I have been in Bethlehem for several days reflecting on some of the questions and challenges that I have heard from those who love me the most back home. I have prayed about and written my responses to these concerns.
What I am doing in Palestine. My time in Palestine is focused on two things; collecting stories of how the occupation has affected the life of Christian Palestinians and the work of the church, and through the work of the Christian Peacemaking Team in Hebron, standing as a witness and support for those who are resisting occupation through living normal lives.
What I am not doing in Palestine. I am not in Palestine to contribute to the ‘Arab Spring’. I am not here to commit acts of civil disobedience or non-violent protest. These are movements that belong to this land, and this people. They are not mine. I am not here to share my Christian beliefs with those who believe otherwise. I am not here to expand or change my own belief system,but will remain open to meeting God in new ways. I am not offering myself as a martyr for any cause, but cautiously discerning through prayer and community how God may show his desire for life and love through my words and actions.
Why Palestine? The holy land of Israel/Palestine is sacred to all of the Abraham traditions, and foundational in my identification with Christian tradition. This sacred land is home to people who have suffered much for their nationalities or religion. I believe that religion can be distorted for evil, but is most naturally a force for good in the world. As a Christian I believe the love of God can work through people to begin to bring justice then healing to this land. Palestine is just one of the many troubled regions around the world for which Christians can bring light. Palestine happens to be the land that speaks to me and to which I feel called. Just as all our fingers are different, so are God’s people.
Why not move here? As I have said, my work in regards to Palestine is not only to support life here, but to return home and share with my community, church and seminary the affects of the US supported Israeli occupation of Palestine. My life’s work (the vocation to which I am called and have been training for) is to serve in The Episcopal Church as a Priest and begin a family with Joshua, my *almost* husband.
Aren’t you scared? Yes, I am scared. Cycles of violence are not always predictable or logical. I proceed cautiously trusting my Christian brothers and sisters who know this land and situation to guide me.
Why bother risking your safety, you aren’t going to change the situation or save any lives? The work for peace is slow and often seems against the odds. My time here will result in more personal transformation than logistical support for anyone’s life under occupation, but it is this personal transformation (of those who will see Christians differently by their work here and the witness I will bring home) is how the beginning of non-violent revolution begins.
Christian Palestinians are suffering under Israeli occupation. Israel is suffering, in terms of compromising their own humanity by maintaining the occupation. No one is winning from this situation of which the United States plays a major role. Advocates for peace, whether they be Muslim, Jewish or Christian face a daily struggle of living with this occupation. Normal life for Palestinians is an act of resistance for which solidarity and support of the international community extremely beneficial. Accompaniment is one way of offering this support.
I believe God has uniquely prepared us each for a cause, to bring in the Kingdom of Peace that has been offered to us through Christ Jesus. For me the precarious work of walking with those who are oppressed is a task for which God has called and equipped me (through faith, ability and the support of my own community). God has given us life in the Light of Christ, not to hide it away for safekeeping, but to bring light to the dark places of this world. This light (through accompaniment) may bring some hope to those living under the shadow of the occupation. This work is not always safe, easy or comfortable, but either was the path of Jesus our teacher and guide. Judgment of our actions is for God alone. We each discern as best we can what is from God, from fear, from ego and from pride.
Another form of support for Palestinians is the work of awareness. Traveling to Palestine, collecting stories and pictures in order to share the conditions and changes in Palestine with people back home is one way of giving voice back to the Palestinians as their voices have been strangled under the occupation. My work from this trip will continue when I return home to my community, church and seminary to share what I have seen and heard from our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
I have been in Bethlehem for several days reflecting on some of the questions and challenges that I have heard from those who love me the most back home. I have prayed about and written my responses to these concerns.
(Jessie Smith is a senior at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. She is from St. Andrew's, Tacoma and the Diocese of Olympia. This is Jessie's second trip to Palestine/Israel. She made her first trip with Sabeel, Colorado. You can follow her writings by going to http://therootofjessie.blogspot.com)
