Visits to Tent of Nations and Aida Refugee Camp

Saturday April 20

Tent of Nations:  www.tentofnations.org

Tent of Nations is a fulfilled dream of Bishara Nassar, the Palestinian Christian who lived all his life with his brother Nayef on the land itself.  Note illegal settlements in the background.

The family is carrying on their vision. 

The family farm is the land where the Tent of Nations is located.  The Tent of Nations desires to prepare young people for a positive contribution to their future and culture by bring values of understanding and tolerance into their life experiences and to teach them the true belonging to their country. 

The older brother Daher lives on the farm and the rest of the family lives in Beit Jala.  Daher gave us a good tour of the Tent of Nations.  The family lived in caves on the property.  Now volunteers from all over the world live in tents here as they participate in many programs.

The younger brother, Daoud, is very articulate in both English and German and gave us an over view of their legal struggle and the restrictions imposed. 

In 1991, the Israeli government declared the whole area, including the Nassar’s, an Israeli state Property.  The Nassar family has all the original land papers from the Ottoman period and hand done a lot of work on the land through the times of Ottoman, British, Jordanian and Israeli governance.  After a struggle of more than 21 years, they are still struggling to win the case of the land.  

In May/June 2010, the family was given nine demolition orders that they are fighting through the Israeli courts.

During spring 2012, Tent of Nations received orders to cease cultivation and to vacate the land.

We will be a presence of support for this family, including their Women Empowerment Program that offers English, computer, agriculture and other classes for the women of the village.

Their response to the injustice they are experiencing is not with violence, not with being a victim and not by running away, but by facing it in a non-violent way with the Tent of nations.  It is done by channeling their pain to be a constructive power that leads to a better future under the slogan:  We Refuse to be Enemies.

I am grieved every time I see this sign.  All places where going from Area C into Area A or B this warning sign is shown.  No wonder so many hearts are filled with fear.  Yet I can walk around, even at night, in the West Bank assured of safety because the Palestinian's hearts of hospitality.

Aida Refugee Camp

The name comes from “Ayda Coffee” shop that before 1948 had been located at the place where later on the camp was built. Also, the noun "ayda” in Arabic means, "return", so the camp's name has a double meaning. 'Aida's residents originate from more than 43 villages and cities that were destroyed in 1948 and 1967.

           

We were given a tour of the camp where many people live VERY close together.  Military raids happen often during the night.  The guide told us tear gas was released into the camp a few nights before our tour.

The Lajee Centre (Lajee “refugee" in Arabic) www.lajee.org

Lajee centre offers many different activities for children and youth living in ‘Aida Camp. Their aim is to give children and youth some good experiences, and offer them support as they are regularly traumatized by military might and violence as well as poverty. They have recently compiled some interesting books with photos of villages their relatives were forced to leave in 1948. Debke (traditional Palestinian dance) and other classes provide opportunities to learn many new skills. Lajee receives regularly foreign volunteers coming to the centre to help with activities.

We will be working with in this camp on a regular basis; English conversation class is one way we will participate.  We will continue monitoring and recording ongoing clashes, excessive use of force by the military, and night incursions. Searches and arrests are occurring almost every night.

In January 2013, a teenager was shot and killed in the camp.

In February 2013, two teenagers were shot by the military; both remain in the hospital as of March, one in a critical condition.  We will continue to monitor this camp and record human right abuse. 

Israel has denied the Right of Return given under international law.  Many of the villages and homes have been bulldozed.  The just peace we are working toward will need to deal with this major issue from 1948. 

Bethlehem Activities on My First Friday

Friday Checkpoint Check

Friday is not a workday so the lines at the checkpoints have a very different look.  The only people allowed to go to Jerusalem are the men over 50 and the women over 46.  This woman is heading toward the second turnstile; the total walk would be about two blocks.

When we arrived, the line was moving smoothly.  We simply pass through timing ourselves for our report.

We entered the ramp, through the first turnstile; pass through the first passport point, across an open area, down another ramp, through a turnstile to the area of another check and on to the metal detectors.  Neither of us set off the alarm so we gathered our vests from the trays and walked to the next booth to show our passports and walk onto the Israeli side. 

