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Israel's Separation Wall is Exhibit A. Constructing it threatens traditional Batir agriculture. Its route isn't yet finalized. If built as planned, Batir's way of life will end.
One farmer spoke for others, saying:
"It is a tragedy for all farmers and all the residents of Batir village. Most of the residents are farmers and depend on these green lands.""They depend on farming the Batir eggplant which is famous in the Palestinian lands. Also we have other vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, and pepper."
Israel's Separation Wall "affects us. If only you knew how much it will destroy our lives and land. We do not know how we will live afterwards."
"Our life is attached to this land. It is the source of our honor. We will never give it away no matter what happens."
Israel's Nature and Parks Authority CEO Shaul Goldstein agrees. He opposes Israel's plan.
"Israel has the right to defend itself," he said. "We think we can do it with electronic devices, closed circuit cameras, and radars, not by a physical barrier, not a fence, not a wall, nothing."
"We need it open for the public. We need it open for nature."
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