Health Disparities cannot be Eliminated in an Apartheid State

Eleven years ago I made my first trip to the West Bank as a doctor with the Health and Human Rights Project from Boston, and I have revisited five times since then. What we learned in 2004 is little different from the situation today. Health disparities between Israel and the Occupied Territories were and remain huge. As an occupying power Israel was responsible for the health and well being of those it controlled, a responsibility it managed to give up under the Oslo accords, but the promises of self-determination for Palestinians never materialized. Many Palestinians and some Israeli allies have come to realize that a two-state solution was never intended by Israel, and that true equality can only be attained in one multi-ethnic state.  I have become involved in this One State Movement as well as Jewish Voice for Peace.  After my second trip I began to give talks in some schools, colleges and community groups about my trips. I am now working in JVP organizing regular educational talks and to increase outreach to the broader community.