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March 2002
Dear Friends:
Hala woke me the night before last at about 4:00 a.m., saying
that she had heard gunfire. As we have begun getting used to this
phenomenon in our lives once again, I told her to go back to sleep.
A couple minutes later we heard the helicopters coming in closer
and closer. I then came out of my dreary state and fully woke
up. I went to the window that I had not shut with the iron shutters
and looked out. Although, I could not see anything, the sound
was extreme; the helicopters were over our house. Then they began
firing missiles on Bethlehem.
It was reported in the morning that eleven missiles landed that
early morning, gutting the main police headquarters in Bethlehem.
Thankfully, no one was killed. This was in retaliation for the
previous evening’s suicide bomber who was from one of the
three refugee camps in Bethlehem. He was 17 years old. His mother
was interviewed on the morning news. She said she was proud of
her 17-year-old and that she wished these types of attacks happened
everyday. Where do we go from here?
The violence has escalated dramatically in the last month, ever
since we arrived in Bethlehem. It is very saddening for us to
see what is unfolding and how. If we look to the European news
broadcasts, there are very graphic pictures of what the Israelis
have done in the Balata Refugee Camp outside Jenin and the damage
that has been done within the city of Jenin itself. So far, 26
people are reported dead from the camp. The Israelis are making
house-to-house searches, executing anyone they deem as a terrorist.
In response, the suicide bombings and attacks at Israeli check
points by Palestinians continue to cause more deaths—18 Israelis
within the past couple of days.
When looking at CNN, the main U.S. news service here, we see
vivid reports of the Palestinian attacks, coupled with a brief
passing of what the Israelis are doing in the refugee camps. Until
now, I have not even seen a report about the number of deaths
caused by the Israelis given. Last night, we heard on the news
that the Israeli cabinet was meeting. I prayed that they would
understand that violence only breeds violence and call for a stoppage
of bloodshed from both sides, coupled with a call for talks. Unfortunately,
the result of the meeting was to keep up and intensify the military
pressure and response to the Palestinians. Violence breeds violence.
We thank God everyday that we are living in a part of Bethlehem
that is considered the safest and where "nothing ever happens."
(If you know Bethlehem, we are right next to the Caritas Baby
Hospital within Area C.) We do feel safe and thank God for calling
us back to the Holy Land to act as a witness to what is happening
here.
Hala and I met with the director of the YMCA in Beit Sahour on
Friday. He was very glad to receive us. It is planned that Hala
will be working with them within their rehabilitation program.
They have a very extensive program dealing with the victims of
the two Intifadas and their families. Hala’s experience as
a social worker in the area will be put into good use.
The boys are both doing quite well and are happy to be in school.
They are both also happy to have many children their age to play
with. In the U.S., this was lacking in their lives.
I have been meeting with various organizations to discuss the
Joining Hands Against Hunger Program. There is much enthusiasm
for the program from all sides, however, it has been noted by
several of the organizations that this will not be an easy task.
I will also be traveling to Egypt in the middle of this month
in order to look into the programs’ abilities to get back
on track there. With all of this in mind, we would appreciate
any prayers that can be sent our way for our work and us.
With Blessings of Peace,
Chris, Hala, Nadiim & Adeeb
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