O that my eyes were a fountain of tears.....

Gaza may be small   – something like 50km by 10 km – its c  360Km2 about the size of the Isle of Wight !   But being small and living cheek by jowl is no excuse for Hamas (alegedly) using human shields or firing rockets from hospitals or schools – although there are a lot of myths about this and I’m not sure I believe the propaganda …

And I suppose its a matter of perspective – resistance fighters in WW2 are seen as heroes – and ‘collaborators’ as traitors.  But it really does depend which side you’re on....

And peace is the only side to be on in the Israel-Gaza conflict. 

It’s not black and white. There are no goodies and baddies.  But I have enormous sympathy for the citizens of Gaza who were being strangled by the blockade, before the rockets and the bombings. And for Israelis and their desire to live in safety, but…….  

a friend of mine Tanas Al Qassis  A Palestinian Christian who works for CMS wrote some wise words:

'If I were part of the Israeli government, I would invest in the Palestinian economy, make people flourish, be sure they have enough food, medicine and schools. This way, I will ensure that Israel will be safe.'

I have been watching far too many images from Gaza and Iraq  and am lost in the horror of what is going on …. 

All I / we can do is pray (and silence is so much better than words) and somehow hold on to hope …

a friend of mine posted the following quote:  “The world is a messy place. Particularly in the context of the digital age where the noise of data can feels tsunami-like. Your job …. is to translate the noise of living into sounds that people can hear. De-cluttered writing is the art of bringing the noise level down”.  Ravi Koli

I have turned to song as a way of translating the noise into sound that people can hear…..  And this one does it for me ….Sinead O’Connor – If You Had A Vineyard   from the album Theology  – ’

'O that my eyes were a fountain of tears that I might weep for my poor people’

Eyeless in Gaza

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Banksy-gaza.jpg Painting of Hope in the Gaza Strip Barrier Wall On June 2002 in the Occupied territories a concrete barrier walls were being erected.

I have read Malanie Phillip's  Times article about not getting the real truth about Gaza  and still think the Israeli response is disproportionate ....

I am no supporter of Hamas and their tactics, but Israeli bombing of Gaza is inhumane  - the casuality figures speak from themselves.  I think the same about Hirohima and Nagasaki (which we remember this weekend) and also allied 'smart' bombing in Afghanistan.  

The 'Muddle East' is very complicated and evades any attempts to make it clear distinctions between goodies and baddies. And once the dogs of war are released everything gets even messier. But the killing of so many civilians is not a proper response.  

In all of this dreadful conflict, I have found Colin Chapman’s article below most helpful….  Trying to make sense of Gaz   It's on the Fulcrum website   http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/articles/trying-to-make-sense-of-gaza/  Just one quotation from the article:

If some Palestinians have not been supporters of Hamas and blamed it for the escalation of the fighting in the last two weeks, the ferocity of Israeli attacks on Gaza has probably had the effect of rallying widespread support for Hamas and its demands. One of the lessons of the Northern Ireland peace process was that there was no significant breakthrough until all parties – including those regarded as being extreme – were brought into the political process. …

Also BBC today had an article on life in Gaza  (Here is a more up to date trip from May 2014  of Mosaic conference)  It brought back memories ....

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I visited there as part of a delegation  (Feb 2002) when I was Regional Director for CMS and have seen the situation first hand (I know it was many years back) but it helps to identify and imagine what people are going through. Re-reading the report of the visit,  I realise, of course, nothing ever changes ....  The endless cycle of violence keeps repeating itself. 

 The reference to Samson as possibly the first suicide 'bomber (below) made me think of the play I'd studied at school: 'Eyeless in Gaza' (hence the title of this blog)   O that we would have eyes to see ..... and know how to pray  ...

‘Pray not for the Jew or Muslim or Christian, Israeli or Palestinian or Arab; pray rather for ourselves, that we might not separate them in our minds but instead join them in our prayers.’

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Report:  Across the lines (CMS, Feb 2002) DAY 8   Gaza   Suhaila Tarazi, Al Ahli Hospital, Gaza City

“Today began ominously. There had been several Israelis killed over the last few days, and Israel was in the mood for retaliation.

We went down to Gaza this morning, passed through the Eretz checkpoint where you choose either to be a VIP, diplomat, or international organisation/tourist. Palestinians are filtered off to enter what looks like a cross between a long tunnel and cattle grid, but of course there weren't any Palestinians today. Gaza has been closed for a long time. Most of its citizens are effectively prisioners. Over 100,000 Palestinian people used to work in Israel. Now they can't, and unemployment is at 60%.

