Sierra Pacific Synod’s Holy Land Solidarity Pilgrimage - Day 6

Today we visited two inspiring sites: a local Lutheran School in Beith Sahour and the Tent of Nations, followed by stops at the Bethlehem Refugee Camp and the Walled Off Hotel. 

At the local ELCJHL school, we were welcomed by the Principal, who gave us a tour that included her joining the choir as they sang in the sanctuary. Currently, the choir is all girls, which I appreciated as a female pastor! The children are clearly learning Jesus’ teachings to love one another, forgive each other and care for all. One student who is 16 spoke to our group and said that he has to choose between staying home with family to study mechanical engineering or follow his dream to study physics and aerodynamics (which is a field of study not allowed for Palestinians.) The kids were adorable, and one little boy (age 6) skipped over to me and said, “Hello, how old are you?” I laughed and replied, “I am very old.”

At the Tent of Nations, a Palestinian son, Daoud, whose Christian family has held the land since 1916, explained that they refuse to be victims and hate, as they are surrounded by illegal settlements. “We follow nonviolent resistance because it is our Christian way of life.” Their slogan is: “We refuse to be enemies.” They stand up for justice, as they take their case to the highest courts. Healing therapy is working the land, Doud’s brother, Daher, explained, as he showed us baby trees sprouting to restore olive and almond trees. The Tent of Nations will plant a new olive tree for just $20 (see https://tentofnations.com).

“Peace should grow from the ground and up like an olive tree.” — Daher

— Rev. Barbara Foltin