Update from Chicago Office

Twelve members of the Israel/Palestine Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation arrived safely in Tel Aviv, Israel on March 18, meeting with several organizations as well as participating in an action outside of Bethlehem against the impending building of the apartheid wall. Their first few nights were spent in Beit Sahour, just outside Bethlehem, at a Greek Melkite Orthodox Pilgrim Guest House.

The team's first stop on Thursday was at Wi'am, then off to Holy Land Trust. At both of these organizations, the delegation learned about the many efforts on the ground to end the occupation. Both Wi'am and Holy Land Trust have very strong programs including a youth program where they teach non-violent reaction and techniques to thwart the ongoing conflict. On Thursday afternoon, the team traveled to Deheishe Refugee Camp. There, they toured the camp, ate dinner and heard stories of refugees raised in the camp. They also spent the night in the camp to get a better perspective of what it is like for the people who live there, many since the partition in 1947.

On Friday, the team visited the Reproachment Center, as well as took part in a march against the impending wall with several people, including many women. Palestinian Women were honored with red roses at the march, in front of Israeli soldiers at the blockade, because Mother's Day in Palestine is Saturday, March 21. The march was very short, and the team witnessed the frustration of the Palestinians first hand. The team felt very happy about the action, especially because there were no incidents of violence. The day ended with some free time, dinner, worship and the life stories of two delegation members.

Saturday, the team visited the school connected with Pilgrim House, and then drove to the apartment in Hebron. After settling in, the team had an amazing tour of the city of Hebron, seeing and learning first hand about the division between Palestinians and Israeli settlers. The town is literally divided, with walls, fences and checkpoints. To the delight of delegation members, they also visited Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as Tomb of the Patriarchs, where Abraham, Sarah and Joseph are all buried in a cave underneath the mosque. This mosque is also used as a synagogue and is a source of great contention among the people of Hebron. The delegation finished their day with a homemade dinner made by long time friend and neighbor of CPT, Zleekha.

It seems the most important aspect of the experience so far is hearing the personal stories of Palestinians, and the unending racism and oppression they face on a daily basis. The team heads to the other CPT place of peacemaking work on Sunday, in At Tuwani, a small village outside Hebron where members conduct school patrol and accompany the shepherds in the fields for protection. They will also visit the Bedouin who live in the area, and spend the night with village families.

Claire Evans
Delegation Coordinator
Christian Peacemaker Teams