The oppression of a people is nowhere more tangible than by taking the dusty road across Israel down to this strip of land - a mere 25 miles (along the coast), by 5 miles. Disconnected from the heartlands of Judea and Samaria (modern day West Bank), Gaza contains over 1 million people. Blown about by desert sand, Gaza City is more akin to Egypt or Pakistan than any town in Israel or even the West Bank….”

Katharine Maycock

“We made our way to the Al Ahli Hospital, founded by CMS in the 19^th century and now run by the Anglican diocese: the only Christian hospital in Gaza where 3000 Christians live alongside 1 million Moslems! The hospital is quite simply a beacon of light in a desperately dark place.

We met the hospital administrator, Suhaila Tarazi. Suhaila is a saint. She is smart, vivacious, friendly and generous in her explanation of middle-eastern politics and the sufferings of the Gazans. She spoke about the desperation of the current situation and how desperate people do desperate things! She spoke of the desperation of Samson when he killed himself as well as his Philistine captors. Was he the first suicide bomber? The hospital feels poor and run down. There were memorials on the wall commemorating Welsh and Scottish soldiers who fell at the battle of Gaza in 1917. Gaza has seen too many battles.

We made our way to the chapel for a eucharist. The service there was simple but moving. The first sound of shelling left me unmoved: surely a sonic boom or the local quarry? But then more consistent sounds and this time it did seem like bombs. In fact it was Israeli F16 bombers. They were bombing a PLO prison in the centre of Gaza city, only about half a kilometer from where we were!! We shared the peace to the sound of war: a moment we will never forget. After the service we went up on the roof of the building to see the smoke pouring from the site: a bit scary and a bit unreal! Then comes the post-mortem. Where? When ? Why? How many? Is it safe to move yet? Just another day in Gaza! My God its crazy!”

Rev Daniel Burton

“Everyday, life is full of blood. Every day there is a new victim.”  Suhaila Tarazi, the Palestinian Director of Al Ahli hospital told us. “We are all children of Abraham – we are all brothers, but because of politics, ‘blood’ brothers.”

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Day trip to Gaza June 2009

I received the following from Ruth, based in Bethlehem, about her day in Gaza.

Gaza? What do you want to go there for? Dangerous, unsafe, and war zone are a few of the words that come to mind and for most of us  reasons not to visit. For the people of Gaza the damage caused by the war and the continued restrictions are utmost in their minds and lives. I realized that I needed to go and see for myself. Although much of media focus is now not on Gaza, it is still an area of the world that needs our attention. An area half the size of Wales, with 1.5 million people and only 3000 Christians. All are suffering and by visiting at least we could encourage and pray with them.

After months of waiting and much frustration, the Bible Society sponsored me to get a permit to enter Gaza. We left Bethlehem early in the morning to be at the crossing point by 8:00 when it opened. I went on behalf of the Anglican Church in Jerusalem and one of our aims was to take in medical equipment for an audiology clinic and blankets for a hospital in Gaza city. After much discussion with the authorities they decided that we could not take the medical equipment in and only let us take the blankets and some vitamins for children. We had to leave our frustration behind with the equipment and concentrate on getting through and seeing people. From the Check point it is 1 mile to the Gaza border. Another Check point and I found it rather amazing having my rucksack checked by a Hamas official with a uniform and a gun in his holster. Two hours from the Israeli border we were in Gaza city.

The first stop was a Christian School, called “Menara” or Lighthouse. Although the children had finished for the summer we were able to see the excellent, well maintained  facilities which had a very good reputation. We were entertained for lunch, falafel and shawarma, but while we were eating power went off twice, a normal occurrence. To commemorate the end of the latest war, the school, with funding from the West was able to build an asphalt playground. On the wall had been painted the slogan “Free Gaza”, which for me was very poignant.

Next we moved on to the Al Alhi hospital, just round the corner. The hospital was started by CMS in the 1870’s and continues to this day to be supported by them. Around the area of the hospital are grave yards and buried there was a CMS missionary nurse who was shot whilst transporting some children in 1972. It was also alarming to see some families living in the grave yard making makeshift homes out of corrugated iron. I learnt later that these families send their children to the Menara School.

Suheila, the hospital Director, was very pleased to see us and gave me a big hug when she knew that I was with CMS. I hope and pray that this is a contact that will be developed and used in a very positive way now that I have permission to visit. CMS had and still does play a very important role in supporting the hospital.

