Assawiya is a beautiful ancient village in the middle of the West Bank that has suffered immeasurably at the hands of violent settlers from the Eli settlement, across the valley. Settlers are not only taking more land with expanding illegal outposts, but have repeatedly attacked shepherds, farmers and school children from the village. Local soldiers maintain friendly relations with the settlement and have on occasion stood by as settlers poisoned trees, shot at villagers, and bathed in their water source. Nonetheless, villagers remain extremely hospitable. I spent a wonderful evening drawing pictures with local children, as well as dining and talking with the village elders.
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