It's been a busy day. But a great one. We visited Wiam Palestinian Conflict Resolution/Transformation Center, Alrowwad Cultural and Theatre Society, Aida refugee camp, Manger Square, Church of the Nativity, Shepherds' Field, and met with Dalia Eshkenazi of "The Lemon Tree," which is an awesome (and true) double biography set here. I will elaborate and share about all of these as the trip progresses and the pieces come together, but for now I will share about the day's most impactful visits and sights: Aida and the separation wall.
Separation Wall
In my 7+ years of studying this conflict/region, I have seen countless photos of this wall. I have heard how it snakes in and out of the West Bank; cutting people off from their land, friends, and families; allowing Israel to expropriate land; and on and on. Despite my familiarity via photos, seeing it in real life was nothing short of surreal. It is huge. And an ever-present reminder of this belligerent occupation.
It is a wall of imprisonment.
However, our friends and partners show amazing patience and grace in its shadow. From this wall, the IDF just last week sprayed their infamous "skunk water" (Google it!) At the children on Wiam's playground. Yet they do not hate. Usama could not cross the check point with us today because he is Palestinian. Yet he does not hate.
Aida Refugee Camp
Aida is one of three refugee camps in and around Bethlehem city. It has about 5,000 residents, the majority of whom are under 18 and, therefore, do not know life elsewhere. These refugees represent over 30 Palestinian villages that were either destroyed or "cleansed" during Israel's war of independence (or the "Nakba" in Arabic, meaning "catastrophe) in 1948.
Aida stands in the shadow of a large Israeli settlement. Settlements are illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention, yet there are approximately 750,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Like the wall, the juxtaposition of these settlements, refugee camps, and the wall, is a harsh reminder of the enduring injustice in this place. Usama called these "the unholy trinity."
Aida is crowded, devoid of green space and trees. But it is a neighborhood, and people live their lives there. Our friends at Alrowwad provide a library and cultural center for Aida's residents. There are seeds of hope and change growing in the ugliest of places.
I have a lot to learn from these peacemakers. I hope that others will learn with me.
Separation Wall
In my 7+ years of studying this conflict/region, I have seen countless photos of this wall. I have heard how it snakes in and out of the West Bank; cutting people off from their land, friends, and families; allowing Israel to expropriate land; and on and on. Despite my familiarity via photos, seeing it in real life was nothing short of surreal. It is huge. And an ever-present reminder of this belligerent occupation.
It is a wall of imprisonment.
However, our friends and partners show amazing patience and grace in its shadow. From this wall, the IDF just last week sprayed their infamous "skunk water" (Google it!) At the children on Wiam's playground. Yet they do not hate. Usama could not cross the check point with us today because he is Palestinian. Yet he does not hate.
Aida Refugee Camp
Aida is one of three refugee camps in and around Bethlehem city. It has about 5,000 residents, the majority of whom are under 18 and, therefore, do not know life elsewhere. These refugees represent over 30 Palestinian villages that were either destroyed or "cleansed" during Israel's war of independence (or the "Nakba" in Arabic, meaning "catastrophe) in 1948.
Aida stands in the shadow of a large Israeli settlement. Settlements are illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention, yet there are approximately 750,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Like the wall, the juxtaposition of these settlements, refugee camps, and the wall, is a harsh reminder of the enduring injustice in this place. Usama called these "the unholy trinity."
Aida is crowded, devoid of green space and trees. But it is a neighborhood, and people live their lives there. Our friends at Alrowwad provide a library and cultural center for Aida's residents. There are seeds of hope and change growing in the ugliest of places.
I have a lot to learn from these peacemakers. I hope that others will learn with me.
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