I Never Want To Stop Learning

The second session of Palestine Summer Encounter is complete.  I said my farewells to the friends I’ve made and I’m now welcoming new friends joining us for the final session of the summer. 
 
In the last month I’ve grown close to my Palestinian host family, to the point that they now introduce me to everyone simply as their daughter.  A few weeks ago my mother came from Oklahoma to visit me for a few days; she was apprehensive to let me come for the summer, but after meeting my host family, she left comforted, knowing that I am in good hands.
 
A few weeks ago we took a weekend trip to Nablus, where we met with a group called Project Hope, an organization benefiting the children of Nablus.  They guided us around the old city of Nablus, stopped by a site where the movie Paradise Now was filmed, and visited a refugee camp.  We also enjoyed some of the Arab dessert called "Konafa” for which Nablus is famous.  One of the especially interesting points about the trip was visiting the church at Jacob’s Well, where Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink.  We met with the priest of the church, who told us that the church had been attacked several times by Jewish extremists.  We never hear about things of this nature where I live; media and politicians portray to us that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a religious conflict between Jews and Muslims and that Israel is always the victim, never the perpetrator.  Yet, one thing is clear to me.  The conflict is not about religion; it’s about colonialism.  Not all the participants in Palestine Summer Encounter are Christians, but I am a Christian and I wonder how many Christians in America who zealously support Israel know that it’s not only Moslems suffering under the occupation, but their fellow Christians as well.  On our way back from Nablus, we stopped in Qalqilia, a city almost entirely surrounded by the Separation Wall.  We met with the Deputy Governor of the city, who explained to us how the Wall prevents mobility and essentially imprisons residents, how citizens of Qalqilia can no longer access their agricultural lands, and how the Wall is in essence killing the local economy.
 
A few members of our PSE group chose to also participate in the First Annual House Rebuilding Camp, in which we rebuilt a house for the third time that had been demolished by Israeli military in the Al-Walajeh village outside Beit Jala.  The home had been demolished several times not for security reasons but because the house is too close to the Wall and to a Jewish settlement (although these are illegal under international law).  The home rebuilding was a partnership between the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and Holy Land Trust.  This was an especially positive experience for me, despite the hard work and hot sun.  I was seeing a tangible example of making a difference, and this visible offering of hope likewise gave me hope.  The family was so happy, so gracious, and it seemed that they never stopped smiling. 
 
Each weekend participants in Palestine Summer Encounter explore the geographical and political situation here.  For example, another weekend trip was to Ramallah, where we met with groups like Defense for Children International and Al-Haq. We learned about how the imposing settlements and the construction of the Apartheid Wall are affecting local economy, availability of education, and every other aspect of daily life.  We also visited the nearby Christian village of Taybeh, which included a stop at the Taybeh Brewery.  Their beer is amazing, and I'm disappointed to hear that I will miss their annual Octoberfest.
 
I have seen so many amazing and horrible things and met so many wonderful people.  If I’ve learned anything thus far, it’s that I never want to stop learning. With more Arabic lessons, volunteer work, and trips approaching, I’m looking forward to the remainder of the third PSE session.
 
JH, Palestine Summer Encounter 2007 Participant