http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEoEJC5jx7U

my name is Faris Arouri, and i’m the chairman of the Peace & Freedom Youth Forum - PFF, which is the Palestinian partner in this project.

Thank you all for your interest, comments, and discussion. since constructive discussion is one of the most progressive behaviours. I just want to clarify a couple of things - if you allow me:

1. we’re not beautifying the wall in any way, and don’t intend to. this ugly concrete monster will be as ugly as it is, but with some words sprayed here and there. We don’t do any drawings (except is a few rare cases), and thus its just rough words in a rough texture, sprayed on this rough ugly wall.

2. the isssue of raising funds through the project came through our dutch partners, since they insisted on it, and thought it would make the project more attractive, and self-dependant, as well as financing other micro-social projects in palestine. and here, i need to correct that the projects won’t directly support businesses, actually we’re aiming at financing small and micro projects addressing neglected social groups in medium sized and small towns, and thus our projects won’t be in Ramallah, since Ramallah is a big city.

3. all activists working on this project - just like other PFF projects - are volunteers, and the only costs covered are those of transportation and spray paint.

4. the main aim behind the project wasn’t and isn’t the money - as mentioned above - the main goal is raising international public awareness for the issue of the wall in an alternative way. we’re targeting the western masses who are not very much into international politics or foreign affairs, and thus we’re getting into those houses through personal messages. and i believe we’re succeeding. we’re close to a 100,000 visitors in less than 4 months, which is quite impressive for a project that started from scratch, and on volunteer basis.

in other words, we resist but in a different alternative way…

anyways, i hope i’ve answered some of the questions you had in mind, especially Iman, who contacted me and thats how i got to know about this page. yet, for more information, you’re invited to checkoout the project’s website: www.sendamessage.nl and i would be really glad to answer your questions directly through my email faris.a@pff-pal.org

Best Wishes to you all

Faris Arouri

rania: i agree!

A really interesting idea using the illegal Israeli barrier wall to support local Palestinian businesses… As Israel continues its illegal land grab of Palestinian territory, by caging in the West Bank, the controversial barrier wall has become more t…

anyway while i definitely think that iman makes a good point, there is a silver lining which is that most of the money they make off the project goes to palestinian ngos

http://qassami.blogspot.com/2007/12/send-message.html

Only problem is that I’ve been having problems accessing “AquaCool”, it’s running online fine, but can’t write or do anything. MMM is looking into the problem, until it’s solved and I can blog about it, I’ll make sure to email your post link to all interested people I know.

Again many thanks!

One thing’s for sure, parts of that wall (which will fall) will stand in a museum one day. InshAllah.

Iman: thanks anyway

The only thing I like about this project is the funds generated going “towards supporting micro-projects for all the Palestinian businesses hurt by the wall.”

Thanks anyway:)

One refers to the Netherlands and one to Denmark. Correct me if I am wrong.

(( not that I am pro boycotting - it’s just a thought )) :p