New Series: Demographic warfare

How Israel uses its people as a tactical weapon

© 2008 Text and photos: Ronald de Hommel

The Israeli settlement policies in the occupied territories are infamous throughout the world. But that Israel uses the same techniques on its own territory is less known. Even amongst the people it concerns: its own population.

The Galilee, in Northern Israel has always been a predominantly Muslim part of the country. In recent years many new Jewish settlements have sprung up. The idea is to increase the number of Jews in the region. The settlements are strategically positioned in between Arab villages to prevent them from growing towards each other. One of those Jewish communities is Shimshit a pleasant sleep city of 500 young middleclass families. Together with neighbouring Bet Zarzir, an Arab village it's a perfect example of the subtle demographic warfare of Israel.

"The only contact we have with our neighbours is that they steal our bikes and cars," tells Anne vom Stein. "Just kidding", she adds with a cynical grin. "But," she continues with a serious voice, "that is the general mood here towards Muslims in the region."

12-11-2008

Financial Consultant at SNS Securities in Amsterdam

October 04, 2008

For the Parisian cultural night, Nuit Blanche, the Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda designed a light installation in front of the Tour Montparnasse, the highest building in Paris. The work of art consisted of a square of ultra powerfull projectors ponting upwards to form a massive beam of light.

23-09-2008 Demonstration in Paris

I recently moved to Paris. A good reason to start again with my weblog. Yesterday I bumped into what the French are famous for: a demonstration. They say, there are several demonstrations a day in the French capital. I won't be covering them all. But once in a while...
This was a protest of employees of "La Poste" against plans to privatize the French postal services. The demonstrators in front of one of the main post offices clearly didn't want to be recognised...

12 march 2008, Lodz, Poland

A man walking on the square of Manufaktura, the new cultural and commercial heart of Lodz.

15 march 2008, Warsaw, Poland

Painting easter eggs

14-03-08 Warsaw, Poland

Drinking coffee

13 march 2008, Lodz, Poland

A Circus training session in central Lodz.

11 march 2008 Poznan, Poland

Polish Delight

19 january 2008, San Bernardo Beach

This is where I woke up this morning. (I was standing with my feet in the sea when I took this picture).

18-01-08 Monteria

No this is NOT a marihuana plantation. This farmer walks through his yucca (cassava) plantation. Yucca is one of the staple foods of Colombia.

16 january 2008, Medellin

Santo Domingo Savio used to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods of Medellin not more than 5 years ago. The local authorities have invested heavily in infra-structural improvements and housing projects. The change is impressive. The weather is still great, as always in Medellin.

09-01-2008, Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena skyline.

06-01-08 Ayapel, Colombia

A nice holiday. Click on the photo for more pictures.

31-01-2007 Medellin, Colombia

At midnight the Muñeco is set to fire (with the help of a lot of petrol). Finally the fireworks in the doll make for a spectacular 'grand finale'.

30-12-2007 Medellin, Colombia

In Colombia the old year is finished with the burning of a Muñeco de Año Viejo (An old year's doll). It's supposed to represent some one disliked in the past year. This year Piedad Cordoba was a popular Muñeco. She's a Colombian Politician that has become good friends with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela over the pat months.