Well, yes I am.
It is difficult to get into the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) without going into Israel. Even going via Jordan entails passing through Israel checkpoints. I will be flying to Tel Aviv and then travelling to Jerusalem. I don't suppose that most people realise that East Jerusalem, including the Old City, is actually part of Palestine? The area was annexed by Israel in 1967, which is a stage further than occupying it, but it remains part of the oPt. It is also an area where Israel is putting increasing pressure on the Palestinians living there and endeavoring to achieve the one-undivided Jewish capital that they want so much. Even the Dome of the Rock is frequently under attack these days, not just by Israelis and the IDF entering the grounds, but by excavations beneath it and the ever growing open intentions to destroy it and re-build the Jewish Temple.
I am now writing this blog in Jerusalem thankfully. I was very nervous before coming as
the first hurdle for anyone trying to get to Palestine is to get through airport security and be allowed into Israel. I imagine I am seen as an older, white, middle-class Christian who just wants to re-visit the roots of Christianity! It is NEVER advisable to give any real reasons as to why you have come, unless it is as a tourist and to visit holy places. To admit anything else; even to just mention the West Bank, is to open yourself to hours of interrogation with the danger of being refused admittance. It requires very little for that to happen. Both CPT and EAPPI have had participants denied entry with no explanation. So you can understand why going through airport security here is always worrying. Going home can also lead to interrogation and possible confiscation of photos or other material, but at least it is in Israel's interests to get rid of you if they are concerned, so it is usual to catch your flight home!
I took a shared taxi called a Sharut to go to Jerusalem. It takes time to drop everyone off around Jerusalem, but is efficient and much cheaper than a taxi. It felt strange to be travelling on fast modern roads in a very Western way, knowing that just accross the Wall, many Palestinians are living a very different life.
I am staying in the Golden Gate Hostel in the Old City, which so far looks good. I believe that the rest of the delegation arrives tomorrow evening or Wednesday when it officially begins.
It is difficult to get into the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) without going into Israel. Even going via Jordan entails passing through Israel checkpoints. I will be flying to Tel Aviv and then travelling to Jerusalem. I don't suppose that most people realise that East Jerusalem, including the Old City, is actually part of Palestine? The area was annexed by Israel in 1967, which is a stage further than occupying it, but it remains part of the oPt. It is also an area where Israel is putting increasing pressure on the Palestinians living there and endeavoring to achieve the one-undivided Jewish capital that they want so much. Even the Dome of the Rock is frequently under attack these days, not just by Israelis and the IDF entering the grounds, but by excavations beneath it and the ever growing open intentions to destroy it and re-build the Jewish Temple.
I am now writing this blog in Jerusalem thankfully. I was very nervous before coming as
the first hurdle for anyone trying to get to Palestine is to get through airport security and be allowed into Israel. I imagine I am seen as an older, white, middle-class Christian who just wants to re-visit the roots of Christianity! It is NEVER advisable to give any real reasons as to why you have come, unless it is as a tourist and to visit holy places. To admit anything else; even to just mention the West Bank, is to open yourself to hours of interrogation with the danger of being refused admittance. It requires very little for that to happen. Both CPT and EAPPI have had participants denied entry with no explanation. So you can understand why going through airport security here is always worrying. Going home can also lead to interrogation and possible confiscation of photos or other material, but at least it is in Israel's interests to get rid of you if they are concerned, so it is usual to catch your flight home!
I took a shared taxi called a Sharut to go to Jerusalem. It takes time to drop everyone off around Jerusalem, but is efficient and much cheaper than a taxi. It felt strange to be travelling on fast modern roads in a very Western way, knowing that just accross the Wall, many Palestinians are living a very different life.
I am staying in the Golden Gate Hostel in the Old City, which so far looks good. I believe that the rest of the delegation arrives tomorrow evening or Wednesday when it officially begins.
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