Tag Archive for: Tent of Nations

Hearing Update Sept 6, 2023

/in /by

Dear Friends,

I want you to know how you and many from around the world encouraged us in the days before the September 6th re-registration hearing. Your prayers and messages of support lifted our spirits.

During the hearing the Committee heard two more of our witnesses.  Both of them provided very strong evidence about our ownership of the land. One, a 95 year old man, was questioned for 2.5 hours.  He knew my father and uncle, and provided details about their ownership and work on the land back to 1930: Another hearing is scheduled for the 4th of December 2023 at which the Committee will hear my witness and that of a land expert. Please keep us in your prayers.

While the legal struggle continues to take a good deal of our energy, we continue to focus on our vision, and to transform our pain into a constructive  power that will make a big difference. We are right now in the middle of the grape and fig harvest season. Please know we welcome visitors and volunteers; and make sure that the everyday work of harvest, watering, and -repair of the land continues; and that we continue to dream towards our goals of self-sufficiency and sustainability.  We are grateful for your presence with us and for all your prayers and solidarity.

We will keep you posted. Thank you so much for accompanying us on this very long journey for justice.

And our journey continues with faith, love and hope.

Daoud Nassar
Tent of Nations
People building Bridges

Hearing Update – March 2, 2023

/in /by
A Message from the Friends of Tent of Nations Steering Committee:
Thank you to the many Friends of Tent of Nations who have contacted Members of Congress and the State Department in the US and government leaders in other nations, in support of the Nassar Family’s efforts to Re-Register their land under Israeli law. Daoud has given us the following brief review of the March 2, 2023 hearing, and invites us to stay tuned:

2 March 2023

Dear Friends,

This is an update from our attorney about the court session regarding the reregistration of the Nassar land. It is really hard for us, but we know that we are not alone on this long journey. We continue to need your support, we will keep you posted and will let you know what the next steps are and what you can do to help.

Today, March 2, 2023 should have been the date when the Objections Committee would have confirmed the title to Nassar family, since all 9 of the parties who objected to the family claims had been previously dismissed, and the last objector, who had previously been dismissed had failed to fulfill the conditions of the Committee to reinstate him. He had not paid the fine he was required to pay, nor submitted a statement by the objector himself or presented the list and the substance of the testimony of his supposed witnesses. As of now, we do not even know the basis of his objection. None the less, the committee decided to grant him yet another chance to present his case, the substance of the testimony he wished to proffer, and set a hearing for May 15.

Attorney Sani Khoury, from our office asked the committee to recuse themselves since their behavior was clearly biased and prejudicial to the Nassars and since they failed even to follow their own procedures . He recited a long list of decisions they had taken over the past 2 years to hamper the Nassar family from obtaining proper title, and described, on the record, how the Committee went out of its way to encourage others to object to their claims and to bring any evidence to cast a shadow on their rights.

The Committee refused to recuse itself, and referred to the military order setting up the Committee which stated that they do not have to follow evidentiary procedures in their attempts to “seek the truth”. When Sani reminded them of their refusal to allow him in the past to present certain evidence, they said now they changed their minds and are willing to give all parties another chance to present affidavits summarizing their claims. In effect, starting the process from the beginning, and overlooking all the delays of the past two years. Now this objector needs to submit his claims and the Committee promised to “look into all facts with a view to arriving at the truth” rather than be bound by any formal requirements and procedures and evidentiary rules.

While the attorneys are not very hopeful that this committee will ever agree to act as a proper legal adjudicatory body, we need to continue the pressure, not only to complete the process of reregistration to acknowledge the ownership of the Nassar family, but also to permit them to start building on it and utilizing it for the worthy projects it needs to be accomplishing.

FOTONNA Newsletter – March 2022

/in /by

Dear Friends of Tent of Nations:

I hope my message finds you in good spirits. 

 I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Daher and I are recovering physically. We never expected to be attacked by Palestinians and this continues to be a big emotional burden on us. Since the physical attack in January, we have been receiving emails, phone calls, and letters of support from international and local friends condemning the attack and expressing support and solidarity with us. Your encouragement has been a real gift and blessing to us. We will keep moving forward and we will not give up.

