Today we went to a village of 2,000 in the West Bank and worshipped with three different churches: Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical. I was able to attend to Greek Orthodox service and although the words were all in Arabic, the beauty of the symbols and people spoke clearly. It was also amazing to learn that the church is one of the oldest in the Holy Land.
After services ended we all met back at the Orthodox church and listened to the Abouna, Arabic for Reverend father. He told us about his life in the small town and the experiences of his flock living under occupation. His heart was clear: We love the Jewish people of Israel, but we suffer under the government's policies of oppression. Later in the day we learned about how those policies include the government pumping water off the Palestinian land (which is internationally recognized) and into Israel and then sold back to Palestinians at a rate much higher than it is sold to Israelis.
The heart of Jesus could not have been more clear in the Abouna: Jesus calls us to love all people at all times.
Next we met with the Catholic Abouna who told us more about his experience and perspective on the occupation. We spoke over lunch and then were taken to a small micro-enterprise in town that is supported by our host organization. This small business allows the young men of the town to bolster the economy and make a positive contribution to the village and surrounding areas. Many of us bought their product and can't wait to try it out.
Some of the young men then took us to see the settlement that is being built on their land. The olive tree that is their livelihood has been uprooted and the old main road connecting this village to others has been blocked. We could see the bulldozers and other massive equipment creating the new settlement. As we sat near the remaining olive trees we were told that even though these tress are on their land the people are only allowed to gather the olives for two hours a day during harvest time. The government claims this is for security reasons.
We saw many more people and had many more conversations today, but they are too many to recount.
I will say that the most amazing statistic I heard today was that tens of thousands of Palestinians make their way across the wall (which in some places is a wire fence) every day. They do this to go to work and provide for their families. The question is then: How can someone claim the separation wall is the reason for success in preventing suicide bombings? The more likely explanation is that Palestinian leadership called for an end in terrorism seeing that it was not successful and only brought them more suffering. The call for an end to suicide bombings was officially stated in 2005. The wall has been going up since 2002 and is not yet finished. The bombings did not begin a significant decrease until the call for an end to this type of violence occurred within the Palestinian people. Is this a wall of protection or a wall of intimidation?
Note: These are questions posed by the writer and are not official statements of the ECCC. The vague nature of this post is intentional in order to not cause un-intended consequences for the people we met.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Saturday in Jerusalem and Bethelehem
We were off and running today. Actually, it was a lot of walking, but we kept at a brisk pace.
Our day started on the Mt. of Olives where we could look out over the Kidron Valley at Jerusalem. Here we spent time under the shade of olive trees considering Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the tears he shed for the city. (Luke 19)
Our group then moved down the hill to Dominus Flevit and the Church of all Nations. Next we crossed the valley and took the steep hill up to Jerusalem. We stopped at the pool of Bethesda where Jesus told a man to take up his mat and walk. This is one of the few places that can be clearly defined as THE spot where something from scripture happened. Other holy sites are approximations. We read from John 5 and sang in St. Anne's Church.
I'm moving quickly now because the part I really want to write about was at the end of this long day.
We went from St. Anne's to the Via Delorosa and walked past the stations of the cross. The stations end at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church leaves people with various impressions. Some are disturbed by the sense that it has become like a clanging symbol due to the ostentatiousness, conflict among priests and denominations, and the tourist factor. It can also be a place where people here the still small voice of God and where they encounter the risen Christ.
We went from there to an amazing meal of hummus and pits and salads.
Our afternoon stop was spent at the Garden Tomb. The contrast between the Garden Tomb and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is astounding. One is chaotic and fill of messy conflicts among Christian groups. The other is peaceful, quite, and meditative. We took a brief guided tour showing us the potential crucifixion site and tomb. Our group participated in communion and spent time sharing our own confessions of participating in systems of power or our hate for them. This is an issue that will continue to arise this week as we delve more into the issues surrounding the Israel/Palestinian conflict.
For me the most significant portion of the day came next. We left Jerusalem by bus and headed for Bethlehem. Our group was invited to a family night and supper at our host's church. On the way we stopped to hear the story of a woman name Claire.
Claire's family lives in an apartment above a gift shop that was once on a main road through town. The shop and family did very well there until one day soldiers came and built a wall surrounding the house on three sides. Think of a U-shape with a house stuck in the scoop of the U. The home is cut off from all traffic that normally would bring income to the family.
This is one of the many issues that Claire and her family have faced. The stories she told us are horrific but not all of them can be published. You can hear a small portion of her story by watching this 60 minutes video: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7406228n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox
We left Claire's and ended the day at a church watching Palestinian children play games and eat pizza. Some of our group joined in on the games and made friends with the kids.
