Tuvia Tenenbom, spoke to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, following the publication of his new book.
After living with the Europeans and writing about them, and living with the Haredim and writing about them, and living with the Muslims and writing about them, Tenenbom decided to move to a community in Samaria and write about life in the communities of Judea and Samaria. Alongside his admiration for the local residents, he also offers considerable critique.
Tenenbom explains that his book, Excuse Me, Is This Yours? came about, as in previous cases, following a suggestion from his editor to go out and write about the residents of Judea and Samaria, similar to earlier assignments where he was asked to integrate into various communities and write about them.
To gain a more complete picture, Tenenbom also met with opponents of the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, who helped him access Arab areas, meet representatives from the Palestinian Authority, and enjoy authentic knafeh from Shchem (Nablus). In refugee camps, he refused to be afraid, even when identified as Jewish by Arabs. Fear, he says, is characteristic of those who have not come to the land and do not truly know the Arabs.
Tuvia was also struck by the realization that Israel has controlled Judea and Samaria for nearly sixty years but has yet to apply its sovereignty over the area. Logically, if the land belongs to Israel, there is no reason not to apply sovereignty.
AFSI’s take:
Tuvia has the most insightful and objective view of the numerous issues facing Judea and Samaria. His book will be a must read for all Zionist activists.