Palestinians Capture Violence of Israeli Occupation on Video

People are often uncomfortable about photos or films of themselves – and especially so if caught acting boorish or cruel. Even so, such footage encourages self-reflection. Relying on such principles, the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem distributed 100 video cameras to Palestinians in Hebron, the northern West Bank and elsewhere, to document abuses. The amateurs film Israeli children threatening extermination and hooded men beating farmers with tools, explains Peter Beaumont for the Guardian, and document “the experience of occupation on a daily basis for the most vulnerable families and communities – giving a voice to those who have been voiceless for so long.” In revealing human flaws, as well as kindness or courage, the cameras could prompt all citizens of the Middle East to put on their best behavior. – YaleGlobal