While some teachers’ unions are busy engaging in boycotts of Israel and other posturing, others are doing real work on the ground to help build union power in Palestine — and make the lives of Palestinians better.

The American Federation of Teachers last week published an extraordinary account of its work helping to support the Palestinian teachers union.

Here’s just one short passage from the report:

Conversations among the teachers about building union power inevitably bumped into the realities of life in the Palestinian territories, where budgets can be held hostage not only by relations with Israel but also by shifting international politics with donor nations that contribute to the Palestinian national authorities.

“So, how do you build power,” the American trainer asked, “when you can’t change your outside circumstances?”

“We must change ourselves,” replied a teacher and new union member, glancing at the Palestinian sunbird puppet in her hand.

The report is worth reading in full.