That is when we found out what the private police do.  They escorted us, potential terrorists, back to the metal detectors.  We had to go back and though again.  All the time that we were being escorted back while asking, “WHY?” the checkpoint line stopped.  This second check turned up no illegal items in our vests; we were cleared to travel into Jerusalem.  

Meanwhile, Palestinians heading to catch the bus, hoping to get to their worship services were delayed. 

Further delay is experienced as they help each other replace the clothing items that had to be removed in order to go through the metal detector. 

It seems to me a violation of human dignity for this elder man to have to put his belt and other garments back on in public. 

My prayer is that all humans have unobstructed access to their places of worship.  

Demolitions

An important aspects of what we do is complete incident reports when there has been a demolition.  We went to an area where there had been two the day before. 

First, we met with a woman who had her restaurant demolished for the second time.  After the first demolition, she received no financial help.  She and her family took out a loan and rebuilt.  They went through a lawyer who assured her all was in order.  The day before this picture was taken, without warning, the Israeli army came with their large machines giving her only one-hour notice to remove what they could.  She was devastated!  She is holding a 300,000 NIS note that needs to be repaid. 

 Picture taken from a poster. 

Below, as it now appears.

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The huge machine that left these tire marks was made in USA.  

An EA from the prior team saw spent canisters of munitions stamped USA.

Prayers are important!

I am asking God to help me as I learn more about our government's foreign policy.  Seeking wisdom to find out what needs to change so USA policy will be just according to God's word.  

Let's pray for discernment since we will answer for what we say, do and do not do.

"Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers."

We also processed an incident report on the neighboring home that is owned by an elderly man. We processed an incident report.

 He also was devastated emotionally and financially by this destruction.  This was the third time that his home wash demolished.  He pointed out the previous foundations.

Please notice the proximity to settlements.  The problem from settlements continues; more on that as I gain knowledge.

Examples of Demonstration Attended on Friday

Non-Violent Demonstration at Al Ma'sara

Each Friday we go to the village to provide presence for non-violent protest.  At Al Ma'sara they try to make different presentations or new ways to demonstrate every time. The demonstration could last from one to two and a half hours.  We will generally meet demonstrators at the cultural centre in the village and walk behind them through the village to the crossroads where the demonstration culminates. 



However, this week we were told to wait at the top of the hill, near the crossroads.  We monitor this demonstration; we do not participate.  EA's always stand at the back, and this role is appreciated by the organizers in the village. We take note of the number of demonstrators, soldiers, police and army vehicles, as well as recording the narrative in the weekly log. We take photographs of the demonstration and any incidents.  

The theme of this weeks demonstration were issues related to prisoners.   

A group of youth chained themselves together as they walked to the demonstration. 

During the demonstration a child of about 10 was blindfolded and chained symbolizing the many preteen and young children that are being arrested.  I did not get a good picture, but he is on the ground in front of the "chained" youth in a red jacket.

The leader of this ongoing protest met with us after and explained the grass-root efforts to developing non-violent networks for education and peaceful just peace activities. 

Flare Up Event

On the way back to our apartment we came across an incident that was happening up a hill from the road we were on.  We stopped, but tear gas was already being used.  Our dedication is to nonviolent resolution so we did not remain at this site.

Cremisan

I also had the privilege to attend a mass that takes place every Friday.  It is led by Roman Catholic priests with the seminarians from Beit Jala.  It takes place on a hill under olive trees on the way from Beit Jala to Al-Walaja, and it is a protest against land confiscation for the separation barrier and for the settlement.

I found this service very touching. As the Priest holds up the bread and the cup, the settlements of “greater Jerusalem” are visible in the background.

There are different proposed paths for this enormous wall that is being built through the church's property.  One proposal separates the convent from the school, another proposes a path that will keep the priests from their agricultural pursuits.  I am not sure of the other, but according to international law, both the settlements and the wall are illegal. 

