Jerusalem
Photo Credit: Dawn
Are we ever really “ready” or “set” for what life places in our path? But ready or not, we can choose to open to what presents itself ~ Here I am, send me! ~ And so I find myself in Palestine and Israel for two months, providing interim staff support for the East Jerusalem EAPPI office and team support to Bethlehem, Hebron, and South Hebron Hills. I join EAPPI in thanking the United Church of Canada for their unflagging commitment and continued support of this important work. It is good to be here.
EAPPI Group 58
Total Number of EAs Now Over 1,600
Photo Credit: Dawn
When I arrived late last week, the outgoing Group 57 consisting of 23 EAs was winding up their last few days in their placements ~ the incoming Group 58 with 30 EAs was completing their training near Bethlehem and about to be launched. And no one would have predicted that this level of ongoing violence would erupt as it has. Yet again, the status quo on the ground has shown that it is unsustainable ~ that it must change. Even if the current wave recedes, this cycle will only recur and ultimately spin out of control unless the root cause ~ the occupation~ is addressed.
Bethlehem ~ Behind the Separation Barrier
Photo Credit: Dawn
I was in Bethlehem the day that Abdelrahman Obeidallah, a 13-year-old boy from Aida refugee camp, who was returning from school, was shot dead by Israeli soldiers ~ a bullet in his chest. Killing after killing, one supposedly answering the other ~ and no one seems to ask why. In the international media, the context is either missing or skewed. Yet deep down we know that violence answered with violence only results in more violence. Increasing the pressure in the pressure cooker only insures it will explode ~ Everyone who is killed is somebody’s son or daughter ~ Every death is tragic ~ Every life is precious.
A Light in the Dark
Photo Credit: Dawn
In these next months I will resume my blog, sharing both my experiences and the stories of those among whom I live and who are all in one way or another impacted by this cruel, inhumane military occupation.
I invite you to journey with me…
4justpeace 
We are there through you. Dawn. We are grateful for your presence on this Thanksgving Sunday. We continue to pray for peace, act for justice.
Thank-you for your blog. Gratefully appreciated, even though the stories are sad. I am at a loss to remember who is writing this, so could you please tell me who you are if you don’t mind.
Sent from my iPad
>
Hi Dawn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you again as you are in Palestine and Israel trying to help in an almost hopeless situation. I am so glad that there is still the hope and effort to find a solution to this inhumane situation, that there are people like you who give of themselves.
Be safe
Iris
Thank-you Dawn for the message; it is bitter sweet. I am grateful that you were ready and willing to assist with the EAPPI staff support in Israel-Palestine. Your wisdom, knowledge, understanding of issues and your passion for justice are some of the wonderful gifts you being. Your presence on the ground brings me hope. Your presence grounds the people you meet and engage in hope.
Go well and safely, Dawn. I’ll look forward to your blogs and send all good eastward daily.
Hi Dawn thank you for your faithful witness and courageous presence
Thanks, Dawn for doing this work. My prayers are with you.
Sending love and prayer and copious blessings for you and your fellow travellers. Be strong and know that we are all rooting for you, the cause and justice. xoxox
Hi Dawn,
Great to read your blog and know we are getting a more accurate account of what’s happening in this troubled land. Positive vibes and best wishes are being sent your way as you do this important work that you are so passionate about. Keep safe! Hoping to see Nancy this week.
Hugs,
K
Dear Dawn,
May you feel the shadow of many wings upon you as you journey again in Palestine and Israel. Blessings, my friend.
Marian
Thanks for your blog, Dawn. I know what you write is true; if only it were
not necessary for you to be there. Will they ever learn? Keep well and stay safe! Hugs, Mieke
Dawn, you go for many of us who long for an end to the violence and a just and lasting peace. Thank you for including us in your journey..
It is easy to give thanks that it is not us that are caught between cultures and stagnant religious beliefs but that really only reinforces our cornucopia of plenty and furthers our detachment from the brokenness of our world. How are the Palestinians and Israelis acting out on our stage the dysfunction that is also ours. I do not wish to destroy the joy in our thanksgiving but wish a little sober thought. I am grateful you are there and that my church is doing its little bit, no matter how small it may seem. Every drop of water becomes an ocean and I have seen enough change, I believe that the conflict will pass and the light will shine brightly tomorrow.
I search for what I must do and we continue to buy and use as we did for our thanksgiving meal the Palestinian oil… blessings and peace…
Stay safe, Dawn. These are dangerous times. We know your passion for justice and peace are needed here more than ever.
new moon
Thank you, Dawn, for painting the picture of what you are finding around you. It is deeply moving. Yes, I journey with you. love, Carolyn
Greetings Dawn,
Thanks for keeping me informed about life in Palestine and Israel – from your perspective!!! I do admire your constant care for both the people of Palestine and Israel. It is such a difficult situation with such tension between the two groups, and I cannot help but feel for the abuse the Palestinians continue to receive. I even try to consider how I would respond if I were a Palestinian.
I think of you every day and wonder how things are going for you.
Just to let you know that I have a new email address marlinbetty@shaw.ca
Betty
I’ve been away for awhile so I’m just getting caught up on email and your blog posts. I appreciate your dedication to this justice work and the education I receive from your posts. Take good care of yourself. My thoughts are with you.
Lori