Lots of tears of happiness yesterday

Yesterday's blog told the story but not the emotion of the day. This photo shows Wafaa and Abed, with their four boys, proudly welcoming everyone to their new home. In the morning I had watched a video of her talking in front of the pile of rubble that had been their new home in 2002, just complete one month earlier. Marwan from the Holy Land Trust, in the centre, works with such families to rebuild community and hope. The villagers turned out in force and shared the joy. There was not a dry eye anywhere. This incredibly beautiful village is 2000 years old and the people still work traditionally. It is a fertile valley, irrigated by ancient irrigation systems fed by strings. There is an Israeli proposal to extend the separation wall through the village - it is being fought in the courts now. That would take 40% of the land of the these people. They would look out on their windows not onto beautiful peaceful hillsides but at a 24 foot wall built within yards of the houses. Can this be just? We can only be happy that there is joy today and to see what tomorrow brings.