Wall Prayer Walk Every Friday

This demonstration takes the form of a prayer walk along the separation wall led by the Franciscan Nuns from the Caritas Baby Hospital and the La Salle Brothers from Bethlehem University.

 It was my joy to walk and pray with those who gathered for this non-violent demonstration against the wall and the occupation.. 

First Day in Bethlehem

Monitor Checkpoint 300

The first day in Bethlehem started very early.  Only a very small percent of Palestinian people get ID that allows them to go to Jerusalem.  The workers start their journey to Jerusalem very early because they cannot be sure how long it will take; they want to be sure to get to work on time.  By 4: AM when we arrive the line is often backed up. 

If The Palestinian workers could walk, it would take less than an hour.  However, the soldiers who run the checkpoints hold up the checkpoint line and there are times that it takes more than an hour to get through the checkpoint.  Even if the line remains open, if there is only one of the four metal detectors running, the times are greatly increased. 

Part of my responsibility will be to record how long it takes to pass through, how many pass through each hour during “rush hour” and notify a hot line when the check point stops for no apparent reason.  The flow at these very busy times is 600 plus people every half hour.

The army staffs the metal detectors that everyone has to go through.  The police according to one of the EA’s on team 47 seem to be those who make some of the decisions on certain situations at the checkpoints. 

Friday I found out what the private police do, more about that on Friday’s note.  I am finally getting a chance for some computer time, using Sunday in Jerusalem to write this information about Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Not being able to travel freely in their country, not being able to plan their schedules because their time to and from depends on what the occupiers decide is a very frustrating part of how the occupation is being handled.

As checkpoint duty ended, I was introduced to Ray; he is a volunteer from Pennsylvania.  He and his wife are volunteering with Bethlehem Bible College.  He does such things as make runs into Jerusalem for the mail. 

Ray and his wife will be leaving soon, but might come back.  However new rules imposed on those who are helping Palestinians will limit him to life only in the West Bank, no more going to Jerusalem to pick up the college’s mail.  This American like the Palestinians would not be able to visit the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.  If fact if he became ill, he would need to obtain a special permit to go into the hospital in Jerusalem.

Walk to Manger Square

Team 48 did some bonding and we walked to Manger Square.  Pictured here standing in front of the Church of the Nativity.

We had lunch on the square at Afteem Restaurant.  The poster tells the story of Mr. Saliba Salamelt.  In 1948 during the takeover over 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their home.  Several went to neighboring countries but some, like this man were displaced, from their home cities, but were able to stay in Palestine.  Mr. Salamelt started a small bakery and named it after his eldest son

We had lunch on the square at Afteem Restaurant.  The poster tells the story of Mr. Saliba Salamelt.  In 1948 during the takeover over 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their home.  Several went to neighboring countries but some, like this man were displaced, from their home cities, but were able to stay in Palestine.  Mr. Salamelt started a small bakery and named it after his eldest son

Afteem.  It is now a very good restaurant on Manger Square.

The frying is done outside.  George, on the right, is the grandson of Afteem.

We had a wonderful meal, many traditional types of food.  I will update you with the names of the various dishes in the photo, but not now because there is just too much to learn!  They were all delicious.

Monitor School Dismissal

Being a protective presence at schools is a huge part of what we do.  The United Nations has a special program just starting now, Access to Education. 

At the times the children leave school, the military always shows up so that the children must pass them on their way home.  This area is very near a settlement.  I will send more information about the background and issues of Settlements another time.  EAPPI talks with military explaining the purpose of our presence.

It was so fun to see the students and I had a wonderful conversation with some of their teachers as they waited for their transportation home.  

The students in very clear English asked, “What is your name.”  We interacted with many children, what a joy! 

It was sad to see them have to cross and walk along such a busy road.

Shortly after the students came out of school, a problem started from across the street.  A tire started burning in a field across from the school. 

I for one was very glad to see the last of the children getting into their very crowded transportation.

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Our official presence assignment was now over. 

Meanwhile across the street, we more military arrive.  The decision was made to leave.  Because we had another appointment, to visit Battir, did not stay.  It did appear that an incident was about to erupt.

