By Pastor Clarissa Martinelli
Psalm 52:8
| But I am like a green olive tree |
| in the house of God. |
| I trust in the steadfast love of God |
| forever and ever. |
Peace Dove at the Tent of Nations
What a very appropriate Scripture for a family whose life has been dependent upon the olive trees and the land for nearly 100 years (9 May 2016). Tent of Nations is a fulfilled dream of Daher Nassar’s father Bishara Nassar, a pastor and Palestinian Christian. Daher and his family have put enormous efforts and very significant financial burdens to protect their land that is continuously being threatened with confiscation by Israeli government in order to build another settlement.
“We refuse to be enemies” is the greeting that is clearly and colorfully etched into a cement rock at the gate of the 100 acre land located 9 kilometers southwest of Bethlehem, Palestine.
We Refuse To Be Enemies
This hardworking, committed family has worked this land since it was purchased in 1916. The land has produced olives, grapes, wheat, figs, and other fruits and vegetables as well as chickens and pigeons. Amidst continued threats to take their land, the family is committed to the vision of the patriarch Bishara Nassar “to make his land a place of peace.” The family has responded to all their challenges of injustice by facing each struggle in a non-violent way of resistance.
This is accomplished by bringing people from various cultures together in order to maintain projects and activities on real ground that are aimed to prepare and pioneer young people for a better future and teaching them that their county’s belongs to them. As an educational and ecological farm, Tents of Nations welcomes you to come and see a real example of steadfastness and hope. Programs of hope include Creating an Understanding Program; The Tree Planting Program; The Children Summer Camp Program; The Work & Study Camp Program; and The Women Empowerment Program.
One hundred acres of land for hiking, viewing Biblical scenery, camping, recycling, composting, farming, and so much more. “Tent of Nations – People Building Bridges – with a message of hope that they can make a difference wherever they are.”
Blessings,
Pastor Clarissa
In memory of Bishara Daher Nassar, Farmer, Dreamer, Person of Peace