A press conference was held at the Tent of Nations farm on February 19, 2022 regarding the recent physical attack. Palestinian Authority officials, heads of security forces, mayors of the Bethlehem region, local and international clergy and bishops, diplomats from different European Missions, some international friends, and local media were present at this press conference. They condemned the brutal attack and made it clear that the perpetrators must be arrested and brought to justice. It has been a month since the attack. To date, none of the attackers have been arrested.

 This February, we had a small, but significant victory – the Israeli Supreme Court issued a ruling that dismissed the lawsuit of settlers who were pressuring the Military Government and its Civil Administration to speed up the eviction process.  The court stated that our family had presented proper title documents to the land and were following the appropriate legal reregistration process to establish the land as our private property. One step forward. However, in this same month, we discovered two demolition orders for two agricultural structures in the vineyard. We have filed an appeal and are waiting for a court hearing date.

 Our current focus is working closely with our lawyer to prepare for the reregistration session in early May. We hope that this will be the last step before a final decision is made by the Israeli Civil Administration’s Reregistration Committee. At the same time, we are in regular contact with European consular officials and US Embassy personnel to keep them updated about the case and to ask them to continue putting pressure on Israel to complete the reregistration process. (Click here, or see below for updated information on FOTONNA’s Advocacy effort.)

Tree-planting by volunteers, Feb 2022

In the last few weeks, we were very thankful to be accompanied by some international friends to the farm, like the EAPPI (Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel) Bethlehem team and other international volunteers from Jerusalem. The ongoing presence of internationals at TON is very important not only for protection, but to continue working the land, and to encourage participants to return to their home countries with determination to be people of hope, working to make a difference. With the help of our volunteers, we managed to plant about 100 olive and other trees so far. Thanks must go to all who participated and helped us replant some of the trees that were lost during the fire and other destructive events on the farm. (Click here for more information on volunteering at Tent of Nations Farm.)

 We are glad that we were able to host some visitor groups in January and February from USA, Germany and France. We are expecting about 10 groups from different countries visiting the Tent of Nations this coming March.

Despite all of the destruction that we experienced in the last two years and the challenges that we are facing, we are still determined not to give up but to repair the damages, replant new trees and move forward.

 Our journey of faith, love, and hope will continue.

 Blessings and Salaam,

 Daoud Nassar

Director, Tent of Nations
— People Building Bridges
—www.tentofnations.org, www.fotonna.org
Facebook: Tent of Nations/Nassar Farm

A Message from the FOTONNA Steering Committee Chair

Boulders on road to Tent of Nations

Boulders blocking road to Tent of Nations

Many of you who have been to the Tent of Nations have noted that the first thing you see when arriving at the farm off route 60 is not the TON rock painted with the welcome: “We Refuse to Be Enemies.” Instead, we are greeted by large boulders that seal off the road to the Nassar farm. Visitors need to disembark from their vehicle and walk between the boulders to reach the farm.  Like so many challenges the Nassar’s face, these large boulders are just one more obstacle among many imposed to close down their farm and wear down their faith.

On my first trip to the farm, this sight of the large boulders at the entrance brought to my mind the women who walked a long, lonely road to the tomb on Easter morning with a question on their mind: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb? The stone is too large, and we are just a few.”

We all know that feeling well.  Who will roll away these stones of ongoing violence and the violation of human rights and international law? Who will roll away these stones of the occupation, the separation wall, and the injustices?” Who will roll away these stones that keep trying to crush the hope of innocent people simply trying to have a life of opportunity and peace like all of us? My voice sometimes sounds like that of the women coming to the tomb on Easter morning, lamenting: “The stone is so large, and we are just a few. Who will roll away the stone for us?”

But then I remember and am deeply moved by Daoud who, though brutally beaten alongside his brother, Daher, rises back up to his feet and remains fervent in his courage and conviction, focused with even more determination on pressing on toward the re-registration of his family’s land. As Daoud said in a recent interview with PCUSA mission worker, Doug Dicks: “The challenges of stones sealing a dark tomb can’t stop us from moving forward because we have the light of the resurrection. The way toward justice is long, but we will see the son of justice rise again.” The remarkable witness of Daoud, Daher and the Nassar family is that God is in the resurrection business.

