America's Bravest

There are reports of more mass executions in Ramallah today. Sharon calls it a war against "the infrastructure of terror.” But the only infrastructure that matters is the determination of Palestinians to shake off the occupation or take Israel to Hell with them. Sharon's war is a war against the Palestinian population, and against humanity.

Amidst this ugly orgy, dozens of Americans join hundreds of Europeans in an international effort to protect the life of Palestinians and bear witness to what the American media doesn't ask and doesn't tell.

The internationals, as they call themselves, have been coming to Palestine for some time now, for periods between a few days to a few months. They do not have any official status, but are self-organized in a number of groups, such as the "Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace,” "Direct Action for Free Palestine,” "International Solidarity Movement,” and others.

Most of the time, the internationals help Palestinians mount peaceful, non-violent resistance. The foreigners' presence enable Palestinians to demonstrate against the occupation without being shot at with live bullets.

Other protest actions include the dismantling of roadblocks, which allow families short breathers to drive in and out of their villages for essential restocking or to sell produce. Palestinians cannot do such things on their own without risking their life. Returning activists describe these actions as very effective.

Beyond the immediate relief, international presence brings a message of solidarity and humanity to a population that is rapidely losing faith in the world.

Since yesterday, the role of international presence changed dramatically. Caught together with the Palestinians in the military assault, American and European activists find themselves at the forefront of the war. They accompany medical personnel, serving as "human shields" in the hope of deterring the IDF from the usual lax shooting policy. And they use their cellphones to broadcast direct evidence of what the IDF would rather you did not know.