Ana Barahona

Bearing Witness Ana Barahona

D. says that he can not believe that this has been a Saturday, because only my stoning and another two have happened today. M. tells us that there is a huge respect in Palestine and other countries for "internationals" like us, who, M. says, leave "the comforts from your homes, your education, your work, your families, to come here and suffer with us Palestinians". Abu A. goes on about our very important mission here in Palestine and back home, telling what we have seen here. This book is part of that telling. Early reviews: "A very powerful and moving testimony of experiences in Palestine of a human rights observer, as someone who has gone in solidarity to witness and to physically help and protect Palestinian people. The tone and pacing of the book are awesome." "It is very clear and does not get bogged down in facts and technicalities. Instead what comes across very clearly is the awfulness of the everyday lives of Palestinians. Reading about their normal activities helps to get a very real idea of the repression and humiliation that they face. Not only does the author not 'star' in it, but she is able to report exactly what she did but in a way that brings out the situations of the Palestinians more so. It's definitely more than just a piece of witnessing." "Entirely moving, and with some sort of building tension. By the time the reader gets through Bi'lin and then to Hebron, it's impossible to not be moved." "Really interesting. The simple, present tense narrative helps to get into it and imagine the reality of the situation there and how the author felt."