Caterpillar is not just a bug. It's the name of a multi-national corporation complicit in the demolition of Palestinian houses. The Israeli Defense Force's use of Caterpillar bulldozers to destroy civilian homes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip continues to be one of the harshest and most inhumane practices of the Israeli occupation.
Since 1967, Israeli bulldozers have razed over 9,000 Palestinian homes, making approximately 50,000 people homeless. Caterpillar bulldozers are responsible for uprooting thousands of olive trees, which provide a significant percentage (more than half) of Palestinian caloric intake and are also a staple of the Palestinian economy. Palestinian families are given no warning before their homes and livelihoods are demolished; in minutes, parents and children become destitute and watch the homes and farms they have built being uprooted by IDF Caterpillar bulldozers.
This violent destruction does not just threaten militants or politicians; it affects Palestinians from all walks of life, including farmers, doctors, lawyers, children and university graduates.
Concern about the unjust and widespread destruction of Palestinian homes should transcend politics and polarizing terms such as "pro-Israel" and "pro-Palestine." The Israeli Army's continuing demolition of Palestinian homes is a war crime under the fourth Geneva Convention. These devastating acts should be of concern to everyone out of their blatant disregard for Palestinian basic human rights.
The bulldozing of Palestinian homes and farms is a form of collective punishment the IDF implements under the premise that Palestinian homes have been built without permits, and that the existence of these therefore illegal homes threaten Israeli security. In actuality, these permits are nearly impossible to obtain; thus, it is virtually impossible for Palestinians to build legally on their own land. The sad fact that Palestinians need to obtain permits to build houses in the West Bank and Gaza Strip - land which is rightfully theirs - speaks to the injustice of the occupation.
While every country has security needs, deeming a house that shelters 16 children a security threat reveals the nature of collective punishment in the occupied territories. In reality, by leaving so many Palestinian men, women and children homeless and angry, Israel is endangering its security even more for generations to come. Deprived of any means of self-defense or shelter, and desperate for the basic means of existence, Palestinians are more likely to turn to extreme measures of resistance. Increasing Palestinians' destitution does not ensure Israel's security.
In response to Caterpillar's complicity with destruction of Palestinian homes, Common Ground: Justice and Equality in Israel/Palestine has put up a series of posters on the Main Green revealing Caterpillar's responsibility in enabling such war crimes. This installation is part of a worldwide movement taking place Wednesday: International Day of Action Against Caterpillar. In addition to this movement, there are currently both Israeli and Palestinian groups that have been working to stop the actions of the IDF. One such group is the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions, a nonviolent direct-action group that protests destruction by bulldozers, and helps rebuild homes in the West Bank.
The board of Caterpillar has now for two years in a row unanimously voted against halting the sales of bulldozers to Israel and claims that they hold no moral responsibility. But through letter-writing and by divesting from Caterpillar, we as consumers can attempt to influence their policies.
In light of Palestinians' struggle for a decent life, a state and recognition by the international community, the razing of Palestinians' basic shelter demonstrates the extent of their dehumanization by Israeli forces. Taking steps to hold Caterpillar Inc. accountable for the use of its machinery is a first viable step to stop actions that continuously disrespect Palestinians' humanity.
Rachel Brown '05 and Mary Elston '07 are members of Common Ground.
