land. See, since the second Intifada they are unable to work on their property without notifying the IDF. This can be a difficult and convoluted process, so the rabbis help the Palestinians coordinate with the IDF and the local police and then accompany them to their property. Their work not only allows the Palestinians to continue to live within the structure of the Israeli occupation, but it also helps to protect them from settler violence. Although this isn't the case with most Jewish settlers in the West Bank, there are a few violent settlements that have created a great deal of fear within the Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank. But, when accompanied by Rabbis for Human Rights and their Israeli/American/Canadian/etc. volunteers, the Palestinians are less likely to be attacked or harassed and can go about their normal agricultural work.
The first time I went to the West Bank with Rabbis for Human Rights I wasn't sure what to expect, but thought I'd be helping a family from Nebi Salah plant olive trees. That's until the settlers confronted us.
This video shows the intimidation we faced from the settlers and how rabbi Yehiel handled things in a peaceful manner.
Since this initial incident, I have been to the West Bank with the organization several more times. I will periodically post photos and stories of other, successful visits and what I've learned from my experience.
