Beit Ummar

4 June 2011, Beit Ummar

Illegal settlers in the West Bank cut down 20 grape trees, old vines cultivated for many years by their neighboring Palestinian farmers. The Palestinian farmers of this land report ongoing harassment and violence from the neighboring illegal settlers. They do not dare to go cultivate their land without international presence to document the clashes with settlers that have almost become routine.

What can the farmers do? They did not return this violent act for violence, but called on the Israeli and international solidarity and peacemaking presence in Palestine; Tayush, International Solidarity Movement and Christian Peacemaker Teams to document this loss, while continuing to resist the expanding occupation by continuing with daily life. This is the patient and persistent non-violent spirit that is beginning to transform Palestine's resistance to the occupation.

This sad display of power and violence is common for Palestinians all over the West Bank.
How should I, as a Christian, respond to this type of state supported violence between neighbors? I look to scripture that we share with our Jewish brothers and sisters; Leviticus 19:18 18 "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." and Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In the face of violence from a neighbor, we are not called to violence, nor are we called to be passive. Love, do justice, and walk with your God. These commandments are verbs calling the faithful to action. For the farmers of Beit Ummar resistance is continuing to live life in Palestine and to bring attention to the injustice of Israeli settlers' actions, to a global audience for us all to react in love by calling Israel to responsibility for their support of these illegal actions.


Young boys accompanied us to the fields.

Some women joined us to take advantage of this safer opportunity to harvest grape leaves.