Bethlehem Bible College – Grace Zoughbi
By Harris McClamroch
9:00 am – Visit to Bethlehem Bible College
Alex Awad described the mission of BBC, the founding of the College, and its student population. It provides an opportunity for Palestinians to obtain an education in biblical studies without having to study abroad. He answered questions, making clear his support for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS).
Grace Zoughbi described her background as a student at BBC and now as a faculty member at BBC. She answered questions about her life and the obstacles faced by Palestinians in daily life.
10:30 am – Tour International Center of Bethlehem
Angel (Angie) Saba spoke about Diyar and their support for abundant life experiences (John 10:10) in Palestine. Diyar is a broad consortium that runs multi-generational programs for all members of the Bethlehem community. Palestinian culture is celebrated, bringing together Christians and Moslems. Bright Stars of Bethlehem is the US affiliate that supports the Diyar Consortium.
Rev. Mitri Raheb – Founder, Diyar Consortium
12:00 – Meet with Rev. Mitri Raheb
Reminded us that Palestinian Christians are indigenous to Palestine. He described the exodus of Christians so that currently only 2% of Palestinians are Christian. Christians are leaders of medical, educational, and cultural organizations in Palestine.
The international community, including the US, is part of the problem by subsidizing the Israeli occupation of Palestine. US Christians, especially Christian Zionists, are part of the problem.
1:30 pm – In driving on the bus to the Dar al Kalimeh College, we passed Bethlehem University and were delayed by a student demonstration near the main Bethlehem checkpoint protesting Israeli restrictions on access to the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This is an ongoing source of conflict that sometimes leads to intervention of the Israeli Defense Forces.
2:00 pm – Angie Saba showed us around the Dar al Kalima College, which emphasizes arts, dance, theater. We also visited the associated youth center and sports center, and we watched a girls’ team handball game, part of a tournament between seven Bethlehem area teams.
Girls handball at Dar Al-Kalima
Girls’ sports enjoy a beautiful new Sports Center at Dar al Kalima, giving girls opportunities in team sports that they’ve never had before in Palestine.
4:00 pm – Returning by bus to the hotel, we encountered the continuation of the protest with the Israeli Defense Forces spraying tear gas and skunk water and firing rubber bullets at the protestors. We came within 100 meters and saw many IDF and several ambulances. In recent days, these are regular occurrences and reminders of the possible violence that can so easily arise. (Caveat: we hasten to add to our friends and family that we have stayed at very safe ranges! We could not feel more welcome and cared for.)
6:00 pm – We had a late afternoon meeting with our Bethlehem friend Usama Nicola. He helped us interpret the day’s events. He talked about the Palestinian Authority and the minimal authority they have. He discussed the difficulties of those leaders who support non-violence.
Tear gas and skunk water used on protesters
Observations:
- In spite of media and political statements to the contrary, Palestinian Christians and Moslems are unified in their objection to Israeli occupation and their objective of seeking freedom and full recognition as a country.
- There is a sense that the political process has failed to eliminate or reduce the Israeli oppression. This means that a new bottom-up process, focusing on individual engagement, is necessary.
- Palestinians are incredibly frustrated and angry with Israeli occupation and they have lost faith in political leaders and the political process. But they are nevertheless hopeful for their future.