The Palestinian community of Budrus was profiled in the award-winning documentary, Budrus, for their non-violent efforts to prevent the Separation Barrier from cutting through the middle of their village, severing off 300 acres. Budrus was one of the first to publicize these efforts and brought non-violence as a tactic to the forefront of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

I was in Budrus on Land Day, which commemorates the ongoing conflict over land ownership and sovereignty, when a non-violent protest at the relocated Separation Barrier was met with tear gas. Caught in the midst of this scene, I experienced firsthand the burning and nausea induced by the chemicals. Wouldn’t it be better to provide positive reinforcement for peaceful protest rather than undermining that as a tactic for change?

For an article detailing my experiences in Budrus, click here.