 

 

 

 

Battir

We visited Battir a village in our Bethlehem area.  They face many problems and I will update you later, because I have decided to take one of my days off as soon as the guesthouse is opened.  We spent three hours hiking around this area.  The natural spring has been running providing water for the farmers in this area.  The guide told us much of the amazing history of this area and the current rebuilding going on even in spite of the many restrictions imposed.

The Palestinian people have cleared debris of years and in this photo a recent landslide.  Notice the lemon tree.

This village was on a rail line and was considered the vegetable basket Jerusalem until 1948 when Palestinians were no longer allowed to ride the train.  The story of the train and its involvement in the history of the village has many chapters for another note.

There is a lot of water from the local spring with ancient ways of getting it to their land.  Including ancient ways, some evidence of roman aqueduct ruins.  

I drank where the Romans drank.

We walked through this area for about three hours through all kinds of agriculture.

The farmers are allowed to use the water for their crops; five percent is used for their crops.  The other 95 percent goes to Israel.  The local Palestinians are required buy back the water for their personal use.

It was not easy walking, but an amazing experience

Please pray for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. 

Jerusalem to Bethlehem

I am recapping yesterday’s events, Wednesday, April 17.  It is 8: AM, Thursday, already “home” from our first check point duty 4: AM to 6:30 AM.  I will tell you more about that later.

Wednesday was filled with excitement because it was the day we were to go from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.  In the morning, we were briefed on important security and cultural issues. 

Receiving my EAPPI vest was a very emotional event for me.  This vest is our identity while here.  Yes, I have on three layers and was still cold 62 degrees and the wind made it feel like Michigan.

From our hotel to catch Bus # 24 for Bethlehem was about a six-block walk.  I was glad Steve, EA from team 47 offered to wheel my large suitcase. 

Even with this vest on, we, like the Palestinians, have no rights.  We are under military law.  This became very evident on our ride on bus #24 to Bethlehem.  Armed military came through the bus and checked everyone’s ID.  There was a noticeable change in atmosphere, as tension filled the air.  No one was taken off the bus, but one person who had been waiting for the bus was not allowed on.  I am glad Steve, from team 47, was on the bus when this happened to us, he talked us through the incident.  The Palestinians deal with many different enforcers. 

The bus stopped at the wall; from there we walked through the wall and into Bethlehem.  There are no security checks coming into West bank. 

Another six block walk and after climbing a steep hill, we arrived at the beautiful front yard of our new “home.”

Team 47 our hosts and trainers are from four different countries.  They are Jenny and Rachel from Ireland, Anne from Germany, and Steve from Canada.  

There had been another team member, Merta from Finland.  For some reason, unknown to her, she had been given only a two week visa at the airport when she arrived.  During here first two weeks here she applied for an extension.  She was not given an extension at that time, but was given an appointment for a hearing in a month and half.  At the hearing, even though there would have been only three weeks left for her to complete the program, her visa was denied.  She was given only one week to get out of the Country.  No explanation for the denial was given.   

On a personal note, I now have more cats now than my sister, Molly, does.  The our house has a cat, Cleokata.  Five Kittens arrived not long ago.  Cleokata comes up from the field for food, but has not brought the kittens with her yet.  She allows us to look at them from over the fence.

Team 47 provided a wonderful candlelight dinner for us

This entry is really all about Wednesday.  It is now Thursday 9:42 PM.  I have been on the walk since 4: AM.  I have decided to tell you all about Thursday in another entry that I hope to create in the morning, Friday.  Our first event is at 9:30 AM Friday morning instead of 4: AM as it was today. 

When you see the post about all I did today,  you will wonder how I even had the energy to push send for this one.

Your prayers are needed and appreciated.

Blessings,

Randie

Tour in Jerusalem

The team was led on a Tour through Jerusalem by George, one of two current EA's from USA.  He has Jerusalem as his placement and has been here almost three months.

We went to places that we will need to know about, such as the bus stops, post office and police station. 

We were in West Jerusalem and today was one of Israel's national holiday; the 65th anniversary of the beginning of the country.       

