October 22, 2002

The village remains oddly quiet today. We're used to such quiet being accompanied by the absence of electricity. But since the generator faced the school, it's absence means a very direct benefit for the students and teachers alike - no shouting above the din of the motor to be heard (only shouting above the din of students now).

Israeli tank on the outskirts of Jenin.

The school started getting reports that not only was there a curfew in Jenin, as there is every day, but that the Israeli army was preparing to engage in heavier military activity than "usual" (whatever that word means these days). The Jenin students hurriedly boarded the bus and headed home early. As they were already on the road, people were calling to say that firefights were taking place all over the city. Obviously, we're worried for our students and teachers who not only have to travel through this battleground, but have to live there.