A sober note about the future

On our last day in Israel we met with Jeff Halper, director of ICAHD (Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions). A former citizen, Halper formed ICAHD in 1967 to work for an end to the occupation by focusing public attention on the illegal seizure of palestinian houses by the Israeli government. Since 1967 Israel has demolished over 25,000 Palestinian homes in order to expand settlements, build Israeli only roads, and erect a wall that imprisons Palestinians and cuts them off from their farmland, other Palestinian villages, and the rest of the world.

When we asked Jeff about the recent visit of Netanyahu to the US, he said Netanyahu's public repoach of President Obama and the enthusiastic reception by our Congress to Netanyahu's speech delighted radical Israelis and dismayed those working for peace in both Israel and Palestine. In his opinion, the peace talks are essentially dead - and his government has been given permission to continue the occupation and confiscate more Palestinian land making a viable, contingent Palestinian state impossible.

With such a future ahead for Palestinians, aparteid or revolution are the only possible outcomes...unless world opinion begins to hold Israel accountable.

God save us.
Bonnie Van Overbeke

Heading home

At the airport toasting the trip with the bar tender Elad who befriended us!
Bonnie Van Overbeke

A burning bush, a holy place

St Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai is the traditional site for the burning bush as well as the place where God gave Moses the 10 commandments.

This morning we were awoken at 12:45 for a walk up Mt. Sinai for a chance to see the sunrise at the top. We rode camels under the night sky which was filled with stars (think Van Gogh's Starry Night).

About 2/3 of the way up we got off the camel and walked the rest of the way-750 steps - to the top for an awesome view of the sun as it rose in the sky. It was an amazing experience!
Bonnie Van Overbeke

Up to Mt. Sinai

The group went up Mt. Sinai - a spectacular experience caught in these photos by Eugenia Sherman Brown.

Into Egypt

Driving in Egypt along the Gulf of Aqaba, the 5 star resorts were deserted- a result of both the economy and the revolution which made travelers from other country fearful. At Mt Sinai, there were a tenth of the usual number of pilgrims that come to this biblical spot - which means hard times for local guides and camel drivers. We have not found it to be at all unsafe and hope tourism will come back as the country stabilizes it's new democracy.
Bonnie Van Overbeke

The starkness of St. George's Monastery

This monastery overlooks a desolate landscape sometimes referred to as the valley of the shadow of death. The group is perched on the ridge looking over the scene.

Oh what a day !

I rose this morning in East Jerusalem at the National Hotel, where I experienced the finest hospitality of any hotel in my life. By mid-morning we stood on a rocky desert rise in the Wadi Qelt overlooking St. George's Monastery - stunning beauty in deep geographic isolation. To Know God. I imagine at St. George's one may flee the noise on the outside and begin to quiet the noise on the inside. Amen. Perhaps someday I may visit this remote community.

A desert whirl followed.....the Qumran caves where a Bedouin boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls and Masada where ancient Jews chose death over slavery. In the afternoon, we took a frivilous float in the Dead Sea. Tired, sweaty, shekel-less, and happy, I arrived in Eilat. After dinner, a shower, good conversation and an ATM, I remain tired and happy......but not so sweaty, and my coffers are restored. I have so much to be grateful for. Tomorrow....Egypt.
With love from the travelers,
Eugenia Sherman Brown

We are part of the problem

We met with Nina Mayorek (center, arms on table), a Jewish woman who moved to Israel from Poland when she was 19, married, had three sons, and got her degree in biology. Over the years she became involved in organizations that worked with Palestinians eventually joining Machsom Watch, a woman's organization that goes to checkpoints to call attention to the mistreatment of Palestinians by Israeli soldiers.

Her message to us - that in order for things to change, our government needs to stop supporting the occupation - made us realize that we are part of the problem and that until we hold money hostage to our official position against the continued expansion and building of settlements, the Israeli government will not stop. And unless the Israeli government stops building settlements on Palestinian land, a solution to the conflict is not possible.

The response of the US Congress (j.e. standing ovation) to Netanyahu's s speech was hugely discouraging to Israelis working for peace.
Nancy Baumgardner

Up to Masada

Our group went up Masada after hearing the story of the rebels who escaped Jerusalem after the destruction of the temple in 67CE.
Bonnie Van Overbeke

Ah, modesty

Wearing wrap around skirts given to us to wear for modesty sake at the Church of Mary Magdalene.
Bonnie Van Overbeke

The sycamore tree

When we stopped in Jericho to see theis sycamore tree, we all broke into song, singing "Zacchrus was a wee little man..."
Bonnie Van Overbeke

Good friends in Bethlehem

Over the years we have made friends with shopkeepers in Bethlehem like this man who sells scarfs. It is the Palestinian way of doing business to offer coffee to customers - so it is a win win situation. Free - and good- Arabic coffee and a new scarf!!
Bonnie Van Overbeke

Along the Jordan River

No - they did not all get baptized again. But they did get to be part of the scene where many people enter the Jordan River.

Glorious day in Jerusalem

This morning Pastor Bonnie led us down the Mount of Olives.

We remembered Jesus teaching us to pray, "Our Father, Who art in Heaven....." And weeping over Jerusalem, longing to embrace her like a hen gathers her chicks.

We saw the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalen with its gold onion domes. A stroll along the Old City walls, then to the Western Wall with the Jewish families at prayer.

A delectable lunch for hungry travelers....not a day goes by without hummus.

After lunch, free time exploring the Old City. Saffron, a scarf, a rug, a necklace, zatar. Pomegranate juice by Damascus Gate, and a walk to the Garden Tomb.