It was a long, but good day. There is more awaiting us on Sunday.
-Julia S.
Our day started on the Mt. of Olives where we could look out over the Kidron Valley at Jerusalem. Here we spent time under the shade of olive trees considering Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the tears he shed for the city. (Luke 19)
Our group then moved down the hill to Dominus Flevit and the Church of all Nations. Next we crossed the valley and took the steep hill up to Jerusalem. We stopped at the pool of Bethesda where Jesus told a man to take up his mat and walk. This is one of the few places that can be clearly defined as THE spot where something from scripture happened. Other holy sites are approximations. We read from John 5 and sang in St. Anne's Church.
I'm moving quickly now because the part I really want to write about was at the end of this long day.
We went from St. Anne's to the Via Delorosa and walked past the stations of the cross. The stations end at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church leaves people with various impressions. Some are disturbed by the sense that it has become like a clanging symbol due to the ostentatiousness, conflict among priests and denominations, and the tourist factor. It can also be a place where people here the still small voice of God and where they encounter the risen Christ.
We went from there to an amazing meal of hummus and pits and salads.
Our afternoon stop was spent at the Garden Tomb. The contrast between the Garden Tomb and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is astounding. One is chaotic and fill of messy conflicts among Christian groups. The other is peaceful, quite, and meditative. We took a brief guided tour showing us the potential crucifixion site and tomb. Our group participated in communion and spent time sharing our own confessions of participating in systems of power or our hate for them. This is an issue that will continue to arise this week as we delve more into the issues surrounding the Israel/Palestinian conflict.
For me the most significant portion of the day came next. We left Jerusalem by bus and headed for Bethlehem. Our group was invited to a family night and supper at our host's church. On the way we stopped to hear the story of a woman name Claire.
Claire's family lives in an apartment above a gift shop that was once on a main road through town. The shop and family did very well there until one day soldiers came and built a wall surrounding the house on three sides. Think of a U-shape with a house stuck in the scoop of the U. The home is cut off from all traffic that normally would bring income to the family.
This is one of the many issues that Claire and her family have faced. The stories she told us are horrific but not all of them can be published. You can hear a small portion of her story by watching this 60 minutes video: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7406228n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox
We left Claire's and ended the day at a church watching Palestinian children play games and eat pizza. Some of our group joined in on the games and made friends with the kids.
It was a long, but good day. There is more awaiting us on Sunday.
-Julia S.
Friday, August 16, 2013
First day, new trip
The second ECCC sponsored trip to Israel began today with flights from Canada, the US, and even Australia. We are partnering with a major Christian charity to see the Holy Land and to engage in the issues that mark his land.
There isn't much to say for this first entry except that this blog will not be identifying who we are meeting with on a daily basis throughout this trip. This is to protect those who regularly serve in areas where they face political, social, and religious risk.
More to come from Israel and Palestine.
There isn't much to say for this first entry except that this blog will not be identifying who we are meeting with on a daily basis throughout this trip. This is to protect those who regularly serve in areas where they face political, social, and religious risk.
More to come from Israel and Palestine.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Wrap-Up and Take Away's
Our last day began more slowly with our first stop being "The Garden Tomb". It is an easy 10 minute walk from the hotel so it was a day with only walking involved.
The Garden Tomb is run by a British Society and as you may expect is a series of beautiful gardens around the site they feel is "The Place of the Skull" near where Jesus was crucified.
After the explanations by our guide Martin we gathered to share together in Communion. A focal point from Scripture was the verse (Mark 16:8) which is the "shorter" and most likely true ending of Mark. It seemed to fit well the sense of tension, unanswered questions and bewilderment that any group will experience when trying to put together the conditions faced by our Palestinian and Arab Christian friends and the fact of the Holocaust which helped propel the State of Israel into existence.
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
The Resurrection had happened. It was announced to them by the Angel. The tomb was empty but their world was spinning. So too, more than once, was ours.
Interestingly we were sent to "Area C" in the Garden Tomb complex. It wasn't lost on some that our trip introduced us to Area A, Area B and Area C in the West Bank. Area A is where the Palestinian Authority has Security and Civil control (less than 12% of the entire West Bank area). Area B is where Israel controls Security and the PA controls Civil issues and Area C is where Israel controls both Civil and Security issues.