 Below you can see that the streets are in three languages.  

George did let us tour the old city.

We were on tour, not shopping.

The Pyramid is made out of spices at this shop

To get a visual and audio feel of the old city play the video below.

Pray for Peace in Jerusalem!

Nelda's Service in Mission

Nelda and I met at the cross-cultural training for the Individual Volunteer in Missions of the General Board of Global Ministries.  It was held June, 2012, in Louisiana at a United Methodist Retreat Center.  Nelda is standing right front wearing the stripe top. 

The program I am now serving through suggested having “go to” person in the states.  It is an answer to all your prayers and very clear to me that it is at God’s direction that Nelda is filling this important position. 

During my preparation period, Nelda sent many emails of encouragement and prayers.  Below is her email prayer sent to me in Washington DC.

Randie,

I want to pray (again) with you this morning. This time, let's pray and agree for your safety of travel!

Lord Jesus, Randie and I come before Your presence in prayer again this morning to pray for the safety of her travel.  Lord, we pray for each and every step in this long journey.  Lord we ask for "traveling mercies." Lord, we pray that each vehicle, which transports Randie, will be of Your choosing.  Lord, we ask that Randie be delivered from any and all things and all people that would hurt or harm her in any way.  Lord, may there be no setbacks, no delays unless You send them in order to protect Randie from being in danger.  Lord, on the planes, may Your protection and safely and Your comfort and rest provide Randie a safe and pleasant transport.  Lord, bring people across Randie's path that You send. Keep her from evil in any form: germs, contagion of any kind, injury, mishaps. Lord, cover Randie's bags and belongings. Send these personal items with her so that she will have and possess the physical things she has so carefully chosen.  Lord, give Randie Your favor. Lead her into the company of people who can and will help her. Lord, may Randie see and feel Your miracle working power as each step unfolds according to Your plan. Lord deliver Randie from evil.  May she accomplish all You are sending her there to do. We pray in the mighty power of Jesus Christ, our Lord!

I sent an email back, with a huge “Amen” in my heart!

A Special Weekend

It was a joy to have my son and his wife, Ed and Gale, visit for the weekend before I left for Jerusalem. We attended a departing dinner and the send-off service at church.

Ed and Gale are on my right.  Pam directly behind provided a wonderful Departing Diner.  Other friends in this photo are John, left, and Bernie, in back.

Of course when Ed and Gale visit, they bring my grand-dogs, Solo and Cory.  They have been with us for about nine years, but I cannot tell you which is which.  The is our Christmas portrait from 2012.


The joy of friends and family is a pleasure I am taking with me on my journey.

A Very Special Part of a Wonderful Weekend

Randie’s journey into mission has been a signal event in the life of our congregation.  She has helped us become more aware of the world and it’s needs, has involved us in her learning, invited us to share in supporting her, and inspired us to live more fully in God’s way.  We wanted her to feel our love and support as she sets out into this exciting and unknown future.  A send out ritual was a way for us to do that.  It expressed our desire to walk with her in spirit as she goes. 

The ritual began with anointing. I anointed Randie’s hands with oil making the sign of the cross.  I recalled the nameless woman in Mark 14:3-9 who anointed Jesus and challenged her to go and do as she did being extravagant in her caring.  Then I anointed her forehead in the name of the Christ, whose body she and all of us are, challenging her to go and do as he did; being infinite in his ability to give and receive compassion.

After the anointing the congregation gathered around her as she knelt and we laid hands on her as I sang the following blessing adapted from a song by Debbie Freidman called “L’chi Lach”:

L'chi lach, to a land that I will show you

Leich l'cha, to a place you do not know

L'chi lach, on your journey I will bless you

And you shall be a blessing, 

You shall be a blessing, 

You shall be a blessing l'chi lach.

L'chi lach, on your journey we'll go with you.

Leich l'cha, and our prayers will pave your way.

L'chi lach, may you feel our love surround you.

And you shall be a blessing, 

You shall be a blessing, 

You shall be a blessing l'chi lach.

We love you Randie!  Go with God. 

Dianne Doten Morrison

Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church