Newsletter: Vol. 11. Iss. 1
April 2012
Memoir of a Holy Land Pilgrimage, cont'd
There were also depressing lows. The hafrada (or wall of separation) and militarized checkpoints were a reality that the people in the region live with every day but were shockingly reminiscent of repressive practices in other nations. We were told how difficult it is to conduct ordinary activities of life such as traveling to jobs and attending schools or churches. The fact that this wall of demarcation occupies a huge swath of land means that it blocks roads, affects agriculture, intersects villages and separates families. The wall and the occupation are symbolic of the struggle between these nations over the land. This division stymies hope for reconciliation and peace and certainly is not in the best interest of Israel or Palestine or the innocent children caught in its midst, one of whom we witnessed being treated with indifference and inhumanity. Is there reason to hope? International peace talks were in progress while we were there but the process is complicated by Zionist rhetoric, politics, outside influence, memories of past wars, and an oppressive military presence that seemingly justifies committing atrocities for the sake of security.
The people of the West Bank, especially the Christians, whose numbers we were told are diminishing, have little influence and power but their hope and faith are inspiring. A question posed to us by the speaker on the first day of our journey shaped the collective group consciousness and burst the tour bubble. We were asked point blank, "what are you going to do [to help]"? In fact, what is the proper response to all that we have seen, heard and learned? As Christians, we are to love, serve and care for others. And typically as God would have it, an opportunity to help materialized during the course of our journey.
This trip was a fulfillment of a lifetime desire to "walk where Jesus walked". I clearly understand the sojourn was a pilgrimage, not a tour, and that it comes with responsibility. It was a privilege to experience the glory of the Holy Land, but the "land is groaning" from the conflict. I've already begun to share what I learned on this amazing cross cultural journey with my family, church and community. Educating and uniting with others is critical for any effective action. Even so, my take away despite the heartbreakingly real problems engulfing this region, is that we serve a real and living God. He is working through those who are committed to seek peace, understanding and reconciliation. The Beatitudes given in the Sermon on the Mount by the Sea of Galilee challenges us to rethink our attitudes and values: "Blessed are the poor in spirit…the merciful…the pure in heart…The peacemakers" (Matthew 5:3-9). My prayer is that faith, persistence, patience, hope and wisdom prevail.
Ms. Barbara Robertson: A lay person in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, GA, Ms. Robertson traveled to the Holy land with United Theological Seminary 2012.
