Despite the pain and suffering evident across the West Bank and Gaza, there is a way forward for Palestinians, Israelis, and those who support them. The way forward begins with hope, and hope begins with ordinary human beings who, as my experience here has shown me again and again, have the courage and compassion to overcome their differences and embrace their common future.
In Bethlehem, I met a Jewish-Israeli woman who is opening savings accounts for Palestinian and Israeli children. The accounts, which are matched by generous donors worldwide, will pay out extra dividends to the children as their people move closer to reconciliation and lasting peace.
On the West Bank, I met a Palestinian man who, along with his two sons, had been imprisoned repeatedly during the Al-Aqsa Intifada, yet pointed out that many Israeli soldiers had been kind to him, even in captivity.
The will to coexist is strong here, and it is our job to support its expression in ordinary individuals -- individuals overcoming the odds put in place by politics, history, and circumstance.
I met countless such people throughout my travels here, including at UPA's more than 30 long-time partner organizations.
In Ramallah, I met a Palestinian priest who has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to raising orphans, teaching them the gentle manners and respect that will ultimately be the foundation of a lasting peace here. In Qalqilya, I met a doctor who volunteers his time to treat pregnant women and counsel children against violence in their schools and communities. And in El-Bireh, I met a woman who has helped hundreds of disabled Palestinian children overcome the social stigmas placed upon them, empowering them to finish school, find jobs, and raise families of their own.
Each of these people rely on UPA's generous contributors to sustain their programs and lay the foundation for a lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. I will be uploading photos and narratives of my conversations with these extraordinary people in the next week. And, as always, I welome your comments and reactions at samer@helpupa.com.
Fond greetings to all from the Holy Land.
