The Director of the Center at Ballota Camp opened with, "If you have visited Refugee camps in the West Bank, our needs are no different, only double as we are the largest camp here. He seemed a little frustrated, and maybe a little resentful that all the misery in the camp is met with indifference by the world. He pleaded with us
to place pressure on our government to bring an end to the occupation, and free the people. Having visited three other camps in the past, I too, was wondering the same thing.
As we were leaving the camp, our group was strung out, and off guard when some young boys acted aggresively and hit of the older, more fragile women in our party with a soccer ball. She was quite frightened by it of course. We quickly moved out of the camp. WE were told by our leader that we should have called the incident to the attention of our hosts, as the adults do not promote such behavior, and would have corrected it immediately. I think that advice might have come a bit earlier. Anyway, no one was seriously injured.
We left Nablis that afternoon having taken a tour of the old city given by the Human development Society, an organization committed to responding to the needs of women, in particular. The tour guide was himself from the old town center, and his story of the seige on his city was horrifying, and the Israeli forces stormed in with lots of weaponry, injuring 100's and killing 77, the largest number in killed in all of the West Bank. He, himself, had been shot on the roof of his apartment building by an Israeli sniper. At the time he was an ambulance worker, and was taking a break, not knowing the incursion had had happened. He hid behind an object on the roof while taking a smoke. A bullet slashed through one leg and out the other, cleanly. He was bleeding profusely, and wondered if he should remain where he was or make a dash for the door. He made the move and descended the stairs to his apartment. His family picked him up and took him down stairs and into the streets to an incoming ambulance. The soldiers prevented him from getting into ambulance, and made him sit for two hours without attention, and by that time had lost an enormous amount off blood. Eventually, the soldiers allowed him to go, but he was again stopped. From the time he was shot until he was admitted in the hospital, totalled five hours. He eventually regained consciousness, and survived the ordeal. There were stories along the way in his neighbor of the old city with similar stories of young men being
killed indescriminately IT is one thing to engage in an equal battle but to attack
unarmed men,is a disgrace.
We headed to Bethlehem and the home stays with the people in Beit Sahour. I got off at the bus stop in Jerusalem, and took a local bus to Jerusalem. It had been full weekend in the north, and I was glad I went.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Harvesting Olives in Jenin
I decided that after finishing the course on communications with the women at the Women's Center with Jihan, that I would join the Interfaith delegation to Jenin and Nablis over the weekend. We first, traveled to meet the four members of the Palestinian Council who were elected in the 2006 election. They are members of the Hamas Party, and have spent most of the years since in prison. They sought asylum at the Red Cross Headqarters and are into their 128 days of a refusal to leave the property, since they were warned that they would be arrested immediately. It is too bad that the press and the government have labeled them as terrorists, as their party was elected freely in the election. Leaving them out of the equation was also an error too, as they now become heroes outside the conversation, instead of contributing members within the PA government.
We also visited Sheik Jerrar, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem whose families were ousted by the settlers there. Their story is a sad but determined one, as they have suffered severely by the attack of the settlers, who threw the family out in the streets, including tossing sleeping children out the door. The four months or so that the family spent outside in heat and cold, was of international notice. Their stories made me angry at a world that allowed such brutality. Perhaps that will require a blog article by itself when I have the time.
Then, afterwards, we went to the Northern most city of Jenin, where with Nasser Aboufaha. WE visited him in 2006 when he was just beginning to coordinate the activities of the Palestinian Fairtrade Association, and cooperative of some 40 smaller cooperatives and three hundred farmers. What I notice most is the sense
of pride and dignity the farmers have in their product and in the work they do. They have also been able to raise the market price, to balance local need and a fair
wage for their farmers. They use to get 6 NS for a liter now up to 25 or 26
depending upon the results of tests of their oil. Six of us spent the night in the home of Abent and Somerher Khaloway and their four children. Abent is a very succesful farmer, with some 6,000 trees. He hires some 35-50 pickers and has just three weeks to harvest his crop. We road about half hour north through the town of Sababde in the back of a large truck to get to his fields. While we didn't set any records, the workers appreciated our presence, I believe. There was a lot of wonderful lighthearted play and hard work during the few hours we were in the fields. The Arab hospitality is special. Never did I hear any word of anger or hatred for the Israelis, only disappointment and frustration with end of the occupation.
THe next day we visited the beautiful city of Nablis located between two sister mountains, one of good ness and one of evil. More about the tour through the old
city and the visit to the Balotta Refugee Camp of 25,000 people within a square KM.
70% of whom are children under age 18. b.
We also visited Sheik Jerrar, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem whose families were ousted by the settlers there. Their story is a sad but determined one, as they have suffered severely by the attack of the settlers, who threw the family out in the streets, including tossing sleeping children out the door. The four months or so that the family spent outside in heat and cold, was of international notice. Their stories made me angry at a world that allowed such brutality. Perhaps that will require a blog article by itself when I have the time.
