March 5-Bubble burst and the virus entered
Today the training began warmly with gentle conversations and farewells. We took pictures of our entire group, as well as individual pictures, which I can't post here because of the possible danger to the Palestinians who attended. Then around 11 AM, one of the translators received word that her children must leave school immediately. Four internationals who were staying at a hotel in Bethlehem had tested positive for the Corona Virus. All the hotel staff was tested and although the preliminary results were negative, the Israeli government was shutting down all West Bank. Suddenly our safe bubble burst and chaos took over. Quickly people found transportation and left. It was quiet by 2 PM with only two of us left at the site. I would be staying until the next morning. One international participant wanted to remain so she could join in a walk to a village near by that a local participant and her spouse were going to lead. So off we went --5 of us, another participant also joined us, having returned (I am avoiding names).
We drove down to the beginning of a road/path in Beit Jala and walked about 5 miles to a village. When we would pass small groups of people, primarily women, they would quickly cover their noses and mouths and move to the side. Word had passed quickly. Internationals were the new terrorists. A new and unpleasant experience for those of us who have white priviledge.
But it was beautiful.
This is a train for Israeli citizens only. Its tracks go through Palestinian lands. Each time it passes there are lights that prohibit Palestinian crossing (also an Israeli Security vehicle parks up on the hill to ensure nobody hops on and for safety).
As we neared the village we began to climb past water channeled to feed the fields.
Along the path and into the village, an old woman scowled and asked our local participants in Arabic, "Why do you bring them here. Take them away!" She yelled also at a tour guide who had several tourists inside the village, "Get them out of here." The tour guide asked, "Why?" She yelled, "They are bringing the virus." The tour guide, "Old woman, you are only going to live 4 days more anyway." A jest, but in all seriousness, the Palestinians do not have health care or resources. The virus would be another disaster for them.
We drove down to the beginning of a road/path in Beit Jala and walked about 5 miles to a village. When we would pass small groups of people, primarily women, they would quickly cover their noses and mouths and move to the side. Word had passed quickly. Internationals were the new terrorists. A new and unpleasant experience for those of us who have white priviledge.
But it was beautiful.
This is a train for Israeli citizens only. Its tracks go through Palestinian lands. Each time it passes there are lights that prohibit Palestinian crossing (also an Israeli Security vehicle parks up on the hill to ensure nobody hops on and for safety).
As we neared the village we began to climb past water channeled to feed the fields.
Along the path and into the village, an old woman scowled and asked our local participants in Arabic, "Why do you bring them here. Take them away!" She yelled also at a tour guide who had several tourists inside the village, "Get them out of here." The tour guide asked, "Why?" She yelled, "They are bringing the virus." The tour guide, "Old woman, you are only going to live 4 days more anyway." A jest, but in all seriousness, the Palestinians do not have health care or resources. The virus would be another disaster for them.
View down from the top of the Village
Almond Trees
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