Just heard this: Heartbreaking The Tent of Nations Farm destroyed by Israel. I am heartbroken and crying tonight. Daoud Nasser and his family at The Tent of Nations Environmental and Educational Farm tentofnations.org in the West Bank was invaded by Israel. Entire fields of grapes, apples, apricots, almonds, fig and olive trees were wiped out. Up to 1500 trees destroyed. Daoud and his family own the land, have papers dating from the Ottoman Empire. The picture below, painted in a cave on the land, demonstrates their legacy. The Nasser family has been persecuted mercilessly by five surrounding settlements, the IDF and the Israeli government for decades. The Israeli authorities had had 13 demolition orders on the land, abd forbade the building of any structures (including tents) and placed boulders on the exit and entrances to their farm, and has uprooted trees before. Getting to the farm from Bethlehem-a ten minute ride-can take at least an hour due to circuitous route Palestinians are forced to follow. This is ongoing Nakba in action. I feel this tragedy deeply. Daoud is my friend. Ive sent people to visit him and work on the farm. Ive taken delegations there and shared time with him in several cities speaking about the way forward toward peace and justice in Palestine. The summer camp, womens programing and program for volunteers on the farm is remarkable. Those of us who know Daoud have been deeply impacted by his compassion, nonviolence, resiliency, creativity, and commitment to community. He and his wife contribute so much to their environment, community and world. This outrage cuts deeply into the heart. Aint nobody gonna turn us around. I imagine many of us will want to raise funds for the replanting of the farm, and in fact, go there to help rebuild. More on this aspect soon. For all you who fight for justice: this tragedy is ours to confront. Lynn Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb Freeman Fellow @ The Fellowship of Reconciliation [email protected] 805-259-5030
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 14:11:21 +0000
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