Separate and Cooperate, Cooperate and Separate

Written by 36 Palestinian, Israeli, and international health professionals, this book is a courageous experiment, the first of its kind, made by individuals from both sides of the Israeli-Palestianian conflict, jointly examining their common history in the field of health and the future that awaits them. This is a time when their healthcare systems are separating and an independent Palestinian health care system is being established. It serves as a unique resource for understanding the processes of change in civil societies affected by political and military struggle, and during the ensuing postconflict era affected by it.

The book describes and analyzes how health policy was designed and implemented during the Palestinian-Israeli conflict (1967-1993) by both sides―at times together, at times separately, and at times through confrontation―and how they are preparing for the new era that began with the 1993 Oslo Accords. Thanks to the authors' candor and their readiness to supplement professional analyses with personal accounts, the volume presents an important human document. The combination attests to the special role played by health professionals in promoting cooperation both in conflict and postconflict eras. As such, the study will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and officials involved with Palestinian-Israeli issues and to others dealing with regional, national, and ethnic conflicts worldwide.

TAMARA BARNEA is Director of the JDC-Middle East Program, a program that aims at promoting professional cooperation between Israel and its Arab neighbors through humanitarian activities in health and rehabilitation.

RAFIQ HUSSEINI is Director of Operations of the Welfare Association, a Palestinian development NGO.