By Bonnie Van Overbeke  5.17.17

Today, on our first day in Bethlehem, we spent time with staff at Wi’am, a Palestinian Mediation Center learning about the affects of the wall that looms over their office.  Their many programs teach nonviolent resistance techniques and conflict resolution skills to help residents cope with the physiological affects of the occupation.

With Usama we also walked through Aida Refugee Camp located next to the Center.  Aida was established in 1948 after over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly driven from their villages for the establishment of the State of Israel. The large key over the entrance to the camp symbolizes their hope of returning to the homes and farms they lost.

Quest students from The Crossing Ministry, UW Madison,
in Bethlehem by the separation wall and Israeli guard tower.

Zoughbi Zhoughbi, direction of Wi’am

The entrance to Aida refugee camp.

 The narrow streets of the camp.

Usama Nicola, our Wi’am guide

 “A country is not only what it does but what it tolerates.” Written on the barrier wall separating Bethlehem from the Jerusalem and the world.