It was time to head for the Checkpoint to make it back by 3.0pm. The taxi took us the long way back through an area that has suffered major damage during the recent incursion. I really could not believe what I was seeing. There was devastation and many buildings had been completely flattened. We saw families trying to live among the concrete ruins because they have no where else to go. This was their land and their home so where else could they go? It appeared that the rockets were very specifically aimed and so the damage in places was very selective. Other areas were completely destroyed.  All this on the way back to the Checkpoint where on the other side was a completely different world.

Another 2 hours at the Check point and then back to our van and onward home to another town surrounded by a wall, Bethlehem. 

 

UPDATES: Gaza and Diocesan schools

UPDATES: Gaza and Al Ahli Hospital

Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza reports that they continue to be overwhelmed with patients like the little burn victim above.  Since the embargo is still in force, they suffer from shortages in basics such as toilet paper, detergent, sheets -- things you don't think of as being important until you don't have them.  Imagine trying to run a hospital without them. 

 

Suhaila Tarazi, Director of the Hospital writes, "Through your most recent donation, we have bought fuel and medicine and have sustained the running of the free medical missions.  Since January we have treated 1074 patients and can distribute milk, safe water and nutritious biscuits to more than 1200 children.  We also provide medical care for 200 chronically ill women."

 

Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF, recently toured Gaza.  She expressed deep concern about the war's effect on the children.  "The children are the innocent victims with the nightmares," she said.  "In Gaza, with 58% of the population under the age of 18 and so many schools severly damaged, there is an incredible amount of [psychological] work to be done."

 

Please keep the staff and patients in your prayers and in your hearts as we move toward Holy Week.  Too many in the Holy Land are suffering and you can help by going to our website at www.afedj.org and clicking on the Donate Now button.  Give a meaningful gift this Easter by helping a family back to health and healing. 

Today's students will lead tomorrow's peace

(photo: Liane Marquis) 

Despite grinding poverty, Lorena works hard to do well in her school in Ramallah.  Thanks to full scholarship aid, she's able to stay in sixth grade despite her parents' sporatic employment.  School is a struggle for her and her two brothers, but they know that with an education comes choice for the future. 

 

Merna comes from Jericho. but lives at the Diocesan school in Ramallah.  Now in 10th grade, she's at the top of her class and works hard to stay there.  There are no Christian secondary schools in Jericho, and Merna's parents are not able to pay her school fees.  Scholarship help is the only way she will be able to attain her goal of college and a teaching career.  She wants to help other children learn and grow.

 

We can insure that these children stay in school through our contributions.  With our help, future civic leaders can build peace in a troubled land.

 

This Update came from 

Diary of an Aid worker in Gaza

Hatem Shurrab works for Islamic Relief in Gaza

It is worth looking at the diary of a relief worker in Gaza on the BBC website 

It reads as a very ordinary, human insight into what has been happening, proof if any is needed that development crosses international and interreligious borders.   We can all pray for peace ..

25th January
Amid the rubble and destroyed buildings people are trying their best to return to normal life - if there ever was such a thing in Gaza.Part of that process is the children going back to school. Some of the schools have reopened and the pupils are eager to return...... 

I spoke to seven-year-old Mariam, from Tal El Hawa. Like other children she remembers the day the first bombs dropped and is now happy to be back in her classroom.
"I remember I was in an Arabic exam when I heard the bombs. I was too afraid until my dad came and took me back home. On the way I also heard very loud explosions," she said.
"Now it is calm. I am so happy that I am back at school. Today at school I chatted with my friends and classmates while we were sitting on the steps. Each of us had a story during what happened. Three of them had their homes totally destroyed. Our teacher also asked us about what happened with us. I told her about what happened."

Unfortunately today 27th it has all started again- 

read BBC   Israel launches attacks in Gaza

More on Gaza January 09

CMS statement on the Gaza crisis



Canon Tim Dakin, CMS General Secretary
(Photo: © CMS)

Grieved by loss of life, longing for justice, praying for peace – Tim Dakin of CMS comments on Gaza

CMS has a long-term commitment to working in Israel-Palestine in order to share the love of Christ. Our partners have included those who have different Christian, ethnic and political perspectives.

At this time of crisis we are grieved by the appalling loss of life in Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiating about disagreements rather than resorting to violence.

As a matter of justice we believe that Israel should grant greater access for relief workers and supplies in order for the people of Gaza to have their basic food and medical needs attended to. This is a matter of urgency.

We also acknowledge the long-term problem and provocation of rockets launched from Gaza into Israel, yet we find the disproportionate use of force by the Israel Defence Forces a matter which clouds the justice of their cause and stokes up further emotive responses in the wider region.

