Our journey south from the lush vegetation in Galilee to the arid desert in the south was a contrast in climate and in culture. As we headed to Bethlehem we passed Bedouins living in tents along the road and learned of their radical hospitality to friend and stranger. While passing the Palestinian town of Jericho we learned that the wealthier Arabs live in Galilee and the poorer ones live in Bethlehem and Jericho.
As we approached Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, our guide informed us that he and the driver would not be able to enter the town because they were Israeli. They both disembarked at the border and an Arab driver boarded the bus and drove us through the checkpoint into Bethlehem.
The border crossing was just wide enough for the bus to enter. There were armed guards and a steel reinforced concrete wall that was at least 30 feet high, and a sign that announced that Israeli citizens were not permitted to enter. I felt a twinge of guilt because as an American I was permitted to enter Bethlehem. Had we betrayed our guide and driver by entering this place? That sign could have easily said "no blacks or jews" or ...(fill in the blank).
This experience caused me to reflect on the diversity of our group and of our diocese. In Long Island, we are rich and poor and everything in between. We are multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-national... We are many people, yet one diocese.
What can we learn from Israel? The most important lesson is that walls, physical or emotional, do not solve problems. We do not belong to Paul, or Apollos, or a priest, or a parish. We don't own anything; we are stewards. What will be our legacy?
The Rev. Karen Davis-Lawson
Thank you Karen on our trip our guide went to the back of the bus and stayed there. The difference was he did not stay there he returned to the front of the bus once the bus made its trip back across the border. Anytime one is forced to the back of the bus is a poignant time yet we force others to the back of the bus all the time although we ourselves hate our time there. Time in the back of the bus results in anger on the part of the one who is placed there most of the time and in some cases permanently. I pray the time will come when Arabs and Jews both will stop placing each other in the back of the bus. But for me the reasons for the anger need to be removed so the healing can begin but both believe their survival is at stake so all I can do is pray for peace. I agree with you it has more to do with stewardship and less to do with ownership. And yes I do believe therein lies the answer to the problem.
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