Greetings and salutations from the West Bank, Palestine.

I wanted to take a minute to share some thoughts about my journey. 

Things here are much harder and yet more alive and vibrant than anyone could imagine. The place is crowded and packed with people who are filled with hidden fear, but a much stronger desire to live freely. And VERY FEW tourists have come since the start of the war. The main sources of income are tourism or working in Israel, both have literally dried up since October 7. The permits to be able to travel into Israel have been repealed indefinitely. People who are trained in professional careers are working as cab drivers and construction workers in order to feed their families. They are made to go through dehumanizing checkpoints, where their fate is in the hands of 19 year old IDF soldiers who are trained to kill Palestinians without recourse. Yet, the Palestinians people have said, pray for the oppressors, for they have been indoctrinated into this situation! What resolve and sense of humanity live in their hearts. Many people are committed to nonviolence and recognize the trauma on both sides. 

Our group has spent time at Aida Refugee Camp, as well as one kindergarten in the camp that specializes in supporting traumatized children. Their classroom is in the shadow of the wall that is yet another land grab. Sidenote: the wall was not placed on the green line, as was to be, but inside Palestine, taking more precious land. This kindergarten is right beside the most tear-gassed street on earth. 

Another example would be the Nassar family who has paperwork of their land ownership going back to the Ottoman Empire, yet the government is still trying to take their land. Here is more detailed info: https://tentofnations.com/ 

There are MANY more stories….

I am stunned, saddened and thirsty for justice. 

Always and forever inspired by these strong, beautiful Palestinian people. I will stand in solidarity with them until there is no breath. 

-Elena Ceberio

Elena and Mr. Nasser in Bethlehem. Mr. Nasser’s family runs the Tent of Nations farm.