Journalists from leading Russian-language media in Israel—from analytical websites and radio stations to popular Telegram channels and blogs—took part in an unusual press tour organized by the Mossawa Center. For many, it was their first time visiting The Triangle (HaMeshulash) and Arab towns divided between Israeli and Palestinian territories. The trip evoked deep emotions, sharp questions, and a lively interest in the lives of people on both sides of the wall.

Two Cities, Two Worlds

Participants visited two unique towns:

* Baqa al-Gharbiyye (Israel) and Baqa ash-Sharqiyya (Palestine)

* Barta’a (West – Israel) and Barta’a (East – Palestine)

The cities are located in the Triangle, delimited by the “green line” in the Central and Haifa districts, which contain a large concentration of Arab cities and villages. Divided by political borders and a concrete wall, these towns were unified communities until 1948. Today, their residents continue living side by side—but in conditions that are often far from equal.

Education, Memory, and Agricultural Life

In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, the journalists were welcomed by Professor Muhammad Amara, president of Al-Qasemi College. He spoke about the education system in the Arab sector and the connections between Israeli and Palestinian academic institutions. Dr. Afnan Mawasi and Gamil Abu Hosein spoke about the problems of female education and the contribution of Al-Qasemi College to its development. Guests also visited a local museum organized by Ibrahim Abu Hussein, a resident of the town, antiquities collector, and agricultural specialist. He led a tour of plantations and greenhouses, discussing issues of water supply, land use, and access to electricity.

A family-run dairy production called “Adi,” located in the courtyard of a private home, left a strong impression. Though produced in small batches, its products are renowned for their quality.

At the Wall

One of the most striking moments of the tour was a visit to the separation wall. Participants saw a house located in the border zone and even experienced a brief but tense encounter with soldiers. Before boarding our bus, we had a rather unpleasant conversation with IDF soldiers, although it was obvious to the naked eye (and they were armed) that our press tour did not pose a threat to the security of Israel or to this concrete wall. The journalists were asked to delete photos that could show the soldiers’ faces. Next to the wall is a house where a family lives with Palestinian passports beyond the “green line”, but in the control zone. And further, where the wall cuts into the city limits, it literally cuts another house in half. Driving along the wall, they saw how it slices through homes and streets, deeply affecting daily life. Beyond the wall lies the Palestinian area of Baqa ash-Sharqiyya.

At the Table with the Deputy Mayor

Over lunch in a local restaurant, participants were joined by Deputy Mayor of Baqa al-Gharbiyye, Mohammad Majadleh, who spoke about the city’s prospects and its relationship with the Palestinian side. The dinner was served in the spirit of Arabian hospitality in one of the best restaurants in the city. The guests enjoyed the most delicious dishes of Arabian cuisine.

Barta’a: Two Sides, Two Dialogues

In the Israeli part of Barta’a, the journalists met with Raed Kabha, head of the local council. The main topics were housing, land use, and the infrastructure challenges faced by residents.

The group then crossed the border into the Palestinian part of the town—Area C—where they had a separate meeting with Hasan Kabha, head of the Palestinian Barta’a municipality. It was a difficult conversation about life under Israeli control, restrictions, access to services, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Honest assessments, tough questions, and personal stories were shared. But there are 3,500 businesses in Barta, and they operate in the most difficult economic and political conditions.

An unexpected encounter occurred with a shop owner who had studied at a Ukrainian university and offered his perspective on life in the town.

At the Barta’a (Reikhan) checkpoint, the group watched Palestinian workers return home after a day’s labor in Israel—a scene full of tension and everyday constraint.

People and the Market

The final stop was the largest Palestinian market in the area. Participants walked its narrow alleys, bought fresh cucumbers, grapes, and apricots, and felt the heartbeat of daily life beyond political slogans.

A Reality You Don’t See on Screen

The tour was not just a field trip—it was an immersion into a reality rarely shown on screen. The journalists left with full notebooks, cameras, questions—and a sense that they had witnessed a part of the country that often goes unseen.

The materials gathered during the tour will form the basis for reports, podcasts, analytical publications, and blog posts—and may help shed light on the complex but vital realities of life in Israel’s and Palestine’s divided towns.