Yesterday we had a tour of Augusta Victoria Hospital, an LWF hospital and were inspired by the work they do. We also saw the geriatric ward that is being paid for by CLWR and CIDA. The director was most appreciative of our Canadian contributions. There is a plaque with a Canadian flag on the wall in this area.We had a very tense day today. We travelled to Hebron which is a highly conflicted area. There are about 400 Israeli settlers in a mainly Palestinian community. The army is everywhere, with plenty of checkpoints. There were some anxious moments when we had to go single file through some of those checkpoints, just as every day, most Palestinians have to do. A member of the world council of churches EAPPI team had to accompany us everywhere we went as well. We are housed in Beit Jala, right next to Bethlehem, at a place called Abraham’s House.
Augusta Victoria Hospital
Looking east from Augusta Victoria Hospital
Tonight we had a wonderful meal with ecumenical leaders in Bethlehem. Tomorrow we are off to the Church of the Reformation. We will attend worship then have a meal with a local family. It has been difficult to have much conversation with local people. We are kept tightly ordered in our groups and no one is encouraged to separate from the group. It will feel like freedom.
We also had a tour of a mosque in Hebron today. In 1992 29 people were killed by an Israeli during worship. This is a very honoured place for the local people and we were honoured to be in their place of worship. We saw the tomb of Abraham and Isaac within the mosque as well.
Please continue to pray for us as we travel and learn with our Israeli, Palestinian and American colleagues. Two questions are often asked here- Where is God? and Who is my neighbour? These are questions for all of us, so it is a wonderful experience to be in this context and talk about such things together.
Thanks for your prayers. We’d love to hear from all of your too.
Peace to all.
Elaine and Rick