A glorious Jerusalem day! We gathered for worship and communion before dinner. Then said goodbye to three of our group heading home tonight. Traveling mercies to Hildy, Agnes and Glen.
Eugenia Sherman Brown

Dalia Landau's story inspires travelers

We met with Dalia Landau in her home. What a powerful story she has to tell about her life and her struggle as a child of holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel out of desperation and fear - and moved into an Arab home in Ramla.

As a teenager three young men came to her home asking if they could see the lemon tree their father had planted when they were children. This encounter led to a changed life for them both.

One of our group asked Dalia what price has she paid. To which she answered, "I lost my innocence that day.". As the song goes "sometimes I wish my eyes hadn't been opened..."

Read The Lemon Tree to get the full story!

Bonnie Van Overbeke

Inside sacred places

With our guide Hamat Abutash, we were allowed inside the Dome of the Rock and Al Aksa Mosque - a rare honor for non Muslims. From outside and in, they are beautiful holy spaces with a rich history.

Our guide emphasized over and over that it seems all people want to live in peace more than our governments seem to want it to work to make it happen. We believe in the same God. We respect each others traditions. In fact, we share many of the same prophets and sacred places.

Enshallah. God willing. Peace will come.
Bonnie VanOverbeke

A place of peace - with 60 MInutes

Today we went to the Tent of Nations, an olive tree farm atop a mountain south of Bethlehem on the way to Hebron. The Nassar family has owned this farm since the 1860s. It sits on prime real estate that the Israels want- but the Nassar family will not leave. With the help of internationals, they have not only continued to farm the land but develop a safe site for people of all religions to come and talk together about their lives and their hopes for peace.

When we arrived, the 60 Minutes crew was there to film a story about this piece of land!! They asked us to be part of the taping!!!! Bob Simon led the program and asked questions of our group! What an unexpected experience! It will not be on until September - and of course, will be edited a lot - but it was our 10 minutes of fame!
Bonnie Van Overbeke

At the Madison Room!

Here we are at Dar al Kalima College in front of the Madison Room, built by funds donated through Bright Stars by people in the Madison area, especially those associated with Memorial UCC's Bethlehem Partnership. What a thrill!
Nancy Baumgardner

Ancient technology

Aquaduct through which water from Soloman's pools in Bethlehem flowed into Jerusalem more than 2000 years ago. Ancient technology at it's best!!
Ed Reid

Ah, falafel

Lunch at our favorite falafel shop in Bethlehem.
Bonnie VanOverbeke

The group at Christmas Lutheran

Here we are just after church on Sunday - all operating with various amounts of sleep. We rested with the sounds of the desert winds and woke to the call to prayer and roosters. We are from Wisconsin, Virginia, New York, Maryland, Georgia, and Iowa - and 5 denominations.
Nancy Baumgardner

A call to prayer in Bethlehem

Nancy, Jeff, and I - along with the rest of our group - are in Bethlehem. Happy- and tired! Slept well with windows open - woke to the call to prayer at 3:30! Prayed and rolled over to sleep.

Went walking the streets of Bethlehem this morning. Talked to our scarf man - and listened in to the worship at the Church of the Nativity and are now off to church with our friends at Christmas Lutheran Church.

We'll pray for you. Say a prayer for us.

Salaam
Bonnie

A dozen days discovering living stones

When our group of 15 travelers on May 20 flies across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean to the vibrant lands of Israel and Palestine, we will begin an exploration of people and places that contain the origins of Christianity and the realities of a conflicted world. We will see ancient holy sites and meet people on the front lines of creating hope in the midst of daily struggles.

The exploration will begin in Bethlehem, the city honored as the birthplace of Jesus. A gathering place there will be Christmas Lutheran Church, our partner church for Memorial United Church of Christ and the Southwest Wisconsin Association of the UCC. Our group will join people there in worship on Sunday morning, May 22, will tour the ancient church of the Nativity as well as the stark wall that isolates Bethlehem from Israel. We will meet with Rev. Mitri Raheb, the pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church and learn about the amazing ministries he has inspired there as they visit schools, a health and wellness center. We will tour a refugee camp in Bethlehem where generations have lived since Israel was formed out of the lands of Palestine in 1948.

Then we will head to Hebron, one of the flash points in clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers. It is the place honored as the burial place of the prophet Abraham, the patriarch of the three great faith traditions that live in this land.

On Wednesday we will be in Jerusalem, visiting sites in the Old City including a guided visit to the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall of the old Temple and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Some in our group will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, then meet late in the afternoon with Dalia Landau, one of the central characters in the powerful book, The Lemon Tree, that tells the story of the hopes and conflicts in Israel and Palestine through the stories of Dalia and an Arab man named Bashir.

As Thursday dawns, we'll head up to the Galilee region, stopping at the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beatitudes, the village of Capernaum and the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes, ending the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Later we'll visit Nazareth.

The next day, we will go back to the story of the divisions that tore apart communities as Israel was formed in 1948. We'll visit Biram, the home town of Archbiship Elias Chacour, where Arab Christians were driven out of their homes.

On Saturday in Jerusalem, we'll have breakfast with Nina Mayorek, a Jewish woman who goes to Israeli checkpoints to be a witness to what happens there. We'll go up the Mount of Olives and have dinner in Jerusalem before some of our group goes to the airport for a trip back home.

The rest of our group will go on to southern Israel across three deserts, seeing the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Masada and the Dead Sea itself, ending at Eilat at the southernmost tip of Israel. Then it's on to St. Catherine's Monastery on Mt. Sinai in Egypt.

Back in Jerusalem at the end of the trip, we'll meet with representatives of Israeli groups working for justice and peace in this troubled land.

Stay tuned. There will be lots of good stories to tell.