Osama Eliwat and Rotem Levin extended their originally planned 14-day visit to Germany and also returned to Bremen. On 13 December, they visited the High school Alexander von Humboldt in Bremen together with our chairwoman. There, they spoke to a total of 70 pupils and told them about the deep-rooted prejudices they grew up with.
Rotem said that even as a young boy, he realised that he had to join the army if he wanted to protect his family and fellow human beings and be accepted and loved by the community. During his three years in the Israeli army, he had doubts. After his conscription, he began to ask questions and work towards understanding.
Osama grew up in Jerusalem and told how he and his family were harassed by the Israeli army: "I grew up with great fear of the soldiers. Over time, fear turned into hatred. I saw soldiers beating my teachers, my father. And I wanted revenge." It was only after Osama was invited to dinner in Bethlehem by a friend that he had his first real conversations with Israelis. He then learnt Hebrew and organised guided tours for Israelis in Palestinian areas to show them the circumstances under which many people live there.
Both reported on the everyday burdens that Palestinians have to endure as a result of the Israeli occupation. Both reiterated their desire and hope for an end to the violence and killing. "There is another way," said Rotem and Osama.
The students had many questions, and some stayed in the room after the event ended. Students with Arabic as their mother tongue continued the discussion with Osama and Rotem, who also speaks Arabic.
Report on Bremen local television buten un binnen
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