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Volume [6]
No. [2]
December 2009

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NORCAL ISM Homepage

Resistance to the Wall Continues in Nil'in and Bil'in

By Tracie De Angelis Salim, November 2009
"Optimystical" is a word coined by one of the doctors treating TristanAnderson at a hospital in Tel Aviv. Nancy Anderson, Tristan’s mom, uses it to express her feeling about Tristan’s recovery.

On March 13, 2009, Israeli Occupation Forces shot Tristan in the head with a high velocity tear gas canister as he stood in solidarity with Palestinians in the village of Ni’lin. He had been drawn to Palestine because he is a human rights activist and recognized the need for internationals to stand with the local population against injustice— in this case by demonstrating against the Israeli Apartheid Wall that would take a third of their land for an Israeli settlement. Tristan suffered severe brain injuries, and his survival was by no means certain.

Israeli Occupation Forces continue to fire tear-gas projectiles, rubber coated steel bullets and live ammunition against demonstrators. 

Although an Israeli human rights organiza- tion immediately asked for a judicial order forbidding the use of “non-lethal” weapons in a lethal manner, the same weapon killed an unarmed Palestinian activist, Bassem Abu Rahme, only one month later at another dem- onstration in the neighboring village of Bil’in. It was captured on film, as he called out, “Do not shoot. There are children.” Only then did Israel’s State Attorney’s office order the Police to review its guidelines. However, the IOF continue to use deadly force.

Tristan’s recovery has seen ups and downs. He has had several brain surgeries, at times wrought with complications. He has had serious bacterial infections and two rounds of pneumonia. In October 2009, Tristan and his family endured four scary days where Tristan became non-responsive. His eyes did not open and no one could wake him. Several tests were taken, but there was no explanation for his non-responsiveness.

On the fifth day, however, he awoke and showed startling improvement, which continues to this day. He can put his hat and sunglasses on by himself. He is starting to hoist himself up in bed. While he still unable to speak, Tristan is now answering questions with yes and no gestures and he is able to hold cards and play games that motivate him to move more, plan actions and solve problems. While his actions are slow, they are appropriate and show that he is making steady progress.

In addition, he is re-learning how to write. He can write "n" for no and "y" for yes. Tristan has about 2.5 hours of therapy a day, including speech, physical, occupational and “plant therapy.” Tristan is hard working and determined. He recently had minor surgery on his injured right eye and his left toe, and he has a cast on his left arm to help stretch the tendon.  According to his mom, Nancy, “Even with these medical problems he continues to sail ahead in his recovery.”

Tristan is making improvements with his balance and continues to gain strength in all of his limbs.  He recently began painting and enjoys any activity that allows him to express himself. The staff at the hospital is introducing a variety of ways of expression to see what works best for Tristan.

Photo of Tristan Anderson


They are quite impressed and his parents say that, “he even looks more like his old self, more alert and curious.” “Tristan still sleeps for a large part of the day but when he is awake we see his curiosity, interest and preferences emerging; we can connect and engage with each other so much more now,” said Nancy.

Meanwhile, in Ni’lin, Bil’in and sometimes other villages, non-violent demonstrations take place nearly every Friday. On November 6, they marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by toppling 8 meters of the Israeli Apartheid Wall.

Villagers marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by toppling 8 meters of the Israeli Apartheid Wall.

Sadly, the Israeli Occupation Forces continue to fire tear-gas projectiles, rubber coated steel bullets and live ammunition against demonstrators. In addition to the attacks on Tristan and Bassem, five of Ni'lin's residents have been killed from Israeli fire during grassroots demonstrations.

The road ahead will be long for Tristan, and his prognosis is still guarded. The same is true for the road towards justice and freedom in Palestine. However, Tristan and his family and friends remain hopeful. Likewise, Palestinian patience and determination, with the support of the international community, give us all reason to be "optimystical."

Tracie De Angelis Salim has volunteered with ISM in Palestine twice, and most recently with Interfaith Peace-builders. On her most recent trip, she was able to meet and visit Tristan and his family.