Not just standing in solidarity, but being a partner
“It amazes me how easy it is to accept and connect with one another, even though we speak different languages. ”
Author: Laurie
There have been so many different experiences in just 3 days. This is my third visit to Palestine, and my second delegation with Eyewitness Palestine. My first EP delegation was in 2017, and my second visit to Palestine was with a small group in 2019.
Each time has affected me differently.
The first time I was pretty afraid to be in this land, not knowing what dangers might lie ahead in terms of personal safety. But after the first night at the hotel and breakfast in the morning, I felt so comfortable. The hotel staff were very welcoming and helpful. The food was excellent, too!
Throughout each trip, I found every Palestinian to be friendly. The same held true on this visit. I was pleasantly surprised to greeted by the same kitchen staff that were here in 2017. When we were visiting Aida Refugee Camp and the Lajee Center during this delegation, the new Director remembered me from 2017. At Badil Resource Center, Lubnah Shomali also remembered me. I felt right at home.
I loved being with the children at the Lajee Center. I smiled at one little boy, and he eventually smiled back. We spoke different languages, yet our eyes and smiles and hand motions communicated our mutual joy to connect with each other. I pointed to the flower on his shirt and said 'flower,' then he touched the little flowers on my shirt. As I walked away to see the pictures a few children were drawing this little boy followed me. He continued to do so until our group was led to the next classroom.
In this room were a group of children lined up, as if at attention. In front of them was a boy standing quietly at attention. He looked my way, and our eyes met. And then, the music began, and little bodies held hands and began to take a few steps and then stomp the ground. They continued moving around the room taking a few steps, them stomping the ground, following the lead boy. As they danced in a circle like this doing the dabka, the lead boy would turn to look at me.
He seemed so proud.
It amazes me how easy it is to accept and connect with one another, even though we speak different languages.
This afternoon, we met with the parents of Ahed Tamini and had the most delicious meal with them. Our group engaged in a very active conversation with them and towards the end, one delegate asked what we and others could do to support them. The message I took away from her father was to be their partner, not just stand in solidarity with them. This is a concept I will be pondering in the days and months ahead, particularly in terms of my own activism.
As the evening unfolded, I went for a walk along the streets of Ramallah with two of our delegates who are in their 90s—though you'd never guess it by their vitality. On our way back to the hotel, I stopped a couple on the streets of Ramallah to ask for directions. In the course of asking each other where we are from and what we are doing here in a land none of us are from, the women, whose name is Jessica, mentioned she is here for peace building and to learn about the refugee situation.
When I shared that we are here with Eyewitness Palestine, and visited Aida Refugee camp, her face lit up. She seemed familiar with the name but didn't know anything about it. I suggested she go visit the camp but she doesn't have time on this trip. I offered to give her more information about it and she asked for my contact info, which I gave to her. Hopefully she'll contact me for info on Eyewitness Palestine and we'll go on a future delegation.
