“Happening Now in Palestine” gathers daily reflections from the recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land by some members of our Diocese – stories, moments and insights that invite us to listen, learn and pray alongside those who travelled. You’ll be able to find a link to each day’s reflection below.
Day 1: Bishop Andrew
My plane arrived at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv in the wee hours of Nov. 26. Our flight was delayed by an hour. By the time I cleared customs and gathered my luggage, it was about four in the morning. Keep reading.
Day 2: The Rev. Canon Dr. Chris Brittain
The first full day of the diocesan delegation’s visit to the Holy Land began, fittingly, on the Mount of Olives, where we visited the Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children. Run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, this amazing institution is dedicated to treating Palestinian children with disabilities. Keep reading.
Day 3: The Rev. Steve Berube
In 1997, when Sue and I first visited the Temple Mount (known in Arabic as Haram al-Sharif) in Jerusalem, we wandered through the courtyards in awe of both the beauty and the sense of welcome. Sue looked at me and said, “This must be the most peaceful place on earth.” And it truly felt that way. Keep reading.
Day 4: The Rev. Gerlyn Henry
On the third full day of our pilgrimage, Omar, the executive director of Sabeel and our guide for the day, led us on the Contemporary Way of the Cross – a 14-station liturgical journey to look deeply and prayerfully into the lives of Palestinians. Keep reading.
Day 5: The Rev. Michael Stuchbery
At Dar Al Kaima University in Bethlehem, resistance to the Occupation is played out in visual arts, film, performing arts and other creative fields of expression. This beautifully designed campus is filled with young Palestinians expressing their lived experience, as well as their lively hope through the arts. Keep reading.
Day 6: The Rev. Dr. Alvardo Adderley
On Dec. 6 we visited an area called Taybeh. To lend some historical context: Taybeh is one of the most ancient places in Palestine, dating back to the Bronze Age, and is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as Ofra, a town of Benjamin. Keep reading.
Day 7: The Rev. Dr. Jeff Nowers
On day seven of our pilgrimage – Sunday – our trustworthy driver Zuzu picked us up after breakfast to drive us to Ramallah, where we would visit St. Andrew’s parish and join the community’s patronal festivities. Keep reading.
Day 8: The Rev. Canon Nicola Skinner
What does it look like to live with constant fear and never have a peaceful night’s sleep? This was a very heavy day on our solidarity visit. Keep reading.
Day 9 : Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat
Daoud Nassar and his family live on hill-top farm near Bethlehem called Tent of Nations. Their terraced land produces abundant harvests of olives, grapes and apricots. Keep reading.