Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories

In 2003, Anna Baltzer, a young Jewish American, visited the West Bank to discover for herself the realities of daily life for Palestinians under the Occupation. What she found would change her outlook on the conflict forever.

For eight months over the following four years, Baltzer lived and worked with farmers, Palestinian and Israeli activists, and the families of political prisoners, traveling with them across endless checkpoints and roadblocks to reach hospitals, universities, and olive groves. Baltzer witnessed first-hand the environmental devastation brought on by expanding settlements and outposts, and the destruction wrought by Israel's "Security Fence," which separates many families from each other, their communities, their land, and basic human services. What emerges from her journal is not a sensationalist tale of conspiracies and suicide bombers, but a compelling, trying, and inspiring description of daily life under the Occupation.

Through an insider's extensive interviews and documentation, Witness in Palestine reveals the truth about checkpoints, settlements, land confiscation, the Wall, and the countless everyday acts of nonviolent resistance that remain largely ignored by mainstream Western media. Baltzer's probing and honest examination of the Occupation and the pervasive spirit of nonviolence offers a fresh look at Palestine today.

"Moving and vivid." --Tanya Reinhart, Israeli activist and author of Israel/Palestine and Roadmap to Nowhere

"Captivating text and artistic photography... a deeply personal story that will inspire you not only to have hope but to actively seek and work for peace and justice." --Mazin Qumsiyeh, author of Sharing the Land of Canaan

Composed of Anna’s photographs and writings, Witness in Palestine documents her eight months working with the International Women’s Peace Service in the West Bank, documenting human rights abuses and supporting Palestinian and Israeli nonviolent resistance against the Occupation. Meet Munira, who has lost her freedom and land to the Wall that encages her home and family. Meet Hessa, whose village is separated from the nearest hospital by a checkpoint that is closed all night long. Meet Rafat, whose warm smile belies the war zone that his body attests to. Meet Omar, who has chosen the path of nonviolent resistance after six months imprisonment without charge and the losses of his best friend, cousin, and brother. Meet the people of Palestine and the Israeli and international volunteers supporting their nonviolent movement for freedom.

"Even those who are familiar with the grim reality of the occupied territories will quickly be drawn into a world they had barely imagined by these vivid, searingly honest, intensely acute portrayals of unflagging courage, wanton cruelty, and enduring faith that through non-violent resistance, fundamental decency will somehow prevail—an outcome that lies very much in our hands. I cannot find words to express my admiration for the solidarity workers and peacemakers, intemational and Israeli, and the people of Palestine whom they are supporting in their struggles to survive and to overcome."

Noam Chomsky

"Baltzer's moving and vivid memoir tells the story of the daily struggle along the Wall in the West Bank, with stories and pictures that capture not just the hardships, but also the resilience of the Palestinian people. It also tells the story of courageous internationals like Baltzer, dedicating their time and energy to the struggle of the suffering, who give many of us hope that, with the people of the world working together, justice and peaceful coexistence in Israel/Palestine are possible."

Tanya Reinhart, author of Israel/Palestine

"By combining a lucid and captivating text with artistic photography, this book draws you into the life of an average Palestinian living under exceptional circumstances of occupation, oppression, and colonization. This vivid account is also a deeply personal story that will inspire you not only to have hope but to actively seek and work for peace and justice."

Mazin Qumsiyeh, author of Sharing the Land of Canaan

Some articles from Anna click here