I once again set out for Palestine. This time though I was going to enter via Jordan which I heard was easier security wise. The first leg was a night flight from Toronto to Amsterdam with a stopover in Iceland. In Amsterdam I booked into a hotel to get some rest. Then a shuttle to airport for a flight to Amman, Jordan which had a nine hour layover in Cairo, Eygpt. Once in Cairo, I found an earlier flight to Amman so changed the ticket. However that put me at the Amman airport at one in the morning with no place to go. And the bridge to Israel would not open until seven a.m.
After about an hour, I went out of the airport and spoke to a young man about going to the bridge which would be more than an hour drive. He said he would take me and also wait with me there since there was no where at the bridge to sit, etc. So we left picking up some coffee nearby and then by four he took me to a restaurant and paid for breakfast. Then off to the bridge and we got there around five a.m. so a long wait. He put his seat back and slept and I also tried to get some shut eye. I had told him I could wait alone but he would not hear of it. And he just charged the $35 dinars as agreed. There were other people there early including two young people from Italy.
So at seven we could finally go into the first part of the bridge where we waited some more. The Italian girls had done this before and so let me know I had to fill a form and go to a man in a booth to get it stamped. After that, we waited some more. Then another man at another booth stamped the paper again. Then someone collected the passports. Finally we could get on a bus which we had to pay for. (I could have swam across the Jordan River faster than this). Then finally to the other side? I expected to see the river but did not. Just mounds and mounds of dirt. We lined up at customs but when it was my turn, only one person was open and he just took my passport and asked one question and I was good to go and get my visa.
Once back outside, there were vehicles to take us places so I got a ticket for Jerusalem. The small bus stopped near Damascas gate so that was good. I thought to go to Bethlehem right away but decided that I would get some sleep and try Ecce Homo Pilgrim House. would get some sleep and try Ecce Homo Pilgrim House on the Via Dolorosa. I checked into Ecce Homo and opted for a dorm room in a section that had a shared bathroom since they were less expensive. There were very few guests since many tourists had not returned. The views from the area where we could sit were expansive and impressive. I was able also to join in on the Sabeel study in the evening via zoom.
After the first day, I decided to stay another night since I had been coughing and wanted to be fine before heading to the SHHs. During the daytime on Friday, I took the bus to Bethlehem and walked to Wi’am Conflict Resolution Center. The director was not there but an employee was and he was there to meet with Joyce who came at about the same time as I did. Joyce Penfield had been with the solidarity group that Omar Harmany was leading and I knew some from Canada had been part of it. She talked about her work in Cambodia and had written the book: Before You Die, Plant a Tree: Practical Lessons for Peace Building from Cambodia. Joyce mentioned that some from the group were staying a few extra days at Bethlehem Bible College. Then a quick lunch and the bus back to Jerusalem. (the bus costs about $2 cdn).
I got up late the next day and after breakfast, left for Bethlehem. I decided to stay at House of Hope. There I was the only one in the guest house. Sami was there and recognised me from last year. It was last Nov. that I had breakfast with the director and also sitting in his office when the man who had interviewed Franklin Graham came in. Graham is president of Samaritan’s purse and was there to give to Israel. Of course nothing for Palestinians in Gaza. Also he mentioned their support of Trump and that Trump was being persecuted. I had trouble keeping my mouth shut but showed great restaint.
Also last year, none of the buses were running from their usual places. Barriers were everywhere then and I had to take a taxi to an area in Beit Jala and walk past a barrier and then wait for the bus which were not running as often.
On Sunday I went to Lutheran Church. I had contacted Rev. Munther Isaac and he let me know the service would be by their cemetary – which they do once a year. It so happened it was a three minute walk from House of Hope. You cannot see it from the road since it is behind a large building.
When I walked into the building where the service was being held, Debbie came up to me and said imagine having to come to Palestine to see you!. She was an EA at the same time as I and is from BC. With her were two men and the one is from St Catharines and goes to Grace Mennonite Church. They had been with the solidarity group also and stayed a few days more to visit more places.
On Monday morning I finally left for Yatta via Hebron in a mini bus. There is no schedule but the bus leaves when they are full which is seven passengers. Inexpensive. I arrived at Abed’s home in Yatta. His wife, Sausan and four boys make me feel welcome and like part of the family. I had lived next door to them when an EA. I was disappointed to find out there are still no EA team for SHHs – not since being pulled out last October. It seems like they leave when they are still needed. I understand though since the organization would be held responsible.
The day after I arrived, we went to Susiya where Abed is from and many family members sitll live including his father. Unbelievable what people have to go through so settlers or soldiers do not see. The back dirt rocky road and the long walk over rough terrain and all the time Abed scared that the soldiers will see and take his car. He only puts in enough gas so that money is not wasted if they take the car so he had not put in a lot of gas. There was a plastic bottle with some gas in it by my feet in case he ran out. Then the long walk hoping settlers do not attack. Always being in fear.
While in Susiya, I walked with Ahmed, Nassar’s son. Nassar, Ahmed and Eid who is from Um Al Khair were recently in the US to talk to some from the Congress and also at some other venues. Ahmed said the best part was when they were in a church and Muslim, Christians and Jews were there together .He also spoke about no rights for Palestinians – that Israel controls everything and life is hard. They are not allowed an airport for example and have to go to Jordan. In the video below, tells of a recent incident when soldiers came at 3 am looking for someone.
We were served lunch. As many who have been to Palestine know, their hospitality and sharing what they have is second to none.