Q: Can you tell me more about the book that you are currently writing?
Amanda: I am writing a non-fiction book about the Palestinian non-violence movement, which has been around since 1902 and as time has progressed, so has involvement in the movement. I think that there are many stereotypes that exist about the region and the intentions of the average Palestinian because media shows images of militants and extremism instead of showing the family eating dinner together or the child writing two hours on a donkey to go to school in a village some distance away. I am working very closely with the Non-Violence Department of Holy Land Trust in Bethlehem in researching the non-violence movement. Holy Land Trust has done a lot of really wonderful things to implement non-violence in their communities, reaching out not only to the communities themselves, but in training in non-violence and reaching out to women and children as well - which is important and often overlooked.
I have been fortunate enough to work with some extremely kind and generous individuals who have not only opened up their lives to me, but have allowed me to experience a little bit of it with them. I think this is a really important book to write, not only to bring awareness to non-violence conflict resolution, but to also educate and share with others the personal struggles faced by Palestinians living under occupation and the environment individuals are forced to live in. Their stories aren't told and they should be, because they are stories of strength and determination.
The book will be called Friday in Bil'in and is named after the non-violent demonstrations held by the village of Bil'in at the security barrier that cuts off 60% of their land. They have held non-violent demonstrations there every Friday for nearly five years. I hope to release the book in late 2010 or early 2011. I am still currently researching, interviewing and will be making a trip to Palestine in the spring.
Q: What is your impression of the U.N Goldstone Report?
Amanda: I have read the report and feel that it was really well researched and written. I do think that based on all of the independent documentation available on Operation Cast Lead that there is a type of intellectual dishonesty that comes from a complete dismissal of the report. I also think that we need to be hesitant in dismissing this report. There was a lot of hope felt about change, and I think that dismissing it may send the wrong message. I also think that from a human rights point-of-view, there are issues that should probably be addressed. These are people we are talking about and I think that politics should be put aside when considering this report.
Q: What do you think the most important thing for Americans to know about Palestinians is?
Amanda: I think the most important thing is that these are people, not stereotypes or cartoon characters created by politics or the media. They face real issues like you and I, but do so in an environment that is pretty inconceivable to us. Please take some time and research not just the issues, but the people, leaving politics at the door. At the end of the day, all labels aside, before we are anything else, we are human and we should look out for one another.
You can contact Amanda Mueller at amanda@amandamueller.com and visit her website at www.amandamueller.com
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