A Pilgrim Diary
The last word
Some of the thoughts and images that have made the biggest impact on me are listed here in the order that I've thought of them ...
The Palestinians have been warm and friendly, and this is just walking down the street. People were welcoming - a smile, a "Hello", particularly in the refugee camps. The Jews on the other hand have appeared very aloof, very western.
Hearing about the injustices makes me angry.
Litter and dust and pushy street sellers.
Cars and vehicles driving about always seem impatient, a wonder there aren't more accidents to vehicles or pedestrians.
With all the houses and shops built on and over one another (in Jerusalem), if there was an earthquake, the consequences don't bear thinking about.
Israel has always been stronger in every way - political, economical, military, PR, etc. Israel is a European first world country, the Arabs don't know how to organise economically, politically or militarily. Most Israeli citizens don't see Palestinians, they are in the background. Don't want to know.
Palestine is a corruption of Philistine, or so the Settler claims. This may or may not be true.
The settler PR man kept saying "In my view" and "As far as I know" suggesting, to me at least, a blinkered view.
Israel makes itself out to be the victim and victims can't be held accountable.
With the peace process in Northern Ireland, the war in Kosovo, are we now going to finally do something about peace and justice in the Holy Land ? Somehow I doubt it.
The overwhelming message that came from the Christians is simply "Thank you" ! Thank you for coming over to see. They were greatly encouraged to see that Christians from other countries do care, do want to know, do want to help - even if all that involves is going out to visit and say "Hello" to them !
Until I hit upon the idea of publishing my diary I felt very powerless, I wanted to do more than just say hello. What I had forgotten was that I have a voice, and so have you. If having read my diary you feel that you would like to do something but don't know what, then the following are some suggestions :-
You have a voice, use it, tell people about my diary, encourage others to find out for themselves
You can write to your MP, might even be able to e-mail them.
You can write to the Prime Minister, I think we all know his address !
Go on a trip to the Holy Land, and meet the local people - you'll find them most amenable.
Get in contact with some of the organisations and individuals mentioned in my diary.
But remember prayer does work (Assuming you're a Christian). Pray for Peace based on Truth and Justice for all. It's what our brothers and sisters have asked for.
Last day Details of Institutions and Organisations mentioned