March 26, 2002

The rainbow - a sign of promise.

The teachers from Jenin and beyond were late this morning - we expected it was because of Israeli road closures. Instead, it was the road construction in Qabatia. The busses had a difficult time finding a road that was wide enough for them (winding through the middle of the village) and then, when they did, the rain made them muddy and impassible! But they arrived, as did a rainbow in the Zababdeh valley - we could see it from end to end. But no pot of gold.

Word also came about two international (they turned out to be from TIPH, a crew of UN observers in Hebron) observers killed on a road near Hebron. Conflicting reports have emerged about who is responsible, and TIPH is not confirming or denying any of them - more deaths whose tragedy will be lost by the cynical play for public opinion.