The Garden Tomb is a place for reflection and much silence. Enjoy some of the things we saw:
One final word. After reflecting on some of the group that had a 4am Delta affiliate flight and another part that had an 8am United Flight (we are 50 minutes from the airport and you MUST be there 3 hours in advance for security) The Canadian contingent plus Victoria from Chicago are pretty happy with the sweet Air Canada Flight 085 that leaves after 1pm! Leisurely breakfast followed by loading up at 9am; it doesn't get much better when you are facing a 12 hour flight.
Peace/Salaam/Shalom
The Garden Tomb is run by a British Society and as you may expect is a series of beautiful gardens around the site they feel is "The Place of the Skull" near where Jesus was crucified.
After the explanations by our guide Martin we gathered to share together in Communion. A focal point from Scripture was the verse (Mark 16:8) which is the "shorter" and most likely true ending of Mark. It seemed to fit well the sense of tension, unanswered questions and bewilderment that any group will experience when trying to put together the conditions faced by our Palestinian and Arab Christian friends and the fact of the Holocaust which helped propel the State of Israel into existence.
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
The Resurrection had happened. It was announced to them by the Angel. The tomb was empty but their world was spinning. So too, more than once, was ours.
Interestingly we were sent to "Area C" in the Garden Tomb complex. It wasn't lost on some that our trip introduced us to Area A, Area B and Area C in the West Bank. Area A is where the Palestinian Authority has Security and Civil control (less than 12% of the entire West Bank area). Area B is where Israel controls Security and the PA controls Civil issues and Area C is where Israel controls both Civil and Security issues.
The Garden Tomb is a place for reflection and much silence. Enjoy some of the things we saw:
One final word. After reflecting on some of the group that had a 4am Delta affiliate flight and another part that had an 8am United Flight (we are 50 minutes from the airport and you MUST be there 3 hours in advance for security) The Canadian contingent plus Victoria from Chicago are pretty happy with the sweet Air Canada Flight 085 that leaves after 1pm! Leisurely breakfast followed by loading up at 9am; it doesn't get much better when you are facing a 12 hour flight.
Peace/Salaam/Shalom
Friday, May 17, 2013
Sloshing through Facts, History and Water
Today marked the last full day of our study tour. We began early this morning on the south steps that were excavated in the 1970's. Many of the places we go are either commemorating events from the life of Christ or they are restored places. These steps, carved in the bed-rock of Jerusalem are the same steps that Jesus would have walked on as he headed to the temple.
From there we worked our way around to the Western Wall (also called the Wailing Wall) and viewed the growing numbers heading into the day Shabbat begins. It is also a spot where you can see the close proximity of the Jewish and Muslim faith.
We took a quick 20 minute stop at the ShoraShim Biblical Art Store. Moshe, who emigrated from Toronto is one of the owners. He is a theological teacher of Judaism and provided a great deal of insight into the Jewish perspective on the Scripture and also on living in the land (normally we try to stay for at least 40 minutes or so but you do what you have time for). Check out their website:
http://www.shorashim.com/
From there it was off to Yad Vashem, the Holocost Museum. Words really can't describe the artifacts and information contained in that place!
http://www.yadvashem.org/
While digesting the morning we enjoyed time at The Eucalyptus Tree Restaurant. The Chef (another Moshe) uses the biblical foods and spices in his menu's and the result is incredible.
http://www.the-eucalyptus.com/welcome
Finally, we hurried to the City of David and walked through Hezekiah's Tunnel. Since we were the last group to go we had time to enjoy the most unique 40 minute walk through a tunnel carved through the bedrock during the time of King Hezekiah to bring water into the city during time of war.
http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/en/virtual_tour/hezekiah’s-tunnel-city-david
Tomorrow we will celebrate Communion together at the "Garden Tomb". We are observing the way folks wind up their business in advance of Shabbat, enjoy time in the hotel during Shabbat and then we will see the celebrations and "coming to life" of the Jewish section of Jerusalem tomorrow evening as Shabbat ends.
From there we worked our way around to the Western Wall (also called the Wailing Wall) and viewed the growing numbers heading into the day Shabbat begins. It is also a spot where you can see the close proximity of the Jewish and Muslim faith.
