Azreili Tower - Tel Aviv
Tel-Aviv is one of the most prominent cities in “Israel”, it is described as the cultural and commercial hub. It attracts millions of visitors every year that come to enjoy the nightlife, cultural diversity and dynamics of the city. There are many resturants, museums and beaches to visit and experience. Especially, looking at where we are, the Azreili Tower. It is a complex of skycrapers that has evolved to become the largest shopping center in Tel Aviv. This is one of the many places that tourists first visit. Hence, it is important to note that these experiences are where the rise of “memory places” takes place. "Memory places" hold much significance in how they can influence the future experiences of visitors that encounter them. It is very dangerous for one to only be blinded by one narrative without the exploration of others.
Jalazone Refugee Camp
Jalazone is a Palestinian refugee camp that was established in 1949 after the Israelis exiled Palestinians from their homes that were located in cities that are now called “Tel Aviv”. It falls under (Area B) which is within Palestinian land, yet still is under the joint control of Israelis and Palestinians. The Jalazone Boys’ School is located very close and in direct opposition to the Israeli Beit El settlement which I will go further into later. The school’s location is a significant protection concern due to the clashes in this area and the Israeli military presence around the settlement. The camp is very over populated and many people within are suffering from health problems due to the poor living conditions. This shows how your established “place” can be stolen from you if you are over-powered. However, even if that place is stolen, your identity still stands. Hence, whenever you ask anyone from Jalazone where they are from, the answer will never be the refugee camp, but rather the place they once called home and this memory is passed on through generations to keep it alive.
Illegal Settlement of Beit-El
Right across from the refugee camp Jalazone an illegal settlement Beit-El exists. Beit-El is one of many illegal settlements that are established on Palestinian land, it is mostly inhabited by far-right wing Israelis. This has resulted in many terrorist attacks on Palestinian civilians and have caused the loss of many innocent people. The living conditions of the illegal settlements are much better than the refugee camp right across the street. It is similar to the idea of gated-communities, you are not allowed to enter unless you are part of that group, in this case your ethnicity makes you “superior” or “part of the group” while you fear others living outside of that gate. This concept of gating has been placed in the creation of public memory and the writing of history as well especially in the West, where the Palestinian narrative was neglected. This makes me wonder how truthful is the public memory and does power play a role in how this memory is shaped over the years? As “Israel” is definitely more powerful and has a larger influence on other nations, thus, the dark side of it is never portrayed and that is why it is important to seek the truth and understand different perspectives.
