11/10/2009
Hi Folks
I have to admit that I was expecting at least a 24 hour panic as the Sabeel group packed up, leaving me on my own for the next 9 weeks.....good news, panic never arrived, instead, my stay continues to be so positive and powerful thanks to the wonderful, hospitable and generous Palestinians. I have been lost, or just need constant reassurance that I am heading the right way..and it never fails..either folks speak English or they lead me to someone who does and are just so helpful and friendly..truth is sometimes I ask for directions just to start a conversation.

Recent highlights:
Friday joined Palestinian non-violent demonstration against the Bi'lin Wall..every Friday a demonstration happens at several villages effected by the Wall, this one was special as it also commemorated the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. As the attached document describes ( for those interested in further info) the Wall took much of the farm land from the village and the Israeli court has ruled against the current placement but it's route has not been changed. Demonstrations have taken place for years, and the village experiences military raids arresting the Palestinian leaders, one of whom was killed during a Wall demonstration last April. This past Friday there were many internationals which, the Palestinian leader said reduced the level of violent response from the Israeli military. The brisk wind was also in our favor so the effects of tear gas were minimal.

Saturday began the sole journey by taking the wrong bus from Jerusalem to Bethlehem..landed me at the military checkpoint( I actually got lost among all the chutes and gates within) and I began the long walk ( only way to learn my way around) to the correct bus depot where I was to meet new friends.

The walk took me right along/underneath the huge cement wall which surrounds and divides Bethlehem..it is a prison wall: concrete, over 20', has numerous taller very ominous guard towers, and is covered with public art from around the world.It is, in many places, 15' from houses and offices. Experiencing how this ugly monster has invaded peoples neighborhoods and livelihoods is incredibly sad. The adjacent street is largely empty but I spoke with a man standing on the corner who welcomed me up to his roof garden for a "view".

Sunday: was treated to a guided hike through what Christians know as the Shepherd's Field..we have had one day of pouring rain in this otherwise very dry land and it is amazing how much delicate growth has eagerly sprouted in response. Walked on very ancient stone roads, saw old stone animal pens, cave houses and picked remaining olives and persimmons.

Monday: continuing my interest in exploring non violent resistance to the Israeli military occupation I visited a wonderful 100 acre Palestinian farm, surrounded by Israeli settlements but held on to, maintained and developed with the help of international volunteers, over 3000 this year. It is called Daoud's Vineyard and the program is the Tent of Nations www.tentofnations.org.

Despite having a deed issued by the Turkish Empire in 1916 the Israelis are trying to drive the family off the land; the military has blocked the incoming road and last week arrived in the middle of the night waking up the internationals with guns at their heads. The farmer talks about settlers jumping the fence with guns and his telling them to leave their guns outside the fence and join him for a cup of tea. It is a very beautiful place with a young filly cantering about freely, a picturesque composting toilet facility built by an Israeli and rocky fields of olive and almond trees. The farm hosts a summer camp for Palestinian children from the surrounding towns and is planning an educational program to teach sustainable agricultural practices to other farmers.

More than enough for now, take care,
Ridgely