We took a quick 20 minute stop at the ShoraShim Biblical Art Store. Moshe, who emigrated from Toronto is one of the owners. He is a theological teacher of Judaism and provided a great deal of insight into the Jewish perspective on the Scripture and also on living in the land (normally we try to stay for at least 40 minutes or so but you do what you have time for). Check out their website:
http://www.shorashim.com/
From there it was off to Yad Vashem, the Holocost Museum. Words really can't describe the artifacts and information contained in that place!
http://www.yadvashem.org/
While digesting the morning we enjoyed time at The Eucalyptus Tree Restaurant. The Chef (another Moshe) uses the biblical foods and spices in his menu's and the result is incredible.
http://www.the-eucalyptus.com/welcome
Finally, we hurried to the City of David and walked through Hezekiah's Tunnel. Since we were the last group to go we had time to enjoy the most unique 40 minute walk through a tunnel carved through the bedrock during the time of King Hezekiah to bring water into the city during time of war.
http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/en/virtual_tour/hezekiah’s-tunnel-city-david
Tomorrow we will celebrate Communion together at the "Garden Tomb". We are observing the way folks wind up their business in advance of Shabbat, enjoy time in the hotel during Shabbat and then we will see the celebrations and "coming to life" of the Jewish section of Jerusalem tomorrow evening as Shabbat ends.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Friends!
We began our journey today by heading to the church that commemorates the account of the 10 Lepers, 9 who were from Israel and 1 from the despised land of Samaria. We spent time reflecting on how it would feel to be a leper or one like a leper who was cut off from others.
We experiences a strong spiritual challenge by a group of Christian leaders to join them - to get our hands "dirty" by standing with the "forgotten brothers and sisters" of the Holy Land. It is as if they have become Samaritans or Lepers to many in North America.
Yeah, food is a common occurrence here and the feast served up at the Ali Babba Restaurant (really, no kidding that's the name) was phenomenal!
Probably the highlight for most was the chance to meet some new friends, to see the smiles of children and to get soundly defeated in Soccer by a group of players that were shorter and less in number!
We experiences a strong spiritual challenge by a group of Christian leaders to join them - to get our hands "dirty" by standing with the "forgotten brothers and sisters" of the Holy Land. It is as if they have become Samaritans or Lepers to many in North America.
Yeah, food is a common occurrence here and the feast served up at the Ali Babba Restaurant (really, no kidding that's the name) was phenomenal!
Probably the highlight for most was the chance to meet some new friends, to see the smiles of children and to get soundly defeated in Soccer by a group of players that were shorter and less in number!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Shavuot and Pentecost in Jerusalem
We were originally scheduled to head to view a World Vision project today. As it turns out it is Shavuot (50 days after Passover - Originally a time of giving the first-fruits of harvest but also to commemorate the giving of the Torah to God's people ... Also the day of Pentecost for Christians) and there were going to be some protests along the area we were to travel to so we did a change up and came to Jerusalem.
Below is the Western (often called Wailing Wall) around 8am today awaiting the huge crowds that came to celebrate Shavuot.
Our guide likes to say, "The most difficult place to negotiate is the middle east, and the most difficult in the middle east is Israel, and the most difficult in Israel is Jerusalem." You walk three minutes up a ramp to get to the "Temple Mount" (site of the Dome of the Rock) and then from there you proceed less than ten minutes to the path Jesus took to the cross.
Lunch was at Jacob's Pizza near the Jaffa Gate. If you are in the area our group would highly recommend it; make sure you give the Feta Vegetarian a try! Part of the trip is aimed at supporting Christian business people like Jacob - he is a cousin to the President of Bethlehem Bible College...It really is a small world over here!
If you ever wonder about the concept of forgiveness take another look at the life of Peter. This sculpture puts his denial of Christ into great clarity. Of equal clarity is the reinstatement we read about when Jesus gives him the charge to "feed my sheep" by the shores of Galilee after the resurrection.
And finally, coming from a place where road construction is constant during the non-winter months it is almost inconceivable to think of a section of road that is 2000 years old. I'm pretty sure the pot-hole kingdom of Winnipeg wouldn't have road remnants from the present 200 years from now!
If you really like this please send one dollar - not really but it appears that is the price for about half the items you can buy along the street!
Below is the Western (often called Wailing Wall) around 8am today awaiting the huge crowds that came to celebrate Shavuot.
Lunch was at Jacob's Pizza near the Jaffa Gate. If you are in the area our group would highly recommend it; make sure you give the Feta Vegetarian a try! Part of the trip is aimed at supporting Christian business people like Jacob - he is a cousin to the President of Bethlehem Bible College...It really is a small world over here!
If you ever wonder about the concept of forgiveness take another look at the life of Peter. This sculpture puts his denial of Christ into great clarity. Of equal clarity is the reinstatement we read about when Jesus gives him the charge to "feed my sheep" by the shores of Galilee after the resurrection.
And finally, coming from a place where road construction is constant during the non-winter months it is almost inconceivable to think of a section of road that is 2000 years old. I'm pretty sure the pot-hole kingdom of Winnipeg wouldn't have road remnants from the present 200 years from now!
If you really like this please send one dollar - not really but it appears that is the price for about half the items you can buy along the street!
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