Things are hard for Palestinian scientists, researchers, and science students living in Gaza and the West Bank. They face the prospect of very little investment on the part of the Palestinian Authority into research, technology, infrastructure, and higher education. They also face the hours it often takes to get through the checkpoints between the territories and the State of Israel as they travel daily to and from work or school. In addition, they deal with limited access to resources, including lack of electricity and clean drinking water.  

By means of illustration: The PA education department’s 2017 budget to support research, at a modest 20 million shekels ($5.5 million USD), was the first in half a decade to allocate any funding for scientific endeavors.  

A sense of safety elusive for Israeli counterparts 

Meanwhile, the Palestinian researchers’ Israeli counterparts certainly possess a world of sophisticated equipment and technological infrastructure at their fingertips. But simply as Israelis, they live with the constant threat of the terror attacks that could be directed at their own homes by militants on the Palestinian side of the security barrier. 

But despite their differences and an atmosphere that normalizes hatred of the other group, the pursuit of knowledge unites scientists beyond borders. It’s that passion that has led to effective research and business partnerships, and to some measure of greater mutual understanding.  

Peace through wind farms in a tense time 

In 2010, the Israel Defense Forces intercepted a Turkish-led flotilla attempting to break through its naval blockade of Hamas-ruled Gaza. After the IDF soldiers boarded, members of the flotilla fell upon them, wielding metal bars and knives, and took several Israelis hostage. The Israelis fought back, with the result that nine of the attackers were killed.  

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