Palestinians Visit Yad Vashem: “A Tragedy beyond Words”

Al-Jaafari continued by making a few comments with which Jews can identify, but likely to cause Palestinians to become irate. “When you look at the background of the Jewish nation, you can try to understand your anxiety and fears. A nation that went through something like this cannot live without scars. I don't agree with the comparison between the Holocaust and the situation in the territories, and people who make this comparison make it out of pain and anger.”

“Combatants for Peace” was established by a group of Israelis and Palestinians who participated in what they call the “circle of violence” in the region, and have now abandoned their weapons in favor of peace and coexistence. “I began taking an interest in the Holocaust 20 years ago when I saw the movie 'Schindler's List,'” said Bassam Aramin, who organized the tour on the Palestinian side. “Since then, I have seen it four times. I was at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington [DC]. When you arrive at a place like this, you forget who you are. This is a tragedy that cannot be described in words.”

Nabil, another participant, said that he didn't think twice about joining the tour. “As soon as I was called, I said I was coming. I heard a lot about the Holocaust and wanted to see Yad Vashem with my own eyes. I am not afraid of reactions from the Palestinian side. I think that everyone needs to come here and see it with their own eyes.”