As Christians we are praying for peace in the name of Jesus the Prince of Peace, longing for a time when people of all faiths and none can live together in Israel-Palestine on the basis of there being justice for all.

CMS is able to accept donations to pass on to partners bringing relief to families in need in Gaza, including Al Ahli hospital. You can give by credit or debit card by using the link below, or send a cheque, payable to Church Mission Society, to CMS, Income Team, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ, clearly stating that your donation is for Gaza.

see also BBC website in pictures 

In pictures: Inching into Gaza

Asia Updates: January 2009

KOREA : New Bishop’s plans

The Rt. Rev. Paul Kim will be installed as the 5th bishop of Seoul on 15th January. His grandfather was martyred during the Korean War when he remained in his parish in the area of communist rule. His father was also an Anglican pastor. He studied at a seminary in Toronto.
His theme after 8 years' of ministry is said to be 'church growth' and 'mission abroad'. It is compared to the 3rd bishop who stressed on 'church planting', and the 4th bishop who drove to 'ecumenical dialogue' and 'TOPIK – humanitarian support to North Korea'. 

The blue print of mission from the diocese is summarized in the booklet of the diocesan synod in 22 November 2008: "The diocese of Seoul sent about ten pastors to the Japanese Anglican Church, and will continue to send two or three pastors every year. A series of discussion is needed with CMS who has set one of their centers in Seoul and also some dioceses in US, to draw a plan to send young pastors, evangelist and lay MPs to do diverse ministry in diverse areas … To set a network of pastors and MPs and supporters; To partner with CMS, to set a policy of mission abroad; To form strong supporters at the level of parishes, organizations and groups; To have more close relationship with Korean pastors who work in other country"

This plan shows that he is open to CMS as a partner who can make the plan work. He invites CMS as the way of forming the policy of his ministry concerning oversee.……. If the new bishop is pursuing church growth, then Alpha Clergy, Diakonia Training Center and Cross Station will be the key groups for his ministry, and the results will strengthen the contents of mission.
‘To deliver the heat of Jesus' love, a flame should be started. I feel morning calm in Seoul. Harmony overwhelms discords.’                          Rev Simon



PAKISTAN: Priest Kidnapped 

“A priest of the Diocese of Peshawar, Rev. Tanzeel Zafar, has been kidnapped on his way home from the Diocesan Centre, Peshawar. 

Rev. Tanzeel Zafar is the Priest-In-charge of Charsadda and Shabqadar parish and is also Assistant in Mardan Parish, N.W.F.P. He left St. John’s Cathedral for his home in Swati Gate, on Friday afternoon. 

However, he did not reach there.”

(Frontier News Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan January 09)

UPDATE: ‘We wish to thank God Almighty that last evening (Sunday 11 January 2009) at about 8.00 p.m., the above named Priest was thrown by his abductors at the gates of St. John's Cathedral Church, 1-Sir Syed Road, Peshawar Cantt: He was immediately rushed to Lady Reading Hospital and given emergency treatment. He is deeply traumatized and has been severely beaten.

GAZA:  Love and the Enemy 

The events in Israel and GAZA have dominated the news. Tanas shares his response:

This morning as I sat down to have my breakfast, I switched on the television to watch the news of the Gaza crisis. As I watched what is happening, with many women and children been killed, schools destroyed and houses turned to rubble, my heart broke and tears filled my eyes. Violence is increasing on both sides, more Israeli soldiers are getting killed, many of the Israelis who live close to the Gaza border are in fear and it seems like more people are getting angrier, losing hope and wanting revenge. …

.…. in my role with CMS I am trying to respond in a creative way and find ways to help Christians in the region work together in mission. I have Palestinian friends losing loved ones. I have Jewish friends being called up into the army. I do not want to take sides, I want to be on Jesus’ side and have others join me. Yes, there are injustices that we need to address. But we need to learn how to address them with love. Only Jesus can help us act out his toughest commandment:                 “Love your enemy.”                                                                                   

Web Stories from CMS January 2009

Stories from the CMS website 

There's a lot going on in Gaza. Here are some web connections from my agency, CMS. They are all people and places I know and have visited. I have included another couple of stories from Nepal (also on reconciliation) and Pakistan  (on environment).   

