Challenge

Sep - Oct 1999 No.57

As the date for the final-status agreement between Israel and the PA approaches, the Palestinian opposition has gotten cold feet. Recently its leaders went to Cairo to warm them, and whom did they happen to meet there, of all people, but their old arch-rival, Yasser Arafat! We are happy to report that a very heart-and-foot warming reunion took place, which reminded us of Henry IV on his knees before the Pope at Canossa.

But that was a long time ago, and we have many things to finish before the new millenium. Building is frantic, especially on the ever expanding border of Jerusalem. Following the road of the Magi, Matthew Brubacher discovered Israel's Gift to Bethlehem for the Year 2000: A Spiffy New Checkpoint!

How do porcupines dance? Ca-a-a-a-arefully. Especially when their names are PA and NGO, and the orchestra is the CIA. Roni Ben Efrat, our dance critic, examines the the Porcupine Tangos – Pangos, for short – that are currently taking place between the PA and the NGOs. Despite the distance porcupines must keep, they have somehow managed to produce a MONGO, which is not a porcupine at all, but rather a mongoose without a tail. For further explanation, please see the article.

On another note, the ODA and Ha-Nitzotz Publishing House have initiated the Right-to-a Roof-Committee. This is A New Effort to Protect Arab Land and Housing. The initiators describe the plans and methods by which Israel continues to dispossess the Arabs within its borders and cut off their possibilities for finding shelter.

Where shall we find, in all this, cheer? The Workers Advice Center has completed a Summer camp in three regions for Children of the Arab Working Class. We are also glad to print a letter from Friends of Challenge in Germany. Iris Ibrahim writes what they wish to accomplish.

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