'Excuse Me, Is This Yours?': Before you boycott settlers, meet them - review
Twelve Western countries announced plans to boycott trade with Israeli settlements, once again turning “the settlers” into an international political category. Who, exactly, are these settlers?
Tuvia Tenenbom's new book, Excuse Me, Is This Yours? offers an alternative approach to the ongoing debate over the West Bank settlements. Rather than relying on resolutions, maps, or diplomatic declarations, Tenenbom immerses himself in the lives of those who reside in these communities. In doing so, he sheds light on the complex and often contradictory nature of the settlers themselves.
Over the course of eight months, Tenenbom traveled from established communities to isolated hilltop settlements, engaging in conversations with Palestinians, Samaritans, soldiers, politicians, rabbis, and activists. His findings paint a more nuanced picture of the settlers than the typical portrayal of a homogeneous ideological group. Factors like religious fervor, nationalism, rebellion against the Israeli state, and even economic considerations all play a role in shaping the motivations of these individuals.
One settler's experience exemplifies this diversity: "Culturally, I feel closer to the Arabs in the next village than to the Americans, including American Jews," they tell Tenenbom. This sentiment highlights the blurred lines between perceived cultural ties and political allegiances. Furthermore, attitudes toward Palestinians are not as simple as they might seem.
One settler remarks, "I don't want the Palestinians to go," demonstrating that the emotional connection to the region is not always determined by political ideology.
The book also delves into the issue of annexation. While many outside observers assume that settlers uniformly demand annexation, Tenenbom discovers that politicians and settlement leaders often talk about sovereignty without actually pursuing it. He concludes with a thought-provoking statement: "You want it? Take it. And annex it. You don't want it? Leave it. And move to Tel Aviv." This statement encapsulates the complex interplay between politics, theology, and human contradiction that permeates the book.
Throughout Excuse Me, Is This Yours?, Tenenbom maintains a humorous and engaging tone, which serves as a crucial counterbalance to the often heavy political subject matter. His distinctive Jewish humor ensures that the narrative remains accessible and engaging, even when the politics become particularly contentious.
In a world where international governments are increasingly deciding what to buy or sell based on the location of settlers, Tenenbom's book challenges readers to take the time to get to know these individuals before drawing judgments. Excuse Me, Is This Yours? ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving even the most seemingly intractable conflicts.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
