Another full day of rich experiences. Traveled south of Hebron to an area where David hid in a cave from King Saul. Heard from a Jewish settler passionately tell of his vision to reclaim the land to fulfill God’s promises to the Jews using force and violence when needed against their Arab neighbors.
Someone has said, “There are two lessons learned from the Holocaust. One Jew is convinced never again shall this type of suffering and persecution happen to anyone. A second Jew is convinced that a Jew without a machine gun will be killed.” It is clear which camp these Jewish settlers are in.
We then visited a neighboring Palestinian village and heard examples of how Israeli settlers are robbing them of their land, freedom, and human rights. But instead of fighting back with violence or running away, they are finding creative ways to respond with non-violence. Walked with members of the Christian Peacemaker Team to a field where shepherds watching their flocks have been beaten, threatened, and falsely accused. Heard a personal story how an Arab man came to his convictions of nonviolence from his mother who had been beaten by Israeli soldiers. Discovered the men of this village are now training other villages to respond with non-violence. Violence only gives the Israelis a further excuse to attack. Discovered anew the power of the non-violence of Christ.
Then walked the streets of the old city Hebron which has been occupied by Israeli settlers. We walked a street that used to be a busy market street and is now vacated. Instead Israeli soldiers and machine guns watch our every move from the top of buildings and armored military vehicles slowly pass by us examining us. Walked through entry points controlled by Israeli soldiers with machine guns and watched as Palestinian young men were scrutinized by the soldiers. Exited the street, turned the corner and entered a hustling and bustling market street full of life and people.
Visited the tomb of Isaac and Rebekah and Abraham and Sarah. Traveled back to our home in Bethlehem once again deeply stirred. Spent an hour debriefing and then returned to our host family.
Every day has been an unbelievable day with so many experiences to process. Thank you God for this opportunity and please bless the people of this land of intense conflict with great peace.
Bless my brother who is a Jewish settler with the power of your love and help me to be as passionate about your way of non-violence as he is about violence. Bless my Palestinian brothers and sisters with courage to continue to practice non-violent resistance. May these dear brothers and sisters somehow learn to live in peace. And give us all discernment and wisdom how we can become your instruments of peace and light in this part of the world.
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