Their witness reminds and inspires us that:

A stone gets rolled away every time courage overcomes fear.
A stone gets rolled away every time love conquers hatred.
A stone gets rolled away every time forces of life overcome forces of destruction and death.
A stone gets rolled away whenever light overcomes darkness.

And your witness is inspiring as well as you continue your advocacy work and financial support, walking this long road beside the Nassars as we chip away at these large stones until they crack apart.  Your efforts remind me of the old Pete Seeger song:

One man’s hands can’t tear a prison down.
Two men’s hands can’t tear a prison down.
But if two and two and fifty make a million
We’ll see that day come round
We’ll see that day come round.

We may seem like few, but as we work with others who share our passion, stones will get rolled away. As Daoud reminds us “we will see the son of justice rise again.”

If you’d like to extend your personal words of support and love to Daoud and the Nassar family as Daoud and Daher continue to recover from the recent attack and work toward land re-registration, you may send a postcard to the family at:

Tent of Nations
Nassar Family
St. Peter’s Cross Road 1
Nahalin
Palestine via Israel

Onward and upward as we travel with them in the way of faith, love and hope.

Charlie Lewis, (FOTONNA Steering Committee Chair)  

What Can We Do to Support the Tent of Nations?

Advocate about TON with your elected officials!

So much has happened since we reached out to you in July last year and asked for your assistance with the “Save Tent of Nations” petition. You and over 3,600 from the U.S. and across the world signed the petition requesting Secretary Blinken to take action.  It was delivered to the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem soon thereafter. U.S. Embassy personnel visited the farm for the first time in seven years in October and have since continued their close communication with and support for the family.

Leading up to the December 13th hearing, with the help of many of you, and in partnership with Churches for Middle East Peace, we began a focused approach with certain congressional offices. We asked these representatives and senators to add their voices to yours/ours in requesting the State Department to urge Israeli officials to move ahead to complete the re-registration of the Nassar family farm.  In October, November, and early December we met with staff in 16 congressional offices — often with constituents involved.  The reports we received back from staff indicate that many of these offices did communicate their concerns to the State Department and received a response.

In addition to sharing a clear “ask” with the Congressional staffer, the strongest part of the meetings was having constituents share their first-hand experience of visiting TON, the impact it made on them, and their convictions about the need for TON to be able to continue its work of peace making and justice seeking by bringing to completion the re-registration of their land.  

In anticipation of the early May re-registration hearing, we have continued to update congressional offices about events on the Nassar family farm and the urgency of the re-registration process. We are asking senators and representatives to continue shining a light on the re-registration case with Israeli officials. In early April, we will provide you with talking points and documents that you can use to contact your elected officials. 

Volunteer at the Tent of Nations!

Tree-planters from France and Germany volunteer at Tent of Nations

The physical presence of volunteers on the land is one thing that has protected the land and the family.  That presence has been lacking over the past two years due to the pandemic. With travel opening again, it is becoming possible for volunteers to travel to Palestine and work alongside the family on the farm. There is a great deal of work to be done to repair the land from the fire and the physical destruction of facilities on the farm that has occurred during the past 18 months. And volunteers and the family are beginning to plant trees.

While visitors are always welcome, and pilgrimage groups are beginning to schedule visits to the farm once again, it is volunteers willing to be present for two weeks or more who are most needed. To learn more about volunteering at Tent of Nations, visit the volunteer section of their website http://www.tentofnations.org/volunteer/ to learn about expectations, roles, timing, travel, and other details.  After reading the information, a first step on the volunteer journey is to complete the application and send it to Daoud.

Patience and flexibility will be keys to your functioning in this fast-changing situation. But, we know these are skills you have been practicing in the midst of the pandemic.  So, consider this opportunity to be in solidarity with the Nassar family and TON, and let others know about it.

If you want to connect with someone who volunteered at the farm for a summer, please contact Andie Sweetman, FOTONNA’s volunteer coordinator at info@fotonna.org

Together in solidarity with you and the Nassars,

Beth Moore, Tour Planning and Finance Co-Director

Your generous prayers, presence, and gifts mean so much to everyone involved with Tent of Nations. Thank you! Gifts to FOTONNA are not tax deductible under US tax law, but are all used to support the crucial work of Tent of Nations. Click here for donation information.

