The past two nights have been spent visiting this funky new guesthouse and cinema that's opened in Jenin, run by German fellows. (and funded by many, including Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame!). It was like being in another world! They had beer in a vending machine, the only alcohol license in Jenin. I wish it very well but I fear the conservative residents of Jenin won't. They'll have to be very careful about what they show; for any kissing type stuff will be more than frowned upon and locals fear that men and women mixing in the private darkness of the cinema will lead to immorality.
There's a similar progressive place just outside of Jenin camp, The Freedom Theatre. They show plays and make films with foreigners and not enough locals, for they worry on the impropriety of it all as well as the colourful manager. He's half Israeli and half Palestinian, hailing from Tel Aviv and some think he is an an Israeli spy! It was firebombed and robbed initially but think it's doing ok now.
Apparently Jenin used to be more liberal, but following the second Intifada (Uprising against Israeli occupation) in 2000 the place became more 'traditional.' As well as being anti-Israeli the Intifada also served to beat down more progressive traits and hark back to a stricter time. I'm not sure how much the Israeli opression affected this desire to hang on to the 'old' ways, or whether it was just used as an excuse to enforce them. Probably a bit of both.
It's pretty powerful too, for as we've seen the University often has to cowtow to traditionalist views. And although some of the youth drink and attempt illicit affairs, they are terrified of any consequences so I can't really see any sign of change. We shall see. (said the blind man)
About Me
- Simon
- A 31 year old recently qualified (English) English Teacher at a University in Palestine. This photo sums up my life here, except for when I'm dealing with crazy students. I've spent a fair bit of time in Palestine, was teaching kids and adults in and around a refugee camp for a month in July 08 also.
Wow,
ReplyDeletetypical, things looking up just as exit strategy complete!
An interesting interplay between ¨freedom¨and ¨impropriety¨in the freedom theatre. However, that said, it sounds like a positive change in tone is beginning to take place amongst the many many happenings of sadder flavour : (
What you say about ¨oppression¨and the desire to ¨hang on to the ´old´way¨is something I personally identify as a British Indian first generation person. There´s a lot of desperate holding on to traditions that takes place. It becomes out of step with both the realities of the country of origin and the current location of residence. It becomes its own miserable and unnecessary micro culture, well culture I should say, I think.
It´s sad to see this move towards traditionalism in Jenin, and thanks for telling us about it. I´m an ignorant on this.
...At least there seems to be some kind of struggle happening between the traditional and the progressive (although both words can mean so many things, but I think you know what I mean).
I think there is certainly hope. A reason to hope. And action being taken to facilitate and cultivate more hope, until things are better.