Challenge 71 In This Issue

Challenge # 71 January-February 2002

In This Issue

As smoothly as America has defeated the Taliban, Israeli tanks glide in and out of Palestinian areas. The name of the game in both these quarters is Winner Lose All, claims our Editorial. In economic policy too, Israel has backed The Wrong Horses. We see the result: 2001 was the first year of negative growth since 1953.
The new year is also a time for soul-searching among Palestinians. We interview leftist activist Hani Issawi, who portrays An Intifada Torn by Contradictions. Otherwise, the situation in the Territories reminds us of US President Herbert Hoover's campaign promise of 1928: "Two chickens in every pot and a car in every garage." You may not find a car in the garage, but there's a tank out front - not to mention the Cossack on the Roof, whose presence is backed by Israel's Judiciary. As for the chickens, the Cossacks got 'em.
Amid the madness, a ray of sanity: Sixty-two Israeli Youth Say "No!", building a movement of Conscientious Refusal to serve in the army. Their cry goes not unheeded. Samah Jaber, a Palestinian physician, writes how they offer her hope.
There is a lone ray of sanity too in the Jewish city of Carmiel, which has long been trying to bulldoze the unrecognized village of Ramya. Video '48 made a film about this situation called "Not in My Garden". Now, at the invitation of Carmiel's youth, "Not In My Garden" has been screened in their Garden. The youth have decided to work in support of Ramya. The Organization for Democratic Action (ODA) held its fifth convention on 7-8 December, 2001. It focused on the attacks of September 11, viewing these in the context of Ideologies on Trial, 1990-þ 2001. Note for European readers: The Euro, we hope, will make it easier to renew your subscription to Challenge. Euro checks are acceptable.

"Not in My Garden"

For Sale Individuals and groups may purchase this 50-minute documentary by Video '48 at the following prices (shipping included): Individuals: $55 Institutions and groups: $100 (Please inform us when you conduct public screenings.) Important! Checks should be made payable to Hanitzotz Publishing House, not to Video '48, which is a project of Hanitzotz. Please send your check to P.O. Box 41199, Jaffa 61411, Israel.alsabar@netvision.net.il

Sindyanna for Christmas!
Organizing a public event? A bazaar? Please put Sindyanna's natural olive oil soap up for sale. Sindyanna is the only Fair Trade company in Israel. We market olive oil and its products. We shall appreciate orders starting from 200 bars of soap upwards. The cost is $1.00 per bar (150 grams). In this way, you can help us to stimulate the Palestinian economy in Israel. We look forward to your orders. alsabar@netvision.net.il