March 1, 2002

Some of Fr. Justinus’ handiwork at the Orthodox church of Jacob’s Well.

Ah, lovely Friday, beautiful Friday. A chance to sleep late and recharge our batteries. When we finally woke up, we could hear and see the Apache helicopters in the distance heading over the hills towards Jenin. Balata refugee camp was hit today in Nablus - and hit hard according to the initial reports we've gotten. These people, refugees from the 1948 War and their descendants, were refugees again today as the Israeli army told them to leave while they conducted house-to-house searches. Many preferred to stay, remembering quite well what happened the last time they left their houses "for a little while". Right in the middle of Balata camp is the Orthodox church of Jacob's Well, being overseen by Abuna Justinus. Fortunately for him, he had gone to visit Greece a week ago and has missed all the excitement.

Speaking of excitement, the night-time shooting around the Israeli military camp near Zababdeh has returned with a vengeance.