August 5, 2003

How bureaucracy often feels for Palestinians.

Our student Anis, who is due to go to North Park, still has no progress on his visa. His flight leaves in five days, his orientation starts in ten, and classes in two weeks. At this point, his application is in DC ( the final scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark comes to mind). The Consulate in Jerusalem can do nothing at this point except wait. Same for Anis, same for us. The word "helpless" comes to mind.

We also heard this morning that there was a military raid at Mas'ha Peace Camp, and about forty activists were all arrested. Given the deliberations that Marthame witnessed just two days ago, it seems most likely that the contractor decided it was time to raise the barn and the activists did what they could to protect, but to no avail.