Thursday, 11:30 pm, E. Jerusalem

Our delegation of three from the New England Synod arrived on Israeli soil about 3 pm today, April 24th. It is hard to believe that we're finally here. Yesterday we were sent on our way from Boston with a psalm and prayer led by Pastor Marion Marks of Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, Maine. She was already coming through Boston and changed her plans slightly in order to represent Bishop Payne and the rest of the synod in our send-off.

We had had reports of foreigners being turned away at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, and en route we made plans for what to do if one of us were turned away. Revs. Michael and Susan Thomas had forewarned us to simply say that we were visiting the holy sites in Jerusalem and to offer only as much information as was requested. "Why are you travelling at this time, during the Intifada?" Because travel is cheaper now, and we don't expect large crowds at the holy sites. And so went the questioning.

Susan Thomas picked us up, and following a drive-through of the old city of Jerusalem dropped us off at the Christmas Hotel in East Jerusalem. As we received our keys, in walked Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, the director of Augusta Victoria Hospital, the hospital run by the global Lutheran community through Lutheran World Federation. He and his family have taken up residence at the hotel since they've been unable to get to their home in Ramallah for weeks. (His house is situated close to President Arafat's besieged headquarters, and he wonders what shape it will be in when they finally can get home.) He spoke of the small moments of hope painted against a much bleaker backdrop of uncertainty and hopelessness.

We enjoyed dinner with Susan this evening. Michael wasn't able to make it as he was part of a humanitarian convoy to bring food and medicine to Jenin. Michael indicated by cell phone that Jenin was a difficult scene to witness.

Tomorrow is a Jerusalem day. We'll be with the pastor and members of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, ELCJ and have a chance to see some of the holy sites. Tentatively we are planning on going to Ramallah on Saturday with a meeting scheduled with the mayor. More on these things tomorrow.

Hans Arnesen

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