Three EAs from the Jerusalem team returned to the nomadic Jahalin Bedouins at Khan al Ahmar who are threatened with forced relocation by Israeli authorities (see Feb. 10 blog). The team tries to check in with them every Saturday.
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| Nasser (left) describing the Bedouins' problems through an interpreter (center) |
We chatted today with Nasser in front of his colorful house. He told us that last Thursday they were visited by police who warned them to stop grazing their sheep and goats on the hill opposite the community or face arrest and fine. They have nowhere else to graze the animals, which are their livelihood. They are considering what to do next.
The community is extremely poor. Nasser says they get food from the UN every three months, but it only lasts for a month. There are agricultural and construction jobs in Jericho, but they pay only about $16 a day. He works 4 or 5 days a month.
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| Nasser's daughter Razan |
Nasser's 5-year-old daughter Razan suffers from "psycho-motor retardation," according to a doctor's written report that Nasser shared with us. The doctor recommends evaluation in a hospital, but unfortunately the family cannot afford it.
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| George trying his soccer foot |
Part of our accompaniment mission involves interaction with children. We had a chance to play a little soccer and "keep away" with Nasser's four sons and his older daughter, forgetting for a few moments the weighty burden of the occupation and the threat of the community's forced relocation.
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