August 1, 2003 — Mudeif Productions

A hot summer day in Palestine. While Elizabeth did some computer work at home, Marthame and Fr. Firas went up to the Galilee - Fr. Firas to meet with the new Melkite bishop, Marthame to Shefa'amer to finish up the marking for last semester's exams in Ibillin. At the Jalame checkpoint, they were stopped and questioned for a while, particularly because of Fr. Firas' laissez passer which the Vatican issues to its priests so that they can get pass through such checkpoints with ease. So much for that.

On the way back, they were stopped again. Though they had passed through this checkpoint on the way out, the laissez passer again raised suspicions. "Did you enter Israel on this passport?"

"Yes."

A long delay as phone calls were made. "What country are you from?"

"Zababdeh."

Another long delay. "Have a nice day."

We arrived back in Zababdeh to welcome the group of our fellow Birzeit students. They are in Jenin with a program set up by the students and staff at the Arab-American University. The meeting was a forum on Christians in Palestine.

*Students from Birzeit University visit Zababdeh to learn more about Christian-Muslim relations in Palestine.*

*Marthame and Fr. Firas speak to the visiting students from Birzeit University.*

Fr. Thomas hosted at the Greek Orthodox Church, and Fr. Firas represented the Melkites. Fr. Aktham was unavailable because of other activities, so the Vice-Principal of the School represented the Latins. And as has been the case for the past few years, there wasn't a priest available to represent the Anglicans. The discussion mainly focused on present relations between Christians and Muslims, as well as some history lessons on the Christian presence - particularly under Ottoman rule. There was general agreement that the situation for Christians improved with the arrival of the British as well as under Jordanian rule in the West Bank, but under Israeli rule/Occupation the situation has been unbearable for Christians and Muslims alike.

We retired as a group to the Latin Convent for dinner. It's exciting to see the AAUJ students taking on the hosting role that they first began exploring with the American group that came in February. Palestinians are well known for their hospitality - it has always seemed a natural fit to us.