We left the hotel this morning at 8am for a journey south to Gaza. As you go south from Jerusalem the land grows more and more arid. Orange trees were in abundance and although we could not see it until later in the day the Mediterranean Sea was just off to the right of our bus. We are travelling in a small bus with just about enough seats for our 20 person delegation plus our bus driver, Assam, and our guide Said (Sigh - eed). These two Palestinians are wonderful men, generous and PATIENT! We are forever asking for bathroom stops! Assam has performed some maneauvers with the bus that I would have never thought possible. Last night coming home from Ramallah Said decided it would be quicker to get to Jerusalem if we did not have to stop at a checkpoint where we would have to get out and have our documents checked as well as pass all our belongings through a metal detectors. So Assam turned around and took us on a wild ride along the barrier wall. We passed through the next checkpoint with smiles and a wave.
When we arrived at Gaza today (not knowing that 4 Palestinians had been killed on Wednesday in a clash with IDF) we visited the Erez Checkpoint. This is a huge complex (pictures will follow). The wall is prominent with guard towers at intervals. We knew the checkpoint was closed but wanted to take some pictures.
....(I will finish this in the morning before we leave...our team meeting is starting and I must go..."
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1 comment:
Evocative, poignant, sad--all captured in your words about this Holy place. Keep writing dear friend. mbb
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