A view from Ramallah
From coffee shops to barber shops, Palestinian residents of Ramallah have mixed views, levels of interest on recent developments in Israeli politics
Mazan Jarbawi, a Palestinian businessman in the agriculture business, sits in a Ramallah cafe. He says Palestinians still don't really understand the changes that have taken place in Israel.
"I know that major changes have taken place, but I'm not really optimistic – not because of the changes in Israel – but more because of my inability to see real changes in the street and in Palestinian control."
Jarabawi said that some Palestinians see Amir Peretz's election to Labor leader as significant, as well as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's departure from Likud. "The Palestinian public is a lot more interested today in recent maneuvers in Israel, and wants to know whether the developments signify a willingness by the Israeli public to make historic compromises with the Palestinians," he said.
"We, the Palestinians, for our part, made the big compromise – we accepted the prospect of a Palestinian state on the '67 borders, which is 22 percent of the territory of historic Palestine," said Jarabawi.
He added: "We are now waiting to see whether Israel is more inclined to see a real Palestinian state established. These changes indicate that more people in Israel understand that the country must get out of its economic problems, and that changes in its security and diplomatic spheres are the way to achieve this. The key is also in the hands of Palestinian politicians, who must change their approach to Israel, and understand that real authority is based on serious institutions."
'Nothing changes'
In Fadi's barber shop in central Ramallah, different tones were heard. Mahar Hatab, who was in line for a haircut, said he and his friends were more interested in the Spanish soccer league and in the Fatah elections than in Israeli elections.
"It's not good to say we are cut off from the world, so I'll say we were a little interested in the Fatah elections, but we weren't too bothered by what goes on with them (the Israelis). I fear that nothing will change here. In regards to Israel, we don't really care whether it's Sharon, Peretz, or someone else who will win. We're not optimistic on any prospect of a real change. I'm 36, and since I was born I've heard people say, 'here comes the change,' and 'things will change for the better now,' but nothing is happening."
Hatab said that Israel's disengagement from Gaza didn't influence his feelings, or those of his friends.
"Even after the Gaza withdrawal, the Palestinians there remained in a big prison. First they were in a small prison, and now they're in big prison, and there's no real difference that we can feel," he said.
Hatab preferred talking about the Spanish soccer league, saying: "What's happening there is major. World class players like those in Real Madrid can't overcome Barcelona. By the way, do you follow our stock exchange? It's going crazy, and a stock which rises by 10 shekels today will rise by 20 shekels tomorrow. Isn't that more interesting than what's happening with your politics?"
'Things may change'
Jad Ali is an artist, and he is interested in Israeli political affairs. He is familiar with the move of journalist Shelly Yechimovitz to the Labor party. "In recent times I've become more interested in what is happening in Israel. I know that there is a famous journalist in Channel 2 in Israel who joined Labor, and there are senior Labor members who left their party for Sharon, but I can't say that our general public is interested in this."
Ali said that "if I could vote in Israel, I would vote for Sharon, and I hope he will win, because Sharon has more power to change things. He is on the right, he is for security, and his personality can also influence the Israelis. In my opinion Sharon will enter the history books as the man who brought peace. I'm optimistic, especially because it seems he will entrust Peres to handle peace related issues."
Ali believes that there is an unmistakable change for the positive in the atmosphere; a change that is reflected on the Palestinian street in increased opposition to terrorist attacks in Israel.
"I think that if Peretz will win, things may change, and I hear our politicians saying his name more and more, which means he's good. I don't know what he's good at, but I hope they (Palestinian politicians) do know. They say he will bring peace and take care of the settlers," said Ali, before adding: "No, I don't really understand what is happening among the Israelis."
Roee Nahmias contributed to this report
