Over the past few years, we’ve spent a fair amount of time in Bethlehem one way or another and have really enjoyed the relaxed, low-key vibe and the novelty factor that this iconic place actually exists. The low-key factor however, means that after you’ve been to the Church of the Nativity and wandered around some … Continue reading Backstreet Bethlehem
In June 2019, not long after arriving in Jerusalem, I started some volunteering work in the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. From there, two of the camp residents had set up an organisation called Volunteer Palestine. This invited people from around the world to come and live in the camp and bring their skills to … Continue reading Aida Camp
On Saturday evening the Christmas lights were lit in Bethlehem in a small ceremony which was streamed worldwide. Despite the challenges of this year, there is still something magical about spending Christmas so close to where the action happened 2020 years ago. Bethlehem is only 10km away from Jerusalem although, as if often the case … Continue reading Oh Little Town
The other day my three year old asked, ‘are we Palestinian?’ Sadly, for us, we are very much British, but it was sweet to see that she understood a bit about where we are. The next day she said ‘I just heard a Palestinian’ when she meant the call to prayer, so her definition was … Continue reading Locked In
Last week the news and social media alike have been awash with shock and disgust over the police brutality that led to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May. There have been protests around the world. People are rallying around the Black Lives Matter campaign. This led to the backlash claim that … Continue reading Palestinian Lives Matter
And just like that, Wednesday marks a year that we’ve been living in East Jerusalem. I would say it has whizzed by in the blink of an eye, but the past month has put the brakes on life in a way that has given a lot of time for reflection. In many ways this new … Continue reading One year here
East Jerusalem Diaries 