Answering the Call zoom meeting with Friends from American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Ramullah and Brummana Friends School.

It is difficult to put into meaningful words the impression Friends from the Middle East made on me. Here are a few fragmentary pieces of a much bigger and wider conversation.

I was most moved by the commitment to living a loving life that each of the panelists described and showed. There is amazing work being done in Gaza by the 2 remaining AFSC workers who have supported a million people – supplying hygiene kits and other aid. Their office was bombed on the 2nd day of the latest hostilities. Daily life in the West Bank has become much more difficult – one example being the 3hrs it takes to go through the checkpoints to access services such as healthcare. There are more checkpoints and greater surveillance and the sounds of fighter jets and drones a constant in the background. In one story a small girl described to her grandfather that she didn’t feel afraid but her heart was trembling – and so life goes on. We heard that despite the challenges the students are committed to attending both the Friends schools in Ramullah and Brummana, emerging with a perspective that transcends many common prejudices and enables them to take on leadership roles. I had the sense that they were part of the solution, creating the possibility of a positive future beyond conflict. We heard that many Friends in Lebanon have moved away with the challenges of the last 5 years and that the meeting is reduced. We are considering ways to support the meetings and the work of Friends in these difficult times.

Moira Darling – VRM

There is an opportunity for donations through these safe links provided by Omar from Friends School in Ramulla.

Al Ahli Hospital Emergency Appeal

https://www.abmission.org/appeals/emergency-appeals/al-ahli-hospital-emergency-appeal/

Ramallah Friends School