Among FriendsNo 93: Autumn 2003 Published by the Europe and Middle East Section of Friends World Committee for Consultation Executive Secretary: Bronwyn Harwood, 1 Cluny Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4SW, UK. Tel: +44 (0)131 447 6569;
[email protected] Dear Friends, In August I made my first visit to Palestine. I was there just over two weeks and do not come back an instant expert on “The Situation”, although like many others I return shocked and angered by the horrendous denial of human rights, the violence, the aftermath of violence, the deep sense of hopelessness. But no, what I want to concentrate on here is to share with Friends across Europe and Middle East Section firstly my impressions of Quaker life and work in Ramallah, and secondly a brief reflection, celebration even, of the work of the Spirit in the “Holy Land”. Jenny Foot of Lancaster Girls at Inash El Usra (photo by Maggie Foyer) Monthly Meeting was my travelling companion. You will find her account of our stay and our involvement reconciliation. The project is supported financially by as volunteers on page 4. I was grateful for her Philadelphia Yearly Meeting but there is still some way companionship, resilience and constant good-humour. to go and Ramallah Quakers would love to feel they I also want to give special thanks to all the Friends in have the support of more Friends from Europe. When Ramallah, and many other local people too, for the we visited we saw the gleaming new roof, a partially warmth of their welcome. restored meeting room, new walls round the garden Right in the centre of old Ramallah is the old Meeting but a way to go in restoring the annex and the outdoor House, standing in a walled garden.