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| The Market in Jerusalem, with the exit (behind me) opening up to the Jaffa Gate. |
In light of everything happening in the Middle-East, I think back to my visit in 2008. This picture is of a normally bustling, busy market. The market didn't open in the heart of Jerusalem in January 2008 because of rocket fires and continued conflict between Israel and Gaza. Is it possible to live at peace in the midst of conflict?
An exerpt from Blood Brothers, by Elias Chacour, The unforgettable story of a Palestinian Christian working for Peace in Israel:
A few days after Father first told us of the news, Rudah shocked us all by bringing home a rifle--one used for shooting at wolves that came to prey on the vilage flocks. The wolves were in little danger of being hit.
When Father saw the rifle he erupted in a rare show of anger. "Get it out of here! I won't have it in my house." Mother and the rest of us stood frozen and mute.
Poor Rudah was wide-eyed, stunned. "I-I thought we might need a gun to protect ourselves in case---"
"No!" Father would not hear more. "We do not use violence ever. Even if someone hurts us." He had calmed a bit, and he took the gun.
"But Father," Rudah persisted, anxiously, "Why do the soldiers carry guns?"
Slipping his arm around Rudah's shoulders, Father replied, "For centuries our Jewish brothers have been exiles in foreign lands. They were hunted and tormented-even by Christians. They have lived in poverty and sadness. They have been made to fear and sometimes when people are afraid, they feel they have to carry guns. Their souls are weak because they have lost peace within."
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