A visit to the Nassar family farm, The Tent of Nations, outside Bethlehem

A small hilltop family farm
Surrounded by predators.
Olives, almonds, figs and vines
Clinging to the stony ground,
Their owners too. 

An ancient mother
Cared for by generations of sons and daughters,
Dragged through the courts
Her credentials, fully documented,
Questioned by the insolence of newcomers.

What is it that the settlers do not understand?
Violent assaults and blank checks
Will not budge this ancient family of Bethlehem
Refusing to hate their enemy,
Refusing to betray their land.

Settlements and walls,
Soldiers and unjust law,
Will not bend these people.
Who in their extremity show us 
A future of dignity and grace.