Lutherans in Palestine: not just what we were, during this long day, but also what we encountered: a vibrant network of passionate people creating hopeful, forward-looking, innovative ministry in the heart of the West Bank.
Our morning began in Beit Sahour at the Lutheran School, as Dr. Charlie Haddad, superintendent of ELCJHL schools and the school's president, Mr. Bishara, gave a presentation on the school system and its holistic approach to education, focusing on excellence in academics and in vocational education, particularly in the artisan craftwork native to the area and culture. The schools also focus on a "real world" approach to learning, creating opportunities for students to learn relationship-building, constructive dialogue skills, and conflict resolution as they face the daily struggles and indignities of life under occupation. Despite arbitrary school closures and curfews, military incursions into the cities, and the intimidation and humiliation of checkpoints, the teachers, staff and students of the schools continue to teach and learn with hope for the future.
We were privileged to meet a group of 11th grade students, many of whom participated in music, folk dance, and exchange programs in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere. Every one of them plans to attend college. Teachers and staff discussed the need for meaningful work opportunities for college graduates in Palestinian communities, explaining that youth often leave for studies abroad, intending to return and invest their education in their own communities, only to find a lack of job opportunities at home and to settle elsewhere.
One possible answer to this dilemma was found at our next destination, Dar al-Kalima college, still under construction in Bethlehem. The college is part of the Diyar Consortium. The Diyar is a cooperative effort, supported in part by the ELCJHL (in particular by Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem) and directed by its pastor, the Rev. Mitri Raheb. Click here to read and see more about Diyar . Classes are already in session, focusing on fine arts and vocational education--including documentary filmmaking. The school's dean, Professor Khouri, took us on a breezy tour of the building and shared her passion for building an educational model that considers art, music, and beauty as essential to combating hopelessness and despair.
We next traveled into the heart of Bethlehem for lunch and a tour at the International Center of Bethlehem (ICB), adjacent to Christmas Lutheran Church, where we worshipped yesterday.We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the restaurant and toured the grounds, which included a guesthouse and conference center, artisans' workshops, a performance space, and even a shop full of handcrafted items from students made at the center.
We then boarded the bus and traveled to nearby Beit Jala, where another Diyar project, the Environmental Center, welcomed us with a tour and explanation of their efforts to improve environmental awareness and care for the environment in Palestine. One powerful moment of learning for many of us was to see on the hills around us how much of the "green space" in the West Bank has been annexed by the separation wall, cutting off Palestinian communities from olive trees and fertile land. We were able to plant olive trees, sponsored by church members traveling with us and many at home in our congregations, in order to help the center in its goal of bringing "green space" back to Palestine.
Finally, our faithful driver and guide delivered us to the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala, which also houses a beautifully remodeled guesthouse called "Abraham House." Abraham House was built specifically with the hope of bringing Christians, Jews and Muslims together for dialogue, recognizing the shared heritage of these three Abrahamic faiths. After a feast of lamb, rice with spices, nuts and fruit, salads, lentil soup, and knafi (arguably the best of the many delicious Middle Eastern desserts), we met the congregation's pastor, Rev. Shihadeh, for coffee. Pastor Shihadeh offered us an introduction to the church (the very first Lutheran congregation in the Holy Land, in a town that is still 80% Christian!) and its ministries, including Abraham House and a Boys' Home for boys age 6 to 18 from troubled or nonexistent homes--both Christian and Muslim. Our coffee conversation was held in a combination of English, German and Arabic (Gerablish?) much to the amusement of the room.
As you can see, our day was so full of faces, facts and stories that our range of emotions and reactions is still difficult for us to comprehend, let alone express. We continue to reflect, to wonder, to be thankful to God for our time here, and to look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
Peace from the Holy Land Group
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