Keith and I are interning with an organization with a mission, vision and value of peace.
Not the political peace that is constantly debated in the region, but a true and deep-rooted peace that is born in the hearts of individuals.
The Executive Director tells the story of his grandmother. His father grew up in Jerusalem, in a neighborhood with Jews, Muslims, and Christians. His father and other Christian and Muslim children would help their Jewish neighbors on the Sabbath by turning on their lights at night (which they cannot do, since they cannot work).
And so, the director does not believe that the conflict in the Holy Land is about religion, but about politics and commerce, using religion.
In 1948 his father's family had to flee their home in Jerusalem, and lived in a refugee camp in Bethlehem. And his grandmother made it clear to his father, and to him, and to everyone in her family, that they would not be a family that sought vengeance. That their family would always work for reconciliation and peace.
Not the political peace that is constantly debated in the region, but a true and deep-rooted peace that is born in the hearts of individuals.
The Executive Director tells the story of his grandmother. His father grew up in Jerusalem, in a neighborhood with Jews, Muslims, and Christians. His father and other Christian and Muslim children would help their Jewish neighbors on the Sabbath by turning on their lights at night (which they cannot do, since they cannot work).
And so, the director does not believe that the conflict in the Holy Land is about religion, but about politics and commerce, using religion.
In 1948 his father's family had to flee their home in Jerusalem, and lived in a refugee camp in Bethlehem. And his grandmother made it clear to his father, and to him, and to everyone in her family, that they would not be a family that sought vengeance. That their family would always work for reconciliation and peace.
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| Church of the Nativity |
Keith and I came just in time for the Bet Lahem Live Festival. This four day event focuses on culture, justice, and faith. In the morning there are conference style lectures on peace and non-linear leadership. Throughout the day, shops will open on Star Street. In the evening, artists, musicians, dance, and theater groups will perform on two stages.
Star Street is the original street heading into Bethlehem. It would have been the street Mary and Joseph used, or the wise men, and countless pilgrims afterwards.
In 2000, there were 98 shops lining the streets. Now, there might be 18. The 2nd Intifada has severely impacted tourism and commerce on this road. Today, the street seems abandoned. Lines of green doors are bolted shut. No one is shopping or socializing here. I cannot imagine what this festival will look like, or how we will pull it off by tomorrow.
Star Street is the original street heading into Bethlehem. It would have been the street Mary and Joseph used, or the wise men, and countless pilgrims afterwards.
In 2000, there were 98 shops lining the streets. Now, there might be 18. The 2nd Intifada has severely impacted tourism and commerce on this road. Today, the street seems abandoned. Lines of green doors are bolted shut. No one is shopping or socializing here. I cannot imagine what this festival will look like, or how we will pull it off by tomorrow.
Keith is in his glory. Event planning. Volunteer coordinating. Having opinions :-)
In the void of structure, by western standards, Keith has attracted a following of college students who hang on his every instruction.
Since Keith and I are older than the average volunteer, those in charge of the festival will give us general tasks, and ask us to figure out the details with the volunteers.
For example, we were asked to clear away some of the chairs in front of the stage so there would be room for dancing. Keith quickly envisioned a highly detailed arrangement of where to put chairs and where to leave aisles. Completely arbitrary, but the kind of thing task-oriented interns in a people-oriented culture crave.
When Keith ran to take care of something else, and it became evident that we had to do something with the extra chairs, I instructed the group to add one more row, to which everyone protested, citing Keith's exact orders. I need to learn to speak with his authority.
I was able to write a press release. That's more my niche.
In the meantime, I am in my glory, because I love to be surrounded by energy, people, food, music, and art. Should be a great event!
In the void of structure, by western standards, Keith has attracted a following of college students who hang on his every instruction.
Since Keith and I are older than the average volunteer, those in charge of the festival will give us general tasks, and ask us to figure out the details with the volunteers.
When Keith ran to take care of something else, and it became evident that we had to do something with the extra chairs, I instructed the group to add one more row, to which everyone protested, citing Keith's exact orders. I need to learn to speak with his authority.
I was able to write a press release. That's more my niche.
In the meantime, I am in my glory, because I love to be surrounded by energy, people, food, music, and art. Should be a great event!
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