A REQUEST: We are trying to build a geographic map of supporters of the Tent of Nations. If you have already sent yours, thank you! If not, and you are willing, please email us to share your snail-mail address, or at least to tell us the city and state where you live. Email Info@fotonna.org. In turn, we will be able to inform you when Tent of Nations speakers come to your area.

Grateful to be on this FOTONNA road with you!

In closing, reflect on these words of Bethlehemite Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen:

My prayer daily in this bruised and broken land is “Let your kingdom come, Lord,
let your kingdom come in the face of injustice, in the face of persecution,
in the face of all that is dark and in spite of all that comes against the kingdom of Light.”

Thank you for all the ways you are walking on the FOTONNA road with the Nassars!

Heidi Saikaly, FOTONNA Steering Committee Communications Co-Director

FOTONNA NEWSLETTER – December 2021

/in /by

FOTONNA NEWSLETTER – December 2021

Update from Daoud Nassar

Dear Friends of Tent of Nations, 
 
Greetings from Bethlehem. I hope this message finds you well and in good health. It is a difficult time for all of us since the pandemic is hitting many countries with a new wave of the virus.
 
At the beginning of September, the Registration Committee of the Israeli Military Authority informed our attorney that a hearing was scheduled on the 13th of December 2021 to discuss next steps to re-register the Tent of Nations land. Completion of the land re-registration constitutes Israeli authorities’ recognition that the Nassar farm is privately owned land in Area C of the West Bank. We hope that this meeting will not be postponed.
 
In October, a demolition order was discovered on a fence at the entrance of a cave that is used to host volunteers, ordering the cave’s destruction. A hearing was held on the 17th of November at the Israeli Military court in Beit El. Thank God, our attorney succeeded in obtaining a temporary freeze of this demolition order.
 
We are now preparing with our lawyer for the hearing on the 13th of December. We are grateful for the strong partnership of our international friends in the United States and Europe. Your efforts are making a difference. We are very appreciative of your solidarity and support on our long journey for justice and ask that you continue advocating for TON, as we approach the 13th of December.
 
We ask that our European friends continue to pressure those in Embassies and Representative Missions to ensure that the re-registration process will proceed smoothly and end in our favor.
 
We ask that our U.S. friends continue calling and emailing your elected officials, following our
  • Note: for a reminder of suggested actions and phone/email scripts you could use, please click here. If you are a US-based supporter and have been in touch with Congressional representatives, please DO LET US KNOW how those contacts went!
  • Email your stories to info@fotonna.org. Please include your city, state, and congressional district in your response so we can track legislative responses more effectively.
In the last 3 months, the Tent of Nations hosted visiting groups and delegations. In September we hosted a small group of German teachers, and a group of local young people who came to volunteer for a day. We continued to raise awareness of the Tent of Nations through online meetings with churches and friends in the United States and Europe.
 
In October, we hosted a political delegation from the US Embassy, a small delegation of church leaders from Jerusalem, and a delegation from a peace movement in Austria. During the olive harvest, we hosted a local youth group from Bethlehem, a scout group from East Jerusalem, a group of international volunteers who are staying in Jerusalem and the German consulate team from Ramallah who helped with picking olives.
 
Daoud tree-planting

Daoud tree-planting

In November, a delegation from France and from the United States came to visit the Tent of Nations. We also had two groups of volunteers who helped for a day.
 
We are thankful to all who came and visited the Tent of Nations in the year 2021. We hope to welcome more visitors in 2022.
 
The year 2021 was difficult for many people around the world including us, but we have many things to thank God for. We hope the year 2022 will bring more love and justice to our world.
 
Our journey for justice is full of obstacles, but we are determined to continue without giving up. Thank you for accompanying us on this long journey and for all your support and solidarity.
 
Our journey continues with faith, love, and hope in action.
 
