Beit Lechem

a few days ago i had the opportunity to spend the day in bethlehem, and it was beyond worth it. i was able to experience another side of the complicated, inherently multifaceted issue between the israelis and the palestinians. i don't know that i'll ever have a handle on every side of the conflict as it's constantly changing and evolving, but venturing into the west bank was unforgettable, not least because to enter meant passing through a police checkpoint.

having spent the previous week and a half in israel, it was jarring to see pro-palestine apparel, signage and graffiti everywhere. 

speaking with our palestinian bus driver made me feel sad but hopeful. he reiterated the same sentiment that i've been hearing a lot lately, from everyone including my new friends in the IDF- that the people, the average people, on both sides, want and pray for peace, and that it's the extremists and the politicians who impede it. while this is an oversimplification of the situation, it's been interesting to hear the same words out of the mouths of people from all walks of life. 

aside from that, though, it was also fascinating to see the christian religious sites in the town. it's easy to forget, at least when the overwhelming majority of news from this area revolves around conflicts between the other two major religions, that this is also a holy place for christians- one to which thousands of people a year make pilgrimages. viewing jesus's manger was as crowded with forceful tourists as the mona lisa. 

once again, i don't have much wifi/much time. on monday evening, i arrived at the organic farm i'm working at. it's hard work but very rewarding. currently, i'm on a 24-hour sabbatical in tel aviv, using the free wifi at the (beautiful) museum of modern art. soon i'll be meeting up with some friends to hang out. i have to return back to the farm on the early side tomorrow, though, because the bus system stops running on shabbat- and in any case, shabbat on the farm is apparently absolutely lovely. 

until next time,

xo

m