Then, afterwards, we went to the Northern most city of Jenin, where with Nasser Aboufaha. WE visited him in 2006 when he was just beginning to coordinate the activities of the Palestinian Fairtrade Association, and cooperative of some 40 smaller cooperatives and three hundred farmers. What I notice most is the sense
of pride and dignity the farmers have in their product and in the work they do. They have also been able to raise the market price, to balance local need and a fair
wage for their farmers. They use to get 6 NS for a liter now up to 25 or 26
depending upon the results of tests of their oil. Six of us spent the night in the home of Abent and Somerher Khaloway and their four children. Abent is a very succesful farmer, with some 6,000 trees. He hires some 35-50 pickers and has just three weeks to harvest his crop. We road about half hour north through the town of Sababde in the back of a large truck to get to his fields. While we didn't set any records, the workers appreciated our presence, I believe. There was a lot of wonderful lighthearted play and hard work during the few hours we were in the fields. The Arab hospitality is special. Never did I hear any word of anger or hatred for the Israelis, only disappointment and frustration with end of the occupation.
THe next day we visited the beautiful city of Nablis located between two sister mountains, one of good ness and one of evil. More about the tour through the old
city and the visit to the Balotta Refugee Camp of 25,000 people within a square KM.
70% of whom are children under age 18. b.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Local Settlement and its Accommodating Neighbors
Well, just when you begin to really think you understand the situation, you learn you know little. Teaching in a village near the Nassar family farm made what appeared from the top of the mountain on the farm,come alive. From the farm, we could see the village below, but not its many hills within that make travel
difficult; its surrounding settlements, but not their relationship. IT's the latter
that wish to reflect upon. I learned that the town is nearly absent of men, as they are working during the day in the settlements which is their only source of employment. These settlements are on farms owned by the residents of the village. They are forced to work on the construction of the very places they farmed a short period ago. They are paid relatively well at $125 and are able to furnish the inside of their homes fairly well with left over materials from the buildings they are constructing, and with the money they make. YOu would think that the occupation is no problem for them. But the income is good, at least for now. What will happen when the cities they are building are complete and the only jobs they can find are low paying service jobs and not the highy paid craftsman skills they are employing now?
On another village near the same settlement of Beitar Elit, the settlers regularly come to the village to have their cars repaired, or to buy building materials. There are not walls there, and the orthodox come to purchase their goods and fresh vegetables freely. Many of the villagers speak Hebrew frequently and their are signs in Hebrew, all over the place. Where's the threat of the terrorists there? Go figure!
difficult; its surrounding settlements, but not their relationship. IT's the latter
that wish to reflect upon. I learned that the town is nearly absent of men, as they are working during the day in the settlements which is their only source of employment. These settlements are on farms owned by the residents of the village. They are forced to work on the construction of the very places they farmed a short period ago. They are paid relatively well at $125 and are able to furnish the inside of their homes fairly well with left over materials from the buildings they are constructing, and with the money they make. YOu would think that the occupation is no problem for them. But the income is good, at least for now. What will happen when the cities they are building are complete and the only jobs they can find are low paying service jobs and not the highy paid craftsman skills they are employing now?
On another village near the same settlement of Beitar Elit, the settlers regularly come to the village to have their cars repaired, or to buy building materials. There are not walls there, and the orthodox come to purchase their goods and fresh vegetables freely. Many of the villagers speak Hebrew frequently and their are signs in Hebrew, all over the place. Where's the threat of the terrorists there? Go figure!
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Women of Bent Al Rif and their Center
Bill Mims and I traveled by taxi through the back roads to the Women's Center where Jihan Nassar, the director, leads classes in Computer Science, English and women's development classes. She asked us to offer a short course for the women in problem solving, while giving them practice in English. These are very bright young women, who because of the traditional nature of their culture, are not encouraged to continue their formal education. For the most part, they stay at home and do little. It is such a waste of talent, and when offered the chance to enroll in courses, they are eager to learn. The brainstorming activity centered around identifying issues which they are facing; identifying resources they have at their disposal,and creating a trusting climate, has been a challenge. They were quite honest in sharing their experiences not only with occupation, but about their desires to pursue an education. I look forward returning tommorrow.
Bill and I grabbed a taxi up the valley to Tent of Nations, and spent some time
weeding around the olive trees I planted two years ago. They are doing quite well,
and during the fourth year, they take off. We regret to say that the one for George Bush died in the vine.
Bill and I grabbed a taxi up the valley to Tent of Nations, and spent some time
weeding around the olive trees I planted two years ago. They are doing quite well,
and during the fourth year, they take off. We regret to say that the one for George Bush died in the vine.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
"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.
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.
