In many ways, it was wonderful to return to Palestine a
couple of weeks ago. I was happy to
introduce a group of fellow United Methodists (8 from Oregon and 8 from
Nebraska) to both the beauty and the heartache of the place, as we travelled
from the Northern Galilee to the Judean desert, visiting holy sites and talking
to Christians, Jews and Muslims about how the Occupation affects their lives,
and what we can do to help.
Because I spent my time as an EA in the north (Tulkarm),
during this same time of year (spring), there was a poignant joy in seeing the
wildflowers on the hills, the green of the olive trees and the sparkle of
sunshine. And it was wonderful to share
favourite spots with my friends – a walk in the Roman ruins of Sabastiya, a
visit to the de-populated village of Bi’ram, time in the mosque and market of
Hebron, and a lunchtime visit with Daoud
Nasser at the Tent of Nations.
 |
| Roman Theatre in Sabastiya |
At the same time, I was saddened by the changes in the past
two years. In Sabastiya, we learned that
Israeli tractors were disturbing the ruins near the theatre, with total
disregard for the archeological heritage
there that had earned it “most visited spot in the Middle-East” in 1965.
 |
| Bi'ram |
Save for the Israeli tourists who have no clue that a
vibrant village once stood in the shade of the trees where they picnic, Bi’ram
remains untouched by time, yet alive in the memory of the dispossessed who are
now passing the history to their children and grandchildren, as well as to those
visitors who are willing to stop and listen.
 |
| Hebron Souk |
In Hebron, the shops of Shuhuda Street remain padlocked
while soldiers and settlers wander its quiet streets, but the old souk was, if
not thriving, at least open for business in defiance of the trash-catching nets
overhead. And, at the Tent of Nations,
tree-planting to replace the trees uprooted by Israeli bulldozers last spring
continues even as the surrounding settlements come ever-closer.
We spent an afternoon in Wadi Fukin, a Palestinian village
on the outskirts of Bethlehem that was “adopted” by the Methodist Church
several years ago. In spite of the
residents of this village having made two visits to the US for Congressional
hearings on how the Occupation is affecting them, construction continues on the
settlement above – noticeably larger and closer than when I’d last visited in
2012.
 |
| The Settlement looms over Wadi Fukin |
Of the 16 travelers, only three had been there before. Watching the reactions of people seeing
first-hand the reality of Occupation brought back my own memories of how I
first came to this place (on a Methodist study trip in 2008). When I returned from that trip, I knew I
would be talking and teaching about it – but I wasn’t sure I’d ever
return. But, as I’d been warned, a visit
to the Holy Land – particularly a visit where one sees ALL of the Holy Land –
is life-changing. Not only have I been
back (5 times now!), but I can’t stay away!
 |
| Tent of Nations |
I did not return home with the group. My excuse was that I wanted to make a short
visit to Petra (which I did!). But what
I really wanted was to spend a few days in Jerusalem by myself, walking in the
Old City, talking to friends who have made their life work there, and enjoying
the tranquility of the garden at St. George’s guesthouse, where I lodged for those few days. I did all of those
things – and now feel more ready for the difficult work of continuing my
activism within (and without) the Methodist church.
