Following the Covid regulations and restrictions over the past month, Combatants for Peace activists escorted shepherds' safe passage from the villages of Duyuk, Nuema and Auja, near Jericho, as well as from the village of Hamra in the Northern Jordan Valley. We mobilize activists to each village every week, as having Israelis accompanying the Palestinian shepherds protects them from violence from the settlers and the military. Additionally, we bring equipment, clothing and shoes for the isolated families.

A message from Kochav Shachar, a CfP activist working in the Jordan Valley: 

"Once a week I wake up at 04:00 AM and drive to the Jordan Valley, to accompany Palestinian shepherds. The communities I join need one thing from me – to be escorted through their land. It amazes me that a Palestinian's freedom of movement is so limited, and that an essential and daily activity such as shepherding one's herd, might end in conflict with settlers or the military. The abuse comes from settlers hurling stones, shouting threats or using foul language. Or, it’s the army that arrives at the settlers' request to expel the shepherds from the area.

When Hebrew speaking Israelis are present, we can demand to see an official warrant that bans us from the territory. They almost never have one.

  When we are there, there is less friction with the settlers. We can help Palestinians to shepherd their herd without being unlawfully removed from the land. When the day is done, we Israelis know we will not end the day blindfolded and arrested."