Regularly Scheduled Programming

This posting marks the resumption of semi-regular blogging about my journey to learn about peace-making in Israel and Palestine. In other words, my mid-winter break is over. My parents are here visiting, and in the spirit of "doing, not just saying" --regarding the peace process-- they are allowing me to join them as they visit the Hope Flowers School in Bethlehem tomorrow. The Hope Flowers School is "a unique school teaching peace and democracy and aiding trauma-reduction and community development in Bethlehem" (http://www.hopeflowersschool.org/). Recently, two terror attacks jolted Jerusalem and the West Bank from relative calm. A rabbi from a northern settlement was gunned down by militants while driving his car. The Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade took responsibility. Also, an Israeli bus was fire-bombed Molotov cocktail-style resulting in one severe injury. In Hebron, Palestinians scuffled with Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers and other West Bank hotspots saw flare-ups. These attacks, and the resulting response from the IDF --to search out and neutralize suspected terrorists responsible for the attacks-- could make our Bethlehem visit come at an inauspicious time. A report on our hopefully trouble-free and peaceful trip to come soon.