Today is my last day (for now) in Bethlehem.
In most of this series of blogs I have talked about what the Israelis have done to the Palestinians and have perhaps not really focused on my experience with the Palestinians.
I will do this because yesterday I broke down emotionally. I have witnessed many bad things and emotionally I was on the edge. Yesterday a band pulled out of playing because two of its members had been killed by Israelis. I also saw a video of a guy getting arrested by the Israelis and his 5 year old son screaming.
When I heard about these I couldn't take anymore.
So today's blog needs positivity :-)
My favourite moment of the week was playing with the kids who had had their house knocked down. I was trying to teach them to juggle.
Another favourite was playing to an enthusiastic crowd in Palestine. These people know how to party and it was my pleasure to be able to bring some brevity to their challenging daily circumstances.
Seeing a community centre in Silwan being established despite the very real risk of persecution. Children here play sports and learn musical instruments whilst there are classes for women to learn how to make crafts. These guys had already had one community centre knocked down, but they still defy their oppressors. Such bravery.
My favourite 'tourist' moment was walking in the desert in the Kidron Valley. So peaceful with a view of the dead sea. Check out these pictures below...
In most of this series of blogs I have talked about what the Israelis have done to the Palestinians and have perhaps not really focused on my experience with the Palestinians.
I will do this because yesterday I broke down emotionally. I have witnessed many bad things and emotionally I was on the edge. Yesterday a band pulled out of playing because two of its members had been killed by Israelis. I also saw a video of a guy getting arrested by the Israelis and his 5 year old son screaming.
When I heard about these I couldn't take anymore.
So today's blog needs positivity :-)
My favourite moment of the week was playing with the kids who had had their house knocked down. I was trying to teach them to juggle.
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| Thanks to Julian Pugsley for allowing me to use this photo. |
Another favourite was playing to an enthusiastic crowd in Palestine. These people know how to party and it was my pleasure to be able to bring some brevity to their challenging daily circumstances.
Seeing a community centre in Silwan being established despite the very real risk of persecution. Children here play sports and learn musical instruments whilst there are classes for women to learn how to make crafts. These guys had already had one community centre knocked down, but they still defy their oppressors. Such bravery.
My favourite 'tourist' moment was walking in the desert in the Kidron Valley. So peaceful with a view of the dead sea. Check out these pictures below...
My favourite moment was developing a friendship with a Captain of the local police force. Rami wants me to bring my family to meet his family one day.
This experience in Israel has been many things. Hard hitting, fun, interesting, scary, silly and worthwhile.
It has been good to write down a bit about what I saw.
I go home grateful for my time here hoping that one day I will return.
Thanks for listening.
John
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