Monday, October 4, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tent of Nations Project in Crisis
February 12, 2010
Dear Friends of Tent of Nations,
We would like to update you on the impending crisis situation that the Nassar family is currently facing. As you know, the Nassar Family Farm/Tent of Nations Project has a long history of modeling peaceful co-existence with its neighbors through teaching courses and providing workshops and conferences for women and youth. It also provides opportunities for internationals, Israelis and Palestinians to unite in solidarity around a common dream of a just peace. You have been a part of that journey through your support. For some of you, a visit to the farm itself has made it even more personal. In 2009, over 4,000 international visitors were welcomed to the land by the Nassar family. Some were volunteers who worked the land and taught a variety of workshops - others included church groups, religious leaders from all faiths, and interfaith peace delegations.
The Tent of Nations has always provided a safe haven for those who are committed to justice, and we want it to continue to do so. However, there has been a recent escalation in threats and harassment by Jewish settlers and by the Israeli army. For example, on two separate occasions in the last three months, Israeli soldiers have forced their way onto the property, conducting searches of family members and internationals and threatening to return with eviction papers. Most recently, on January 25, an Israeli bulldozer, accompanied by three military jeeps, came and blocked the road to the farm at the eastern entrance near the settlement of Neve Daniel. At first, the family thought the soldiers were there to destroy everything on the farm that they have worked so long and hard to build. Fortunately, the soldiers simply erected a roadblock and departed.
Lately, the Israeli military has made its presence known both day and night. Residents of the nearby village of Nahalin have been stopped at ‘flying checkpoints’ as they attempt to reach their homes from Route 60, the main north/south highway in that area. Palestinians are now barred from using the road connecting Route 60 and the farm, so in order to travel between Bethlehem and the farm the Nassar family must travel through the villages of Nahalin and Husan. This is a burdensome detour for them as well as for the 20,000 villagers affected by these new regulations.
In conjunction with the family attorney, the Nassars are trying to determine the intentions of the Israelis in the hope that access to the farm can be preserved. As always, the family wishes to proceed calmly, constructively and legally. If the situation worsens, however, we all may be asked to come to their aid in appropriate ways (i.e., writing letters/making phone calls to our congressional representatives and other influential individuals, etc.). For the moment, however, we just want you to be aware of these developments and to reflect on ways you might support our efforts in the event that this crisis gains momentum and specific actions are warranted. We ask that you please take no individual action on this until you hear from us again.
We will continue to keep you informed. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.
With deep gratitude for your support,
Friends of Tent of Nations North America (www.Fotonna.org)
FOTONNA Steering Committee:

Daoud Nassar, Mark Braverman, Steve France, Bill Mims, Bill Plitt, Kay Plitt
Dear Friends of Tent of Nations,
We would like to update you on the impending crisis situation that the Nassar family is currently facing. As you know, the Nassar Family Farm/Tent of Nations Project has a long history of modeling peaceful co-existence with its neighbors through teaching courses and providing workshops and conferences for women and youth. It also provides opportunities for internationals, Israelis and Palestinians to unite in solidarity around a common dream of a just peace. You have been a part of that journey through your support. For some of you, a visit to the farm itself has made it even more personal. In 2009, over 4,000 international visitors were welcomed to the land by the Nassar family. Some were volunteers who worked the land and taught a variety of workshops - others included church groups, religious leaders from all faiths, and interfaith peace delegations.
The Tent of Nations has always provided a safe haven for those who are committed to justice, and we want it to continue to do so. However, there has been a recent escalation in threats and harassment by Jewish settlers and by the Israeli army. For example, on two separate occasions in the last three months, Israeli soldiers have forced their way onto the property, conducting searches of family members and internationals and threatening to return with eviction papers. Most recently, on January 25, an Israeli bulldozer, accompanied by three military jeeps, came and blocked the road to the farm at the eastern entrance near the settlement of Neve Daniel. At first, the family thought the soldiers were there to destroy everything on the farm that they have worked so long and hard to build. Fortunately, the soldiers simply erected a roadblock and departed.
Lately, the Israeli military has made its presence known both day and night. Residents of the nearby village of Nahalin have been stopped at ‘flying checkpoints’ as they attempt to reach their homes from Route 60, the main north/south highway in that area. Palestinians are now barred from using the road connecting Route 60 and the farm, so in order to travel between Bethlehem and the farm the Nassar family must travel through the villages of Nahalin and Husan. This is a burdensome detour for them as well as for the 20,000 villagers affected by these new regulations.
In conjunction with the family attorney, the Nassars are trying to determine the intentions of the Israelis in the hope that access to the farm can be preserved. As always, the family wishes to proceed calmly, constructively and legally. If the situation worsens, however, we all may be asked to come to their aid in appropriate ways (i.e., writing letters/making phone calls to our congressional representatives and other influential individuals, etc.). For the moment, however, we just want you to be aware of these developments and to reflect on ways you might support our efforts in the event that this crisis gains momentum and specific actions are warranted. We ask that you please take no individual action on this until you hear from us again.
We will continue to keep you informed. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.
With deep gratitude for your support,
Friends of Tent of Nations North America (www.Fotonna.org)
FOTONNA Steering Committee:

Daoud Nassar, Mark Braverman, Steve France, Bill Mims, Bill Plitt, Kay Plitt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)