Monthly Archives: September 2012

“I cannot sell my mother,” Omar tells us through our translator. “Home has a different meaning here in Palestine ~ Home is the tree, the land, the people ~ our ancestors, our history, our memories.” Two weeks ago we visited … Continue reading →

What does it mean to resist? Every Friday our team participates in three very different activities, all of which, for the people here, are forms of resisting the illegal occupation of their lands by Israel. One of the current issues … Continue reading →

Or was it? … Yesterday I was working on another post, but then this morning happened… September 20, 7:45 AM: I leave the Jerusalem side of the checkpoint where I have been standing since 4:00 AM. I make my way … Continue reading →

This is a story about a beautiful little school in a poor village called Khan Al-Ahmar not far from Jerusalem. Part of what makes this school special is that it is made out of old car tires and mud! It … Continue reading →

It was 3:40 AM on Wednesday, September 5, as I prepared for my first checkpoint duty at Checkpoint 300 ~ the main checkpoint into Jerusalem for the entire southern part of the West Bank. This is a 24-hour checkpoint that … Continue reading →

The incoming Bethlehem Team 45 and the outgoing Bethlehem Team 44 have spent the last 3 days in an intense time of living and learning together. Our “mentors” in Team 44 are from Finland, Norway and Switzerland. Team 45 added … Continue reading →

No smile, no questions, no hassle from the officer in booth #30 ~ just a long look at my passport, and then the stamp!  The standard 3-month visa was granted.  Just like that!  But I had been prepared for questions, … Continue reading →