The YMCA and YWCA and the Alternative Tourism Group sponsored their first international conference our group went to today. Will was on a panel with Kristel Letchert of the Dutch Olive Tree Campaign who talked about strategies and Connie Hackbarth who spoke about what is going on in Jewish peace communities and justice for Palestinians. People from all over the world were there to talk about how we can work for a just peace between Israel and Palestine. Will spoke on the role of the church in this peace work.
Very serious and somewhat sad Palestinians and Syrians discussed the ongoing occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. They gave numbers and statistics on what different advocacy groups are doing and can possibly do together to bring an end to the illegal occupation. It was well thought out, and the moderators kept the conversation focus. Over lunch, we were able to informally interact with other internationals and even met some good folks from Sacramento. It was a good time. We got a lot of ideas about what we can do when we come home, and we will be looking for churches, synagogues, mosques, and service organizations to show what life is like in the Occupied Territories. Do you want to host such a presentation in late November through January? Email Will at willymac4@comcast.net
We had dinner at the Grotto Restaurant with our friend Christy Reiners, who was Will’s teammate on the Peacemaking Program’s group of 100 in May of 2006. Good food, and good to catch up with Christy’s service projects here.
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