Muna Al Taneeb : A Story of Determination
Muna began her day by taking a look over her land; the land that is surrounded by a huge wall from one side and overlooks the Israeli factories from the other. She began to carry boxes full of vegetables to a small hut in the land, on her way to the hut she was determined to stay in her land despite all the Israeli attempts to usurp this land. Muna’s story is the story of a green agricultural land that is located to the west of Tulkarem City, this green land that has been struggling for the past 20 years against the occupation and the grey wall that suffocates the land.
The Path
The way to Muna’s land passes through a curved wild road street that is surrounded on both sides by factories. One of these factories was supposed to be built on the Israeli side but since it produces dangerous chemical substances the Israeli government decided to build it on the Palestinian side. After passing these factories the huge wall appears from all directions, usurping the lands of Tulkarem and other Palestinian Cities.
Through a small path we reach Muna’s land that looks like a small green sheet surrounded by grey walls. There, lies a small hut that embraces a mixture of scents; the smell of the fertile soil and the vegetables that lay beside. Then Muna approaches with her work uniform with a welcoming smile.
The Struggle
Dual hd After Muna’s warm welcoming approach, Muna narrates her story that explains the long struggle of a Palestinian mother and wife. Muna’s struggle began in the year 1983 when the Israeli government began building their factories. The struggle continues when Muna finds herself stuck with the poisonous leftovers and the poisonous air she has to breathe along with her seven children.
In addition to the several attempts of objections toward these factories which lead to many quarrels with the Israeli soldiers.
Closure first, then the Wall
Within the beginning of the first Intifada, the Israeli army blocked all entrances leading to Muna’s land and prevented Muna from selling the crops.
Trying to see what lies beneath that wall , Muna thinks it is almost impossible to see what is beneath that wall that is has taken half of her land that consists of 32 donums. Which makes her feel sad, but when she enters one of her green houses the feeling changes. All these sad feelings drift to happy ones causing her to feel proud of what she is doing. Proud of the land she plants and the bees she takes care of.
Muna emphasizes on the importance of the land to her, it is not only a source of living but also reminds her of all the past memories of her family. “Here my children uttered their first words and made their first steps to the world.” On the other hand, when she remembers the fear she feels whenever the Israeli army attacks, she wishes to find another job that gives her safety and peace of mind.
Muna thinks that the negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian government will not lead to an agreement, unless the building of settlements and the wall stop. She ends up by saying: “As long as I’m alive; this land will exist and remain.”
Written by: Omran Risheq & Translated by : Dana Ammous
This post was submitted by Dana Ammous.
