It is with a deep sense of loss that I add the final blog for this tour. Scott Kennedy, one of the co-leaders on my first trip to Israel/Palestine in 2006 with Interfaith Peacebuilders, died in his sleep in Santa Cruz, CA next to his wife Kris on November 19th. It was just one week after returning from his 39th trip there, and the last of many delegations which he has led since 1975.
My last contact with Scott was in the lobby of the Paradise Hotel in Bethlehem. He had been absent from a presentation by Daoud Nassar on the Tent of Nations Project which the delegation had visited the previous week. Scott, in his wonderful manner said, "Well how did it go?" "Great as always!" I responded. And he said, "He always does a great job." And so it was, always encouraging us, ever supportive of what we were doing. That was Scott's way. If it hadn't been for IFPB and his leadership, our work would not likely have ever happened. He also served on the Advisory Council of Friends of Tent of Nations North America, one of many formal associations he belonged to.
I remember one event early on during my first delegation with him in 2006. It was the end of the tour, and we were to return to the States the next day as a delegation. I had extended my stay in order to travel and visit friends in Beit Jala. He asked me late at night if I wanted to travel to Gaza the next day with him on an official tour sponsored by Hamas. It was a tempting offer, but I had to think about it over night as such a trip, considered dangerous by some State Department officials at the time, was not part of the bargain with my wife prior to coming on the delegation. While I was certain Kay would support such an opportunity, I wasn't sure I should do so without checking with her. After all, there were some risks, but not the kind the State Department regularly raises in it's official capacity as arbitrator of safety. After much prayer and reflection, during the night, I decided to join Scott.
In the morning I indicated to Scott that I would be willing to accompany him on the trip. He seemed relieved that I would join him, and indicated he would get back with me later in the morning. As it turned out, the Israelis denied my entry on such short notice, and I didn't travel with Scot. As he later revealed, it was an incredible visit, and a rare inside look of the work of Hamas. He and I always regretted that the joint trip never occurred. It is a memory of the invitation that I shall carry for the rest of my life.
His loss will be felt by many who also considered him a friend.
May his family rest assured that Scott holds a special place in all our hearts this day. May his hope for a just peace become a reality. May we not rest until it is so. Bp
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