Becca's Palestine Letter (pt. 2)

I received another letter today from my friend in Palestine, who seems to be witnessing the beauty and actual truth of that part of the world that we're only shown the horrible atrocities and misrepresented actions... Here is her second letter:

Hello all!

Sorry it's
been a while since I've written in detail. Things are always so hectic and it's
hard to organize thoughts inbetween the ruckus the Israelis like to cause. Fortunately,
I haven't had to face another tragic incident like the one on July 19th when
Hussam was killed, but the threat is there every night. A few evenings ago five
vehicles arrived 1 Hummer, the rest Jeeps. The boys in the Hummer jumped out
several times as we were sandwiched with children between them atop the hill
and a Jeep below and shot a few "warning" shots (live fire) at the
neighboring homes. They only hesitated shooting at the kids when we all shouted
at the top of our longs to stop. Amazingly so, I never personally feel threatened--I'm
more concerned with having to carry off anotherdead child. That's why we spent
several hours yesterday making three banners with the message "Stop Killing
Balata's Children" in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. We'll use these as makeshift
roadblocks like the ones the boys set up at the end of the road preventing the
vehicles from leaving that way the other night.

Overall things
are quieting down--AND BY THE WAY please do not pay any attention to that "kidnapping"
that happened in Nablus. It's completely bogus and most likely framed by certain
politicians who are upset that they are no longer have certain authorities over
the security in Palestine. We still haven't received a clear story of what happened
and neither have the local Palestinians who are just as baffled as the rest
of the world. But we did receive a letter from Al Aqsa encouraging internationals
to stay in Nablus because these events are overstated and insignificant. I agree
and don't feel ANY threat from the community at all. We are looked after by
our coordinators and connections very well.

On another
note, I'm happy to say I am able to stay here for an extra three weeks--my new
return date is September 1st. There's much yet to be done here and I'm only
now comfortable and settled enough to do it. For those of you who I haven't
told, I've been directing an art project privately funded by a Belgian and an
established Palestinian architect Naseer Arafat for children ages 8-14. They
were each given a door rescued from demolished homes and mosques in the Old
City and were asked to paint what they feel as Palestinians--of course it wasn't
as simple as it sounds but the product and experience is no small matter. The
exhibition of doors entitled "Homeless Doors Speak" will be received
this Sunday the 8th by the Old City of Nablus and I'm working towards getting
it shown throughout Palestine and eventually abroad. Naseer has also requested
that I participate in future projects, but I'm not sure time will allow. This,
however, is the first project for the gallery he is creating in the building
he owns in the town center. He's been EXTREMELY helpful and wonderful to work
with--I can't wait for you all to see the short film I'll make on the project's
development.

That project
has been the therapy I needed after such an intense introduction to Palestine.
The children are wonderful and one Khetam had me over for lunch and tea at her
home in the mountainside near the university. Her family is rare--only three
children--and they are absolutely amazing. I met her grandmother first when
proposing the door project to the mothers a few weeks ago. And Khetam's mother
was just as wonderful. I get at least 20 invitations a day for tea, lunch, dinner,
a place to sleep. The Palestinian hospitality is RARE and TOUCHING.Everyone
was so excited when I told them of my extended stay. And several begged me to
take them with me wherever I go. I wish I could but I encourage them all to
stay and treasure Palestine because it is exactly that--a treasure. I wish I
could stay! Well, I have to prepare for another action. Please write--I haven't
heard from anyone in quite some time.Take care...I will!

Love,

Rebecca

Again, if at this point I've added to you to this blog and you don't want to be included, please email me and I'll remove you.

Thanks,

Nix