Photo Voice

Ten Palestinian children from the village of Al-Walajeh, near the city of Bethlehem, were given cameras and trained to take photos which explored their village and told some of the stories of their lives.

On the occasion of International Youth Day 2013, the children shared their photos, their stories, their lives. One of these was teenager Layali who photographed one of the games children play; "Palestinian vs. Israeli army", which mimic the home invasions, arrests and violence that the children witness in the village. She also documented the weapons that the Israeli army leaves in the village and how children play with them.

(Excerpt from World Vision Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza)

Collateral

Ten years ago (almost to the day) George and his family, (wife and 2 daughters: 12 and 15 years old) were in their car on the way to do the weekly shopping in Bethlehem. It was their day out together, Mum and Dad always made this a priority.

But, today two events that they could never have known about would conspire to make this a day the family could never forget. (Event 1) In the centre of town an ambush had been established, waiting for a target: a small car, with three suspects. As George drove into town in his small car he saw three empty military vehicles on the side of the road, but there was nothing unusual about that in this city - and certainly nothing to worry about. But, (Event 2) he wasn't to know that the car behind him was the target.

When the shooting stopped the three people in the second car were dead; George had nine bullets in him, his wife next to him had been hit with shrapnel, his 15 year old daughter had a bullet in the knee and his 12 year old daughter was dead.

I was sitting in a library dedicated to his daughter as George told his story in a voice that was laced with both passion and pride - but not hatred, not revenge, not regret! Of course he misses his little girl, and obviously he regrets her death, but he refuses to hate and blame.

George lives forgiveness. Soon after the event George and his family were contacted by the Parent's Circle - Families Forum, a grassroots organisation of bereaved Palestinian and Israelis. The family joined the group and have, for ten years, been part of the voices crying out for justice and reconciliation as a road to peace.

PCCF "is a joint Palestinian Israeli organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost a close family member as a result of the prolonged conflict. Joint activities have shown that the reconciliation between individuals and nations is possible and it is this insight that they are trying to pass on to both sides of the conflict. Moreover, the PCFF has concluded that the process of reconciliation between nations is a prerequisite to achieving a sustainable peace. The organization thus utilizes all resources available in education, public meetings and the media, to spread these ideas."

This is a two sided story, there are tragedies on both sides - the causes and the options are complex but George finishes: "God asks us to forgive, but not to forget our rights; to live side by side - Christians, Jews and Muslims together. There is enough land for us all to live with respect for one another."

I'm Not a Dancer - Just ask my Wife and Daughter

"I'm a lover not a dancer, I'm a lover not a dancer

I'm just a little bit tired if you know what I mean.

Don't want to be in a crowd when I can be in a dream"

(Jim Steinman)

In this past week I have had the privilege of visiting some amazing places, Gaza, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Bethlehem and meeting some spectacular people. There are so many stories I could tell but one that remains etched in my hearing and memory starts with a Child Friendly Space (CFS) in Gaza. 

It takes about 1.5 hours to travel to Gaza from Jerusalem - but the contrasts between the two are numerous and stark. This is a tough place and it breeds a tough, resilient people. Amongst these are a group of a dozen young girls who have come to a CFS to learn English. Climbing the stairs to the second floor of a very basic concrete building I hear the sound of very loud Arabic music. I walk through the door to the sound of a unison Arabic greeting. Standing in four straight lines are the young girls from 12 to 16 years old in white hijab, black clothes and shy but large smiles and dancing eyes.

They sing an Arabic welcome song and then one of them comes to the front and in English announces that the visitors will now join them to sing a song. We form a circle, wondering what on earth we are in for, and they start singing, in English, and doing the actions to "If you're happy and you know it: clap your hands... stamp your feet... nod your head... turn around... shout "Allah, Allah". I join in and together we pound our fists in the air as we shout Allah.

But they thought that was it, no way - in Australia we "do all five" I say! So we lead them in a hilarious version of all five and finish laughing and dizzy together.

Back in our seats, the girls tell us that they would like to perform asong that they had learnt in English. To the accompaniment of a track from Maher Zain the sing and dance to "Freedom". With enthusiasm and passion they raise their arms and emphasis the two fingered Peace symbol as they sing this prayer for peace and freedom.

Swallowing the lump in my throat it is time to watch as the girls transition from this cry for hope to perform a traditional wedding dance. Dressed up as groom and bride, it is exciting and thrilling to watch the intricate hand movements and footwork, until one of them grabs my hand and pulls me up to join in - don't they know I'm not a dancer!

I don't dance, I have enough trouble with the waltz, (just ask my wife) let alone doing the fancy footwork of the 'groom'. But laughing at the uncoordinated white guy is a great stress relief, and after all it's all about humanitarian relief. (I am glad to say there is no photographic evidence that can ever be produced!)

I am always reminded in these visits of the reason I do what I do, and why it matters. I wish I could convey that message to you, but please know - giving hope, as intangible as you may think it is, matters, and means much to girls like these.