Lunch in Bethlehem

In April 2008, I traveled to Israel with a group of thirty-five men and women. During this trip, we were blessed to be invited for lunch in the small apartment of a Christian Palestinian family who live in Bethlehem. This was one of the highlights of the trip.  The mother, who name is Faten, was born in Bethlehem but later moved with her parents to Germany. After living there for twenty years, she returned to Israel for an "arranged" marriage.

Faten told our group that for six years no pilgrims were allowed to visit Bethlehem due to the turmoil and wars taking place there. Her two sons now live in Boston; she and her husband live in Bethlehem with their teenage daughter. The sons have asked their parents to move to Boston as well. However, they do not want to leave their country which is exemplary and can be understood. The people throughout Palestine and Israel are very family-oriented with sons taking care of their parents as the mother and father grow older. But, who will take care of Faten and her husband in their later years? They love their country, as I live the United States.

Faten told our group she wants to be a "bridge" between Israel and Palestine. She is Palestinian, but her religious roots are Jewish due to the fact that she is Catholic. She said, "There is a conflict between who wants peace and who doesn't want peace. Live and let others live." She told our group, "No Israelis can come to Bethlehem and few Palestinians (like herself) can go to Jerusalem. While the Wall stands, there will be no reconciliation."

Faten's talk to us was extremely informative. As we ate lunch, served by her family, she talked to us of the political situation in Israel. A member of our group asked, "How many of you would open your homes to strangers?" His words rang true! Would we open our homes to thirty-five strangers as Faten and her husband had done for us? Probably not. Smiling, Faten said in reply, "You are all my sisters and brothers." Everyone was silent as we reflected on the truth and beauty of these words.