UNSETTLING
Tantur is at a high point in Jerusalem, overlooking the hills of Bethlehem. The issue of land and identity is readily apparent, as within view is the separation wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Jerusalem is governed by the State of Israel, while Bethlehem has oversight by the Palestinian Authority. Today, our group will walk down the backside of Tantur’s property to the checkpoint, and enter by foot into Bethlehem. There, between the land of Jesus’ birth and his death, is a wall. On the Jerusalem side there is simply the expanse of a grey barrier. On the Bethlehem side is added graffiti that expresses the frustration at inconvenience at best, and denied access at worse.
Throughout the territory of what is known as Israel, whether or not Palestinians have some authority, the Israeli Defense Force has ultimate control.
For we who are Americans, our access in this moment of four weeks in time to parts of the country can be a bit unsettling, For Palestinians, access since 1948 and 1967 is one or two generations of time where your essence, who you are, is in constant question. Living in Israel, being Palestinian is a scarlet letter, and can be quite dehumanizing.
For Israelis, and for Jewish immigrants and pilgrims, the State of Israel deepens one’s identity as a human, and for some, strengthens one’s identity as a person of God. To know the history of Israel’s struggle for land and survival, to have this place established is a wonder and a haven.
What of Palestinians, and Palestinian Christians, who wish as we all do for a place to raise a family, teach a way of life, and to follow Jesus in the land that they share with Israelis? How can they be granted identity, personhood, and autonomy?
These are grave questions, even as innocent lives are being lost in Gaza, in Lebanon, and in Israel. Extremism and unbalanced power seem louder than voices of reason and restraint.
Meanwhile, Kari and I, along with others, continue to learn and live. And the longer we are here, the more complicated the story becomes.
SETTLING
Yesterday we learned about Orthodox prayer and the place of icons in their spirituality.
Today we learned about Jewish Biblical tradition and interpretation.
And we are settling into the program at Tantur, which combines touring, pilgrimage, study, reflection, prayer, and living in community.
We all are experiencing the Holy Land as a wonder to behold, and a place of profound and enduring struggle.
A physician friend who lives as a Christian in Jerusalem said the only way to end the conflict is through peace, and peace with justice. Violence will not solve the conflict. Someone will have to say, “let us put down our weapons and find a way to peace.”
I pray that this may become a reality, soon and very soon.
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 3 Lutheran Drive, Nashua, NH 03063 (603) 882-6142
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