Nonviolent Ways Project
Israel-Palestine Journey 2001


Nonviolent Ways Project coordinators Wes Rehberg and Eileen Robertson-Rehberg traveled throughout Israel and Palestine during January 2001 to meet with peace groups and those struggling for peace in this region of the Mideast.

Their snapshot reports appear on this page and on the following pages:
* Hebron Reflections
* Sabeel Ecumenical Center
* September 2001 Palestinian images


THE DIVISIVE OCCUPATION TOUCHES EVERY LIFE
 
Throughout Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Galilee as well as Hebron, the divisions were evident in calmer scenes of everyday life -- these snapshots tell part of the story in the midst of violent conflict and beyond it. Old City's Damascus Gate & Palestinian Market
A Palestinian open market stretches inside the Old City of Jerusalem and outside the Damascus Gate, above, into East Jerusalem streets, a vibrant zone.
Gender barrier at Western Wall -- men to left, women to right Har Homar Jewish settlement in distance, beyond Bethlehem hill
Barriers are everywhere, including this one which divides men from women at the Western Wall, a Jewish holy site.In the distance from the hills of Palestinian Bethlehem is the controversial Jewish settlement of Har Homar.
Old City shop, outlet for Palestinian women Palestinian market in Bethlehem
The Benevolent Art Society of the Holy Land was started in the Old City in 1968 by Farideh Hanna, above right, to help Palestinian women earn income for their families. Holy vestments are sold. here.Going to Bethlehem from Jerusalem involves passing through Israeli military blockades. Above is an open market not far from Manger Square.
Arab quarter, Old City of Jerusalem Israel Defense Forces in Old City
Muslim quarter, above, in the Old City of Jerusalem.Members of the Israeli Defense Forces move through the Old City.
Dome of the Rock, site of severe sacred split Muslim who opens Church of Holy Sepulchre doors
The Dome of the Rock, from Old City rooftops, site of Sacred Sanctuary of the Muslims and the Holy Mount of the Jews.The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City has several chapels marking Eastern and Western Christian denominations. They can't agree, even on who unlocks and locks its doors, so two Muslim men, one at the left above, hold the keys and take care of the doors.
UN Peacekeepers of Lebanan in Nazareth basilica UN peacekeepers at prayer at Basilica of Annunciation, Nazareth
In Nazareth, United Nations Peacekeepers from Lebanon visit and pray inside the Basilica of the Annunciation.The UN Peacekeepers were on a day off from their job to help patrol hostile borders between Israel and Lebanon.
 
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