Quick Message from Ramallah

by Marilyn Robinson in Ramallah

May 6, 2002

I am in a internet cafe in Ramallah again this early afternoon with Ida next to me. Later this afternoon after 5pm, if I am still here in the city, I will have a personal conducted tour of President Arafat's compound with the woman that lives below Ida's mother who is a chief worker within the compound and who works with him personally. I will ask to do some photos.

I met with a wonderful older couple, married for over 57 years who welcomed me into their home with kisses on both cheeks, the official greeting here. He was a labor leader-who was sent to prison in his lifetime and then exiled from his homeland to Syria for more than 20 years. His wife kept going back and forth from Palestine to Syria all those years since they had a home here to take care of also. They still say they love all people.

They gave me nectarines and askadinya (a small yellow, pear shaped fruit liken a bit to papaya) excellent and orange juice of course. They were gracious to me and allowed me to take their picture.  

I also have a link with Dr. Hanan Ashwari. I will leave the number with Ida when I go to call her on Wednesday and find out if she can come to Denver in September.

Also, the Israeli military closed Kalendia checkpoint today. No word when they will open it up again. No travel from Ramallah to Jerusalem except by all the circuitous ways around the checkpoint but they are shooting at anyone they catch going that way too. So, for now no travel to Jerusalem.

We watch the local news and Ida's mother interprets for me. She is so kind. There are not words to express how fortunate I am to be here. I am so watched over and feel at peace.

I am not nursing here at this time. The obstetrical hospital next door to Ida's mother used to be their family home. I am right there.

Keep me in your pocket and prayers.

* Marilyn Robinson is one of four members of the Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace who have joined international activists in solidarity with Palestinians nonviolently trying to end Israel's illegal military occupation of Palestine.  More on their trip at: www.ccmep.org/palestine.html