At 6a.m. on May 10, 2002, the Israelis and the Palestinians finally agreed on a solution to the Nativity Church dispute. Of course, the solution was in favor for the Israelis and as always we Palestinians are the ones who have to give in to the demands made by Israel. Everyone came out of the church, but it was a very, very sad day in our history. To see some of our citizens being taken on Israeli busses – some to the airport for deportation and some to Gaza – and the rest taken to an Israeli military for interrogation, was heartbreaking.
At 6a.m. on May 10, 2002, the Israelis and the Palestinians finally agreed on a solution to the Nativity Church dispute. Of course, the solution was in favor for the Israelis and as always we Palestinians are the ones who have to give in to the demands made by Israel. Everyone came out of the church, but it was a very, very sad day in our history. To see some of our citizens being taken on Israeli busses – some to the airport for deportation and some to Gaza – and the rest taken to an Israeli military for interrogation, was heartbreaking.
We did feel some relief from the withdrawal of the Israeli tanks, but at the same moment our sky was very dark and we were so saddened by the look on the faces of those Palestinians coming out of the Church. They have been forced to leave their hometown and not even given the chance to say a proper farewell to their families and children. These men are humans; they are fathers, sons, brothers and husbands who have been trying to protect their families, homes and their land. All their relatives were standing on the rooftops of the houses that look over the Nativity Church, trying to get a glimpse and a brief chance to wave goodbye to their loved ones forever.
Today our children felt come happiness because they could go back to school this morning. Their faces were full of joy that they are, at long last, going to see their schoolmates. It is also a relief that they can get out of their homes which had become a prison for 5 long weeks.
We immediately got back to work to try to pick up from where we left off. We have great of burden on us now at the Municipality. We have to try to rebuild our city.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend our great appreciation for the support we have received from you. So many of you have called; so many have sent emails; so many of you went out on the streets of your countries to protest the brutality of the Israeli soldiers. Thank you for your continued support and prayers at one of the most difficult times in our lives. We are in desperate need of your continued support and solidarity to push forward a fair peace plan that provides justice for both Palestinians and Israeli’s. Your voice is needed in the next peace conference about the issue of establishing Palestine State, with our legitimate right to live free with dignity.
The massive and strong support that we have received from so many during this terrible time has given us the strength to survive this injustice and hope for a better and brighter tomorrow.
Suzan Sahori
International Public Relation Officer
Beit Sahour Municipality
Beit Sahour
Tel:00972-2-3666/7 or 00972-2-2774111
Direct line: 00972-2-277-3830
Fax: 00972-2-2773520
