It matters little what they are called – whether walls, barriers or fences – the intention is the same: to redefine human relations into ‘us’ and ‘them’.
The Walls of Shame series is about division, and about the barriers that men erect, in calculation or desperation, to separate themselves from others, or others from them. When diplomacy and conciliation fail, this is the alternative, and not since medieval times have walls been so in demand around the world.
Tens of new walls, barriers and fences are currently being built, while old ones are being renovated. And there are many types: barriers between countries, walls around cities and fences that zigzag through neighbourhoods.
This series will look at four examples of new and extended walls around the world. It will examine the lives of those who are living next to them and how their lives are impacted. It will also reveal the intention of the walls’ designers and builders, and explore the novel and artistic ways walls are used to chronicle the past and imagine the future.
Taking its name from John F. Kennedy’s reference to the Berlin Wall in his state of the union address in 1963, this series will examine four new walls: The one on the American-Mexican border, the West Bank wall, the Spanish fence around Ceuta, and the walls inside the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The Unity of the Separation Wall
In this episode of Walls of Shame, we look at the plight of Palestinian farmers whose land has become inaccessible because of Israel’s 700km security wall.
Most ancient cities had so-called ‘protective’ walls – and while we see some around Jerusalem dating back to the 16th century, the wall erected by Israel in the last few years not only looks different – it serves a completely different purpose.
Israel claims the wall is vital for its security, but according to the International Court of Justice it is in clear violation of international law.
This episode also looks at the real intention of those who first drew its outlines and their highest priority was not the security of Israel.
Update: Since this film first aired in 2007, Israel has continued to expand the wall more than 200km, despite condemnation from the UN and most recently the EU. It’s a measure that has continued to cause outrage, even from some of Israel’s own citizens. Among these protesters are Israelis. We spoke with Jonathan Pollack, an Israeli activist who is part of the movement against the wall.
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