"I Never Knew"

I am now here in Bethlehem for nearly two days and already into a rythmn which will of course, soon break, as I move to another location for a few days. This week will take me to the Tent of Nations several times (to co teach a course with Jihan Nassar on group building, and to co-lead a tour of the Tent of Nations Project with Amal Nassar), and then to Jenin in the North for the olive harvest festival; visits with the olive growers that supply our community with olive oil; a night with a family there, and then to Nablis and the refugee camp there which I have never seen. I will return to Bethlehem next Sunday and remain in the area for the remainder of my stay and plan do day trips to the farm and other projects that offer a chance to
understand projects that support co-existence,non-violent resistance and reconciliation. That's the plan. You know how that is..

Yesterday, after spending time with the family in the morning, we walked to Manger square for the beginning of the Olive Festival here. Shadin, oldest daughter of Daoud and Jihan, sang in a chorus from her school, songs about the importance of the
olive tree as a symbol for Palestinians of life and sustenance. It was very upbeat and hopeful, a quality I find so truly amazing and energizing as well. A German
visitor joined Daoud, his mother and I for a trip to the land. We took the long route by the back road that has become the only way at times, to reach the farm, as the soldiers and settlers are beginning to reduce the possibility of reaching the
farm by the main high way to Hebron which takes only fifteen minutes as opposed to a half an hour. In the year since my last visit, the farm reflects lots of progress
in gaining self sufficiency. The 11th cistern is now near completion which will vertually provide enough water for maintaining the trees. This assumes that rains
will bring the water. Another cave is now under completion, offering a space for courses in horticulture,for visitors to meet in, and one for the volunteers. The new kitchen for visitors is nearly completed also. There fresh construction in all the hovering settlements that appear to be encroaching closer and closer and wider and deeper. Not only are new settlement roads appearing, light poles reaching, but tall electic towers are popping up in the valley below. This is a signal for large development within the existing settlements. At night the advancing lights of the settlements are even more noticeable than before. It gives the feeling of strangulation and suffication. There is much new growth of buildings in the settlements of Neve Daniel, Beitar Elit and Eliaza too.

Last night, Daoud and I discussed our prospects of the book we are collaborating on, and theme seems to be more of what the farm reflects for everyone who visits- a sign of hope in the midst of darkness. There are lots of resources about the problems facing the Israelis and the Palestinians, much of which is built on fear. This place is built on one of hope and possibilities. A Swedish group of Christian Youth leaders descended upon the farm yesterday,after traveling from Hebron which is very
dark. They struggled up the road to the farm. I didn't join them at first, as Daoud was taking them on the walking tour of the farm. I spent the time showing the farm to the German visitor who had heard Daoud speak recently in Heidleburg. He wanted to see the place for himself. What he heard which was inspiring was what he found. "I never knew" he said. And he said, the same phrase was uttered 70 years ago about another set of circumstances within his country about another people who were disenfrancised.

As I was completing the course a few weeks ago,at my church, on the materials produced by the Presbyterian network called: Steadfast Hope: A Palestinian Quest for Peace, several
members of the class, after reading the materials and watching the DVD said,
"I Never Knew". Such words are encouraging, because now the person is ready to establish a personal connection to the injustice abound, and more- ready to do something about it. As MLK said about the Christian church in the 60's, for far too long (the church and subsitute this with individuals and groups) have been the "tailights" not the "headlights", the echo not the voice. So is it time for
civil societies to respond with action, now that we have heard.

Sojourn for a Just Peace

Dear friends,
In three weeks, I will again leave for Israel and Palestine with the primary purpose of standing together with those who represent non-violent resistance to the occupation. I learned nearly five years ago, that our presence there meant so much to people who were working daily for a just peace, because of their feelings of isolation. However, just being there seemed like such a meager symbol of support for me to offer. I no longer take that gesture for granted. My expectations for this trip are much like last year. Unlike the years before '09 when I traveled with a delegation, this will be another independent journey, (not alone as I felt the presence of many good friends, and God always seemed to be there too in unanticipated ways). Whenever I seem to worry about a specific purpose or a calendar of events, my friend Daoud would say, "MEESH MISHKULA" (NO PROBLEM)"Not to worry, we'll have plenty for you to do!". I take that to mean, God will provide. Next time, in Bethlehem on October 28th.