October 1, 2000

Day four of the clashes between Israelis and Palestinians continues. We have received many emails of concern, but so far Zababdeh remains the small rural town. The biggest news in the village was from the strike - that school has been cancelled, leaving the children as ecstatic as though it were snowing. Many in the village remain concerned, but relatively unaffected by the conflict. There is more immediate concern about whether or not there is work or school the next day.

The TV always seems to be on during visits these days.

Most of the village remains riveted to televisions at the top of the hour. Nevertheless, daily life is affected - wedding tonight went ahead as scheduled, but because of the strike the usual Palestinian revelry of music and dancing was forbidden. We remain well-stocked with food and water, as the stores will be closed for a while as a sign of solidarity.