Another full day. Left Nazareth early this morning and traveled through the Jordan valley to Jericho and then to Jerusalem. Passed many very important locations but do not have time to write about it now. Our days have been full from early morning until about 10 p.m. every day, so very little time to write.
Had a very meaningful worship experience this morning with Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem. Went to Mount of Olives by the MCC office and residence, looked down on the Old City of Jerusalem, and other special places Jesus walked.
Relived the history of the Jews at the Jewish Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem this afternoon. Was surrounded by large groups of young Israeli soldiers who were visiting the museum as part of their training. Deeply impacted by the struggle, suffering, and oppression of the Jews by occupation, limited movement, confiscation of property, cut off from surroundings and source of livelihood, humiliation, poverty, relinquishment of citizenship, and mandatory expulsions. Amazing how these same things are being repeated today to the Palestinians.
Heard about the violence occurring in Gaza strip. Talked with someone who lives 20 KM north of Gaza and woke up this morning at 4 a.m. to hear rockets overhead on their way to Gaza. Amidst all of the hatred and violence, Israel and Palestine is one of the safest and kindest places I ever visited. We walked around in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and now Palestinian markets in Jerusalem carrying a camera and did not need to be afraid.
Tonight, listened to an Israeli and a Palestinian share how they are promoting reconciliation from the bottom up by getting people to talk with one another on both sides. Had a time of debriefing and am now ready for another night of sleep. Staying in the Muslim quarter of Old City Jerusalem.
Only three more days in Jerusalem and then we head back home with so much to process.
Blessings,
Ron
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