By Rachel Hamre

So far, we have spent most of our time with Palestinians and will continue to do so. This allows us to focus on the side of the story – as told by the oppressed – that is barely whispered in the U.S. It was wonderful, however, to meet two Israeli Jews who hope for peace.

The first, Rami Elhanan, told a heartbreaking story of turning the loss of a child into a hopeful and peace-seeking message for every body else. (Check out Parents Circle on YouTube or Google.)

The second was Dalia, the Jewish girl from the story of “The Lemon Tree.” She told a story of opening her mind and heart to see that what she had been conditioned to believe may not be the universal truth. (Check out The Open House, http://www.friendsofopenhouse.co.il/)

IDF Soldiers

Previously, we had toured the Old City of Jerusalem which included beautiful scenery and architecture, along with important religious and historic placemarks. I have five pages of notes about historical people, places, and events, but only one sight is burned into our minds.

As we were passing shops, we saw a checkpoint where a young Palestinian boy, maybe 14, was trying to pass. As he exited the metal detector, a soldier knocked his change to the ground. He stood menacingly as the boy quietly picked it up, leaving as quickly as he could. As he exited the area, a second guard stuck his leg out in an attempt to trip the boy.

I think we were all disturbed by this blatant display of harassment and stepped into the 7th station of the cross. Here, a group member spoke a moving prayer and we sat together, as one, in solidarity with those affected by violence and racism.

By Bill Aldrich

Hebron’s permanently closed shops. This was formerly a gold and silver market.

Arriving in Hebron early, we walked through the souk and witnessed the permanently closed shops and wires strung above the street over some of the open shops to prevent settlers from throwing objects down into the street, both the result of having settlers actually living in the city itself, a unique aspect of the Occupation that is in Hebron. We visited the Moslem and Jewish sides of the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs.

Our group and another from Colorado in the Ibrahimi Mosque, Hebron

The soldiers were friendlier than several members of our group remembered from a previous visit, and a settler stopped to ask a shop keeper a question. Two welcome signs. We left Hebron quickly in order to avoid a planned demonstration later in the day, stopping only to briefly visit a glass-blowing and ceramic factory.

After lunch at the International Center, we listened to a presentation about Diyar Consortium, a partner organization of Pilgrims of Ibillin, which works to empower people of all ages to “have life and have it abundantly.” After that we went to see a wine shop in the Cremisan Monastery. The road to the monastery provided a panoramic view of the Cremisan Valley, much of which is being taken from the Palestinians and being annexed to Jerusalem. We walked on a short section of the path where the barrier that is being constructed will run.

Witnessing the future route of the Wall through the Cremisan Valley

The last stop of the day was at the Palestine Museum of Natural History that is promoting an awareness of the natural history of Palestine. Upon returning to the hotel, we were greeted by small amounts of tear gas that were drifting from a demonstration that was distant out of sight, our guide being excellent at avoiding demonstrations. And so ended our day.

Painting of The Last Supper, gracing the restaurant at The International Center – the Diyar Consortium’s guesthouse.

By Pastor Clarissa Martinelli

Psalm 52:8

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