Today Palestinian Christians are celebrating St. George's day. He is the beloved patron saint of Beit Jala and Bethlehem, and you can find his image in many places in this area. Christians as well as some Muslims go to the beautifully painted church of St. George in a small town nearby to pray and light candles. It is a joyful day during which special sweet, round, flat loaves of bread are sold. These freshly baked loaves, the size of a dinner plate,have been blessed by the priest and no one leaves the church without purchasing several of them to share with family.

The candles vary in size; from very thin ones to large ones 5 ft tall and many visitors come especially to light one in the hope that their prayers will be answered. It is interesting to observe Muslims revering St. George and to know that they revere Mary and other saints as well. The interior of the small church is decorated with paintings of St. George and the most important biblical figures. The colors are vibrant which creates a joyful atmosphere. Ouside of the church different wares are sold; from beautifully hand embroidered bags and shawls to cheap plastic toys.

As Salam and I walked back to Hope School we saw the sun go down behind the ancient terraced hills planted with olive trees. It was such a peaceful scene which came with the knowledge that this day officially brought the first day of summer.

In contrast to this joyful celebration are the weekly demonstrations agaist the continued building of the wall around Beit Jala and Al-Wallajeh, a small village not far from Hope School. Much land has been confiscated and more olive trees have been lost.

The wall is not only visually offensive but also controls the life of the Palestinians through the checkpoints. No one passes through without a permit from the Israelis, and many Palestinians have not been able to visit Jerusalem for more than a decade because they were not granted the necessary papers. Jerusalem is only 25 minutes by bus from here and a special place for Muslims and Christians.

The illegal settlements continue to be built on Palestinian lands and there seems to be no end to this conflict. Another summer has arrived with the realization that the conditions have not improved. Another summer of not being able to escape the bondage of the occupation.

Please keep the people of the Middles East in your prayers.

yvonne