October 30, 2003

Today a British group was scheduled to visit. We advised them that the Jalame checkpoint was their best bet, having a marginally better track record (of letting foreigners pass) than Hamra. Astoundingly, they were allowed in (but not their tour guide or their bus driver, both of whom are Palestinians with Jerusalem IDs, and so are technically not allowed to travel in the Occupied Territories - except of course East Jerusalem where they live).

British visitors hear from Fr. Thomas and Fr. Firas.

A contact of theirs met them and took them on a tour of Jenin and Jenin camp and then got them to Zababdeh late in the afternoon. We gave an abbreviated tour, had them meet the priests and hear from them, and then sent them off to host families for the night. Two stayed with us, and we enjoyed Marthame's specialty shakshouka (tomato onion and egg dish) and good conversation until we all pretty much nodded off.