Truemors
is reporting from
Member
NP Rank:
NP Rank:
Blair's 8-year-old journalist niece writes blog on Palestine
Share:
by Beaulieu | October 24, 2009 at 03:56 am
270 views | 28 Recommendations | 17 comments
The young Peacecyclist Alexandra writes a blog on her trip to Palestine with her mother Lauren Booth.
What an amazing report from someone so young.
Hi! I'm Alexandra Booth and I'm 8 1/2 years old. I'm doing The Peace Cycle from Amman through the west bank and into Jerusalem. I wanted to do this to see what the people are like because my mum has told me lots about it and that everyone there is so nice and she's always so happy when she talks about them........
"We got on the bus this morning to go to Jenin. We rode our bicycles through Jenin and there were so many children waving at me. I feel so happy being here. We walked through the camp and saw some of the damage the Israelis had done and it made me feel really upset because the people have to live in dangerous homes because if there was an earth quake the houses could break apart.
Then we went to The Freedom Theatre and we saw a little film about the Israelis coming in with big tanks but I didn't want to see some of the stuff they were showing so I closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes I saw the damage that was done after the Israelis came and it really hurt my feelings because I wanted peace not violence.
and in Maan:
"Asked what she will tell her school friends about the Peace Cycle journey, Alex reflected, “I’ll tell them that the people here are very nice, not like they say in the newspapers.”
The West Bank is not a usual vacation site for most eight-year-olds. But, as mother, journalist and activist Lauren Booth explained, “She’s been asking me for the last five years why she can’t go to Palestine, and despite the fact that the Israelis can make it bloody trying to get in and out, the greeting here I knew would be so sensational for her that I didn’t have a reason not to bring her.”
What is NowPublic?
NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.
Recommendations (28)
smkovalinsky
New York, New York, United States
mudricky
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Paschen
Narita, Chiba, Japan
sara star
Halifax, NS, Canada
Babel-Fish
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Sputnic
London, United Kingdom
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (17)
at 06:52 on October 24th, 2009
Hmmmn, well it smells of propaganda edged on by her peace activist mother. Both sides of this never ending dispute have been nasty there are no good guys. Effectively a child could report on the terrorist actions within the borders of Israel with equal gusto.
Children should be kept out of the frame in my opinion.
at 08:30 on October 24th, 2009
Her mother is an anti-Israel Hamas supporter for goodness sake. This is truly child abuse. Jenin happens to be a major center of commercial prosperity in the West Bank with support from Israel and with business dealings by both groups. What an interesting new way to try to trash Israel. It never ends.
at 09:45 on October 24th, 2009
Interesting and informative remarks! Another example that the real story is in the feedback sometimes...
at 10:41 on October 24th, 2009
The Peacecyclists are normally a mix of all religions going.
at 10:42 on October 24th, 2009
Amy, which of the mainstream press have this story?
at 11:00 on October 24th, 2009
I can't speak for Amy but...
Twitter and maybe a few blogs mention this...
NP is the only news outlet reporting this as far as I know. There is a site in Australia that reported this.
Source: australiansforpalestine.com
at 12:38 on October 24th, 2009
Thanks for uploading that Sara
at 11:00 on October 24th, 2009
Sorry, which story?
About Tony Blair's niece?
at 11:11 on October 24th, 2009
I have a friend who did this bike ride last year - she said she had an amazing time and got to meet so many fantastic women along the way. I don't know much about it other than that and I don't know if we can wave the 'genuine' or the 'propaganda' flag so easily, but obviously something like this has a purpose, what it is I don't know.
Here is the history of the peace cycle.
You can think it's a good thing though Beaulieu and others will think it's not, everyone has an opinion about stories like this.
at 13:04 on October 24th, 2009
For all those people who can't get any info on the Peacecyclists because of the poor quality of the Western mainstream press going on about (and this is from today's Daily Mail for example) adulterers, pop stars, Cameron's wife's dress, Nicole Kidman, carrots, the above story is a refreshing change.
Yes, the mainstream press has far more important things to write about - carrots!
at 22:20 on October 24th, 2009
It is mentioned in the Israeli press.
at 23:45 on October 24th, 2009
Have you got the link, even if it is in Hebrew
at 23:50 on October 24th, 2009
Trying to find something in haaretz.com (English speaking)......but when I type Peacecycle, nothing comes up.
at 10:19 on October 25th, 2009
Here is the link:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3792051,00.html
- reply
Laura Abraham (not verified)at 06:55 on October 26th, 2009
I am the founder of the Peace Cycle and wanted to say thanks for your comments which are really interesting and the thoughts of others who have heard about us are always worth thinking about.As was pointed out above, the Peace Cycle is inclusive of all religions, cultures, backgrounds and nationalities and our message is that everybody in this world deserves freedom - freedom of movement, freedom of religion, and freedom to live in their own land in peace. All people deserve to be treated with equal rights in order to have those freedoms. It is true that there are people in Israel who live in fear of rocket attacks. But it is also true that the reason for those attacks is that freedom does not exist if you are a Palestinian. I am not and would never defend those rocket attacks - the Peace Cycle believes on non-violence. However, you cannot look at this situation and see equal sides fighting it out. The Israeli state is powerful, and it is using that power to oppress and supress a whole population. In Jerusalem I have personally seen what I can only describe as ethnic cleansing taking place. This situation cannot continue any longer because it is this injustice that is the root of the violence in the Holy Land (and also beyond in some cases). Our call is for peace, but we are realistic enough to know that true peace cannot exist without justice. So our call is for a just peace, because only when occupation ends and international law and human rights for all are respected (yes - by all sides) - only then can anyone have peace.By the way, the Ynet news link takes you to a story about Follow the Women, not the Peace Cycle. We are two different rides, although we have similarities. You can see more about the Peace Cycle on our website, which we will get fully updated with stories of the ride and photos soon - www.thepeacecycle.comIn solidarity with all those working for justice, peace, and security for all people in the Holy Land.Laura Abraham, Founder, The Peace Cycle
at 14:44 on October 26th, 2009
Laura, Your assumptions preclude BIAS against Israel.
such as: "But it is also true that the reason for those attacks is that freedom does not exist if you are a Palestinian."
Excusing attacks from Hamas and implying that it is Israel that is stifling freedom. This is a bit embarrassing. Israel doesn't regulate any movement in Gaza. It is all done by Hamas including the killings, maiming, and forcing women to adhere to Sharia. You are silent on this issue.
You also stated that: "The Israeli state is powerful, and it is using that power to oppress and supress a whole population. In Jerusalem I have personally seen what I can only describe as ethnic cleansing taking place."
If this wasn't said it would be laughable. Just silly nonsense and shows truly that your organization isn't non-violent nor interested in peace but to perpetuate the lies and fantasies of terrorists. Even your logo shows the Palestinian flag .
This is a real set up and dishonest attempt at having people believe you are such a sincere bunch of nice people that just want fairness and justice. But in fact using children and putting the words of adults in her mouth/blog is truly abuse of power and abuse of children. This is the violence that you produce. Besides all of the false perceptions about the real truth in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza. My goodness to accuse Israel of "ethnic cleansing" you got to be functioning as an agent for Hamas. Only they would attempt to spin this disgusting and insulting lie to the general public.
You may be able to fool your friends and neighbors but the people that live there will not take you seriously because we know that most of what you say are lies and spin from the best of terrorist rhetoric.
at 15:23 on October 26th, 2009
Laura,
If you're call is truly for a just peace, why not call on the Palestinians, the Arabs, indeed the entire Muslim world, to abide by UN Resolution 181, and recognize the nation of Israel?