Palm Sunday for the Greek Orthodox Community

Late last night it was announced on our local TV that the Israeli Army would lift the curfew on Sunday the 28th from 7:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon, but only in Beit Sahour and Beit Jala. Bethlehem will continue to be under strict siege.

Late last night it was announced on our local TV that the Israeli Army would lift the curfew on Sunday the 28th from 7:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon, but only in Beit Sahour and Beit Jala. Bethlehem will continue to be under strict siege. 

Today, every citizen of Beit Sahour rushed to church, but very few children have in their hands a small palm their mother has managed to make at home.  It is very surprising how the children did not ask for a palm to carry, they just want to get out of the prison (home) and see their friends.  We have not in our lives witnessed Palm Sunday with out carrying the symbolic palms.  It was a very sad day for all of us here, especially for the citizens in Bethlehem who remain prisoners in their homes and have missed out on one of the most religious day in their lives. 

When are Christians going to come and see for its own eyes how the Nativity Church has been surrounded by tanks and troops carrying machine guns. On this day the Church of the Nativity should be surrounded with Christians all over the world praying and walking around the Manger Square with palms in their hands.

Until last night I had believed in my heart that by this Easter Sunday the Nativity will be free of the Israeli tanks and soldiers. I had still hoped that Israel had some respect for Christianity, but I was wrong.  The Israeli government has no respect what so ever and to them Palm Sunday is just another passing day. 

How can I express my frustration at the whole situation in Palestine and especially in Bethlehem? What more do you need to hear from me?

I would like to share a story about my 7-year-old daughter Luna. She woke up one morning under the curfew and looked out the window and asked, “Mama, will curfew be lifted today?” “No Luna” I had to answer.  She looked out the window and saw and heard the birds flying and singing and in a very low voice she said, “Mama. aren’t birds lucky. They can fly away and go any where and they are not under curfew.”  She said again, “Mama, I wish I were a bird living free, flying wherever I like.”

I will leave you with this and as you to think about my daughter’s words.