Making connections with the land (10th October)

We’ve returned to Bethlehem after two nights of camping at a place called the Tent of Nations. The place is run by the Nassar family, who received it from their great grand father (see their website at www.tentofnations.org for more information).

During our time there we had a chance to look around and also to work on the land as a way to contribute to the community here. (See pictures below and on flickr of one of the walls that was built). We were also able to chat with Daoud about land and identity, and share our own experiences. According to him, the identity of Palestinian people are strongly linked with the land. On the context of our programme, some of them has lost their land (living in refugee camp since more than 20 years) and many are struggling against occupation to keep theirs.

Here are some of the experiences of our group regarding the discussion:

In Marcus’s community for example, people believe that land is older than human. There, land and forest are using for traditional ceremony and there is not limitation on the land in their conception.

Regarding Eric’s experience, on his community, people identify themselves by the geographical area where they come from, that’s means from the land were they are born. Regarding the disrespect of the land and many lands conflicts in the world raise by one participant, he said that we should have a global approach of the problem and should commit ourselves wherever we are to respect and save it.

Kuong has brought a different approach on the issue since he is coming from a family which has lost their land because conflict. That is why he suggests to the entire participant to take care of the land wherever they are.

Pip has a different history with the land. As a non-Indigenous person she respects the connection and guardianship that Indigenous people have with the land. However, as a 5th generation New Zealander, she also shares a strong connection with the land as her family have lived and worked on the land since at least as far back as their arrival in New Zealand. She believes it is crucial to develop this understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous people of settler nation-states to ensure that the land is cared for appropriately and that the identity of all is respected.

The time at the Tent of Nations also provided an opportunity for us to share about ourselves (culture, work, etc), including our talents. The first night saw songs from different places, including the Solomon Islands and Africa accompanied by drum beats. We also learnt a cheerleading chant from Hong Kong! Mohsen then taught us some Palestinian songs as he played the guitar and the guys demonstrated some dancing. Other guests at the Tent of Nations were so impressed with our singing and dancing that why they came to join us again on the second night where they took part by sharing various performances.

This morning we left the Tent of Nations and drove out to the desert, were we spoke to a couple of guys from the Bedouin community. We learnt how the Bedouins, who are nomadic people, are viewed by some as lower class peasants, and how some of them are Palestinian and some are Israeli. We heard how their connection to land did not necessarily means economic exploitation or construction of various facility but respecting the land as they move around.

After some shopping time in the old city of Bethlehem , we are now back at our accommodation and (after a shower) are frantically practicing for our big circus and theatre performances in Azzeh and Aida refugee camps tomorrow. Wish us luck!!

(Eric and Amy)




Daoud talks to our group at the Tent of Nations


Gabriella, Georgina, Mary and Marcus with the wall that they built


The circus performers practice at the Tent of Nations


Desert headware?



The desert - Bedouin tent is the dot in the middle of the photo