Mouthpiece: Palestinians must be able to live like humans and have hope

Published on Saturday 9 August 2008 12:26

Troubles in the West Bank and Gaza must come to an end, says Colin Morton

'NO work, no money, no hope, no future". That was what we heard everywhere on our recent visit to Gaza and the West Bank. Continued Israeli closures, blockages and collective punishment, the West's effectual backing of Israel, as well as Palestinian divisions, have left many ordinary Palestinians very tired, just struggling to survive.

I was one of ten staff and volunteers from the Hadeel Palestinian Fair Trade shop in Edinburgh visiting 18 of its producer groups – women's cooperatives in refugee camps and villages, community groups and societies for those with disabilities.

As Hadeel is a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and recognised as a Fair Trade importer, it must ensure that the conditions and treatment of workers – and Hadeel's own treatment of its suppliers – are consistent with Fair Trade principles. So as well as doing business and renewing friendships, we were dealing with these issues and seeing how Hadeel could better support the producer groups.

People in the towns and villages of the West Bank cannot go themselves or get their goods to Jerusalem to sell. Ropina Rafidi, of the YWCA in Ramallah, told us: "Jerusalem is dead for Palestinians. So exports are vital."

Gaza is under siege. Atfaluna, the deaf society there, cannot get supplies it needs. Its audiology work and workshops cannot operate properly. "We don't want to live on handouts," said Gerry Shawa, Atfaluna's director. "People want work. It gives us purpose, self-respect and hope."

Hadeel has been paying 50,000 a year for the crafts from the groups in Palestine. The work is beautiful and the quality superb.

There was much to encourage. All our groups give benefit to communities. We were amazed at the determination, ingenuity and imagination.We will always remember watching the deaf children dancing in Gaza.

We were particularly glad to get to Gaza. People there face enormous difficulties. We brought some supplies in and many purchases out. The Israelis closed the border without prior warning, so we had a brief taste of being shut up in Gaza.

The siege of Gaza must end, and so must the restrictions on Palestinian life and trade. The so-called peace process is unfair and getting nowhere. Ordinary Palestinians must be able to live like human beings and have some hope. In the meantime, Hadeel aims to increase its sales, improve its ties and friendships and welcomes customers.

The Hadeel shop at St George's West Church in Shandwick Place is VAT registered and any profit goes to the charity Palcrafts which makes development grants to groups in Palestine. There is also a mail order service to shops, groups and individuals.

Colin Morton is company secretary for Palcrafts/Hadeel at St George's West Church, on Shandwick Place