West Bank Blogging

Making signs in the bus on the way to Jerusalem, finally leaving the Negev.

The Chords Bridge.

One of our first views of the city.

A metal wall around the construction site of the Museum of Tolerance, being built on a Muslim cemetery.

Yup, we're in the Jewish part.

Bethlehem Checkpoint.

I think the flowers really gives the checkpoint that homey touch.

Past the checkpoint.

Not much car traffic.

In Beit Sahour.

Yes, I asked permission.

Fungus getting to work.

As usual, the kids ate up the clown act.

These kids warmed up immediately.

Hmm...look like any other children to me.  Even Jewish.

This little one was a bit shy.

Mom wants a pic of Fungus.

At the AIC offices.

An academic named Elise gave impassioned testimony about what it's like to be a woman under occupation.

Sat with Nassar at lunch after our briefing.

The illegal settlement of Har Homa, built on what was once a forested mountain where Nassar was born.

Heading back to Jerusalem.

Indeed, this is central to Nassar's point.

I understand Gazan children have "forgotten how to play."  East Jerusalem and West Bank is a bit better off.

Beneath a car dealership in Jerusalem near Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood where Palestinians are being evicted.

Some of these folks were evicted from their home in March, where they'd lived since the 50s.  It's a family that one of our leaders had been helping before expulsion--I need to check some details, but will report back.  Their experience was similar to one reported last year.

This woman's family is one of 28 on a list of evictions--the Israelis tend to do them 1 or 2 at a time--she served as a translator during an impromptu meeting.

I need to get his name and that of the women below.

"But they're smiling, so must not be suffering!"

I got audio of our discussion.  When asked what gives her strength to stay smiling in such conditions: "Allah."

It's magic.

"See, they have electricity, so why are they complaining?"

Their tent is in a lot just below their former home.

Don't know if this is one of the settlers who moved in.

Probably kicked out a Palestinian cat.

Nassar described the wall as "a snake around our necks."

Shu'fat refugee camp.

Israelis blocked the sewers for "security reasons" so waste stays in the camp.

The only place to fly a kite, on top of a crumbling building.

More to come...

ntodd