Multiple Sources — Video Compilation — 2024
Israel Settlements Part 1
Unpacked — October 10, 2019 — 11min 13sec
There are few words more divisive in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than settlements. Some people believe Israelis have every right to live in the West Bank / Judea and Samaria. Others believe Israel's presence there is a key reason for the ongoing conflict.
And that's not to mention the countless views of everyone in the middle of these two extremes.
Because the Israeli settlements are such a major issue, we've created a series of five videos to look at this controversial subject from every angle.
In the coming weeks, we will get stuck into this thorny topic. To start with, we're going back to basics and looking at what the settlements are and how they came into being.
ISRAEL Settlements Part 2
Unpacked — October 17, 2019 — 11min 52sec
This week, we're continuing our in-depth look at the Israeli settlements. To get a better understanding of the subject, we're jumping back to biblical times to unpack the Jewish connection to Judea and Samaria (the West Bank).
As with everything Jewish, it all starts with Abraham. This was a man who spent much of his time on the move - much of it in what we now call the West Bank.
And it wasn't just Abraham. His descendants (and later, generations of Jewish people) also spent a lot of time in Judea and Samaria, creating a long-lasting connection with places such as Hebron, Shechem (Nablus), Beit El, Gilgal and Gibeah.
A connection that couldn't be broken through thousands of years of exile.
Fast forward to the 20th century where events in two separate communities - the ancient city of Hebron and the modern agricultural village of Kfar Etzion - took on a powerful symbolism for Jewish resettlement in the West Bank.
ISRAEL Settlements Part 3
Unpacked — October 24, 2019 — 11min 13sec
When you hear the words Israeli settler, you probably think religious, radical, living in the middle of nowhere. But the truth is there are all kinds of settlers and all kinds of settlements.
There are so many reasons people live in the settlements - and they're not always what you think. Some settlers live in the West Bank for ideological reasons; others live there because it's cheap.
Some settlers are religious; others are secular. Some settlers made a conscious decision to live in Judea and Samaria; others grew up there and want to be close to family.
This week we're breaking through the stereotypes, shutting down the misconceptions and learning a thing or two about the settlers and the settler movement.
Palestinians Settlements Part 4
Unpacked — October 31, 2019 — 12min 10sec
This week, we're looking at the Israeli settlements from another angle: the Palestinian perspective.
We don't (and can't) speak for the Palestinians, and we're not trying to tell their story. However, to unpack the settlements, we have to consider the Palestinian viewpoint.
To do so, we're using facts compiled by various organizations and experts, along with first-hand accounts to get a better understanding.
Palestinians Settlements Part 5
Unpacked — November 7, 2019 — 8min 50sec
In the final episode of our Israeli settlements mini-series, we look at the six core issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and examine the different attempts at peace over the years.
Time and again solutions have been put forward, but so far they've come to nothing.
But it doesn't mean peace is impossible.
It's been 25 years since Israel and Jordan signed a peace deal and although things have been on the cold side lately, the peace is still holding. As is the peace agreement with Egypt, which was signed in 1979.
So, if these countries - once Israel's fiercest enemies - could put their differences aside and make peace, why can't the Palestinians?
Do you think there will ever be peace between Israel and the Palestinians? What do you believe are the main stumbling blocks?
Why Did Israel Build a Wall Around the West Bank?
Unpacked — October 11, 2023 — 14min 21sec
[Note: This video was created before the horrific attack by Hamas on the people of southern Israel and the outbreak of the October 2023 war.
The separation barrier that divides the West Bank from western Israel, often referred to as the Apartheid Wall, is the source of much debate in both Israeli and Palestinian societies. For some, it serves to protect Israeli citizens. For others, it enforces an unequal system of oppression of Palestinians. And while for many it is simply a visual reminder of the continued failure of the peace process, Israel remains a land of hope.