S3, E7: The first time I saw the Wall
The first time I saw the Wall
Thursday 11th March 2021
Zoughbi Zoughbi from Wi’am Reconciliation Centre and Claire Anastas from Bethlehem discussed Israel’s illegal Separation Wall — the eight-metre-high concrete barrier that cuts through the West Bank, separating families, severing communities from their land and turning Bethlehem into an enclosed prison.
They shared personal memories of the first time they saw the Wall being built, the protests that erupted against its construction in Bethlehem and neighbouring areas, and the devastating impact it has had on Palestinian lives. Land was confiscated, olive groves were destroyed, families were divided and movement became impossible.
The Wall was justified as security, but its route — deep inside the West Bank, encircling Palestinian towns — reveals its true purpose: annexation and control. Rather than bringing peace, it has only furthered divisions and deepened injustice.
This conversation explored what it means to live in the shadow of the Wall and why resistance continues.
Our guests:
- Zoughbi Zoughbi: Founder and Director, Wi’am Conflict Resolution Centre, Bethlehem
- Claire Anastas: Bethlehem
