© Sean Hawkey/WCC

The Ecumenical Accompaniment group 63 gathered in Jerusalem last week to wrap up their three-month stay in the Holy land with a debriefing and handover ceremony to the incoming team, group 64.

An experience of a lifetime came to an end and now the advocacy work back home for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine begins. WCC Weekly asked five departing EA’s to briefly share:

1. What made you sign up for the programme?
2. In three words, how was it?
3. The most important experience you bring back home?

Edna from Sao Paulo, Brazil:

1. I wanted to learn more by being closer to the Palestinian people, rather than just reading about them.
2. Challenging, a turning point in my life and that there are multiple truths in this conflict.
3. The Palestinians’ resistance and their belief in a peaceful future.

Margriet from The Hague in the Netherlands:

1. To pursue peace in a different setting than my church at home.
2. Confusing, impressive and hope versus despair.
3. Meeting children and gaining their trust.

Malin from Gothenburg, Sweden: 

1. I am a human rights worker who believe in international presence, and I wanted field experience.
2. Educational, engaging and frustrating.
3. To meet people with different backgrounds and to feel that you are in the middle of a rich history.

Dave from Skipton, Yorkshire, UK

1. Came two years ago, and learned a lot about the situation. So, I wanted to come back for a longer stay this time and try to contribute to make things better.
2. Humbling, moving and anger-inducing.
3. The humility, generosity, kindness and dignity that the Palestinian people show.

Lanny from Minnesota, USA

1. Have dealt with conflict resolution for the past 20 years, especially within churches. Trying to understand why this conflict isn’t solved.
2. Intense, challenging and hopeful.
3. The resilience of the human spirit and dignity.