Anglican hospital at full stretch in Gaza
In Gaza city the staff of the Al Ahli Anglican hospital are struggling to save lives despite a lack of supplies
Read more > :: Thursday, January 08, 2009 :: 112 views :: 0 Comments ::


The Middle East needs prayer and prophets
In the midst of war, we must pray but also speak out against the misuse of power, says Salim Munayer
Read more > :: 1/8/2009 :: 52 views :: 0 Comments ::


Gaza: Love and the Enemy
Tanas Alqassis, a Palestinian Christian, makes a heartfelt call for prayer in the spirit of the Prince of Peace.
Read more > :: 1/8/2009 :: 124 views :: 0 Comments ::


LISTEN   Tour of Reconciliation 
True reconciliation Palestinian and Jewish believers say only Jesus can bring peace 

 Part 1 - the Palestinian experience. Part 2 - biblical reflection. Part 3 - practical experience of reconciliaiton in Israel-Palestine Part 4 - so what, now what?

Gaza PowerPoint
Facts, statistics and prayers about Gaza in the current crisis, prepared by CMS regional manager Tanas Alqassis
Read more > :: 1/8/2009 :: 64 views :: 0 Comments ::


Conflict as necessary for positive change?
Stephen Edison is doing his part to meet Nepalis’ need for conflict resolution and cathartic community transformation.
Read more > :: Friday, December 19, 2008 :: 332 views :: 0 Comments ::

The greening of Rattanabad
A ground-breaking nature-reserve-cum-organic-farm project in Pakistan is restoring people’s relationship with the enviroment...
Read more > :: Friday, November 14, 2008 :: 481 views :: 0 Comments

GAZA CRISIS January 09

As we watch and hear the news we agonise about what is happening in GAZA.  I have received many heart felt crys for help and include some below  

ben-thomas images 

The images are by a young photojournalist  Ben Thomas, a good friend of my son Jonny, who is currently staying in Ramallah.   He is due back in UK on 20th, after which  I am sure more  will appear on his BLOG and Photo Website. 

Al Ahli Arab Hospital 

The Al Ahli Arab (Anglican) Hospital has been in operation for over 100 years and has a very dedicated medical staff of doctors, nurses, technicians and general services personnel.

During the best of times they are stretched to their maximum meeting the medical needs of this populous community. Now, during the current military conflict with its heavy toll on human life and material, the hospital faces even greater responsibilities and challenges. The result is growing strain on the hospital’s resources. 

Every day since the beginning of military operations, the hospital has received 20-40 injured or wounded patients. A large proportion of them require hospitalization and surgery. These patients are in addition to those with 

non-conflict-related illnesses. About one-fourth of the patients are children.......

In addition, the conflict has brought new type of medical and surgical conditions.
Many medical items are needed, especially bandages and supplies for burns and trauma. The hospital’s windows have all been blown out or shattered from rocket and missile concussion and cold permeates the entire premises. Plastic sheeting to cover the windows could alleviate some of the cold but is unavailable now. Food supplies are scant throughout the Gaza strip and maintaining patients’ nutritional needs at the hospital has been difficult, especially for the most vulnerable. Some medicines and supplies for the hospital have been generously donated but it is impossible to delever these items....

Bishop Suheil S Dawani, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem  - for more information look at the statement on the Diocese of Jerusalem website

A voice heard in Gaza 

A voice was heard in Gaza. Wailing, weeping and great mourning. Nations weeping for Gaza’s children and would not be comforted because they are no more.

On December 23rd, 2008 on a Sydney Radio interview, I indicated that the forthcoming Christmas celebrations might not be joyous. "Why?" queried the interviewer. "Because" I replied "I feel that something is going to happen in Gaza". The interviewer's response was "you are prophesizing?" "No" I replied. "I have read the signs. The signs were clearly written on the wall." My feelings, my intuition have, tragically, proven to be right. I wish, I pray it was not so.

The besieged and beleaguered people of Gaza have been enduring the un-endurable for too long. Not just now, but for decades. Some Christian leaders remained silent. Some sadly equated the oppressed with the oppressor in their statements. None found their way to Gaza. May God have mercy.

Bishop Riah the former Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem 

Other sources: 

There is more information available on the Faith2share website - see 

* Bibles not Bullets in Gaza

* Christian leaders call for intervention in Gaza

* Diocese in Jerusalem active in Gaza crisis

See also the CMS website for more stories and resources 

 

Gaza: Love and the Enemy

written by a collegue of mine, Tannas Al Qassis,  himself Palestinian 

Anglican hospital at full stretch in Gaza

more from the Diocese about the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza 

Tour of Reconciliation

a podcast about a reconciliation tour with Tanas and Jewish colleague  Joseph Steinberg