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Balbriggan woman’s work in danger zone

Thursday, 21 August 2008

A BALBRIGGAN woman has spent the last three months living in Ramallah, the unofficial capital of the West Bank.
Erin Thomas (24) is working as a Public Relations and Media Officer for the Jerusalem Centre for Women in Palestine.
“Ramallah was certainly not what I expected it to be,” Erin told Northside People.
“I am constantly in awe of the people’s ability to remain hopeful that peace will be achieved one day.
“I love my work, and the opportunity to meet fascinating people with incredible stories to tell, and the inspiring women I work with.
“I came here to work in the Jerusalem Centre for Women, an organisation that works to improve the lives of Palestinian women.”
“Many women here are affected by the Israeli occupation. Their homes have been demolished, their land confiscated, movement restricted, their olive trees and livelihoods destroyed.
“Unemployment is catastrophic and almost everyone you meet has lost a loved one in the conflict.”
Erin said she must pass through the controversial eight-metre high Israeli security wall each morning on the way to work.
“I pass through the wall and two checkpoints where Israeli soldiers inspect my passport,” she stated.
“I am lucky because at the end of the day my livelihood does not depend on being allowed to pass through.
“But for thousands of Palestinians getting through can mean everything.”
Despite the problems, Erin said the Palestinians remain a happy and welcoming people.
“Walking in the town centre, always without fail I am inundated with strangers shouting: ‘Welcome to Palestine, can I help you madam? Do you need something?’” she added.
“I have never met such generous people who are so eager to help a person in need.”

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