Blessings and Salaam,
Daoud Nassar
 
Director, Tent of Nations
— People Building Bridges —

A Message from the FOTONNA Steering Committee Chair

PLANTING TREES IS LOVING THE EARTH
 
The chaos and uncertainty of our world has continued to be felt at the Tent of Nations this year. From Daoud’s updates, you know about the destruction of trees and property. But, you have also read and heard about the ways in which the family has continued to pour their hearts into caring for this 100 acre family farm on a hilltop outside of Bethlehem. Keeping the earth tilled, the cisterns filled, and new trees and grape vines planted is crucial to keeping the land from being confiscated.
 
Your prayers, strong advocacy for the re-registration of the land, sharing “the story,” and financial support are expressions of your solidarity with the Nassar family in this difficult time, and have allowed the work of Tent of Nations to continue.
 
In 2021:
  • The land has begun to be cleared from the ravages of the fire which destroyed over 1000 trees and severely stressed many others. Planting of new trees and grape vines has begun.
  • Development of an irrigation system is underway to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
  • The kitchen has been remodeled in order to better serve the larger numbers of visitor groups projected to arrive soon.
  • The legal case for the re-registration of the land has been intensified.
The hopes and plans for 2022 are many, and include:
  • A positive outcome to the re-registration of the land after 30 years of legal battle.
  • The continued planting of trees and irrigation system development.
  • The repair of facilities to house returning international volunteers and visitors
  • The return of children’s and harvest camps after 2 years of absence
Gifts from friends like you will make the Tent of Nations’ work possible in the coming year. We live in gratitude for your generosity of not only this year, but the many preceding it, and we anticipate the blessings of a new year to come. Click these links to donate securely online or for information about mailing a check.
 
May this time of “Advent waiting” be filled with riches for you, as we long for the birth of a world in which Love is all.
 
Together in solidarity with you and the Nassars,
Charlie Lewis, Steering Committee Chair
 
Beth Moore, Tour Planning and Finance Co-Director

SHARING “THE STORY” FROM A DISTANCE

Beth Moore, FOTONNA Steering Committee Member,
Tour Planning and Finance Co-Director
 
Looking back over 2021, it amazes me to realize that with the many challenges faced by the Nassar family, they have continued to share the story of Tent of Nations both here in the US and in several other places as well – all virtually of course. When I sat down to count them,  I was surprised to see that we’d participated in eleven different events with a variety of groups including local churches, and webinars hosted by partner organizations, in addition to being featured presenters at two events drawing from the US and beyond.
 
The year 2022 is beginning to be revealed, and we welcome your invitations to be part of what you are planning for this new year. Here’s what we know so far:
  • January 15th, Daoud has been invited by the Middle East Peace Now(MPEN) organization based in Minneapolis to be featured in their monthly program. Visit their website to obtain more information and to register. https://mepn.org/
  • March 19th, Daoud will be part of a Lenten series hosted by the Central Pacific Conference of the UCC’s Palestine-Israel Network. Details are not yet available, but the Conference’s website is here: https://cpcucc.org
Be in touch with me, at ebmoore1@live.com if you’d like to include the Tent of Nations in your virtual programming for the new year. We are always grateful to continue the journey together with you.
Bethlehem, Oh Little Town
 
As the patriarch proceeds down the Star Street route* 
That is reported to be the path that the Magi took

Star Street, Bethlehem

So long ago.
The honk of horns from the cars that are 
Cascading on their ascent to the famed square 
From David’s City afar.
While the cacophonous drums
And bagpipes proceed before them 
In some declaration when
Out of the corner of my eyes I saw 
An older man with young boy in tow, 
Whom he appeared to be dragging unmercifully so – 
It got my attention –
Only to soon see that his charge was sightless, 
As he pulled him along, quite boldly it seemed 
In hopes that some holy one would cure him of disease.
Amidst all the clamor in both haste and speed
Our healing God goes unseen in the space between.
 
The words above capture some of the feeling of a December week in Bethlehem when I lived with the Daoud Nassar family. Their family’s historic home still exists on Star Street* where legend has it that the Magi traveled on their way from Jerusalem to the baby’s manger cradle.
 

Scouts’ Advent Parade

But, this day, a two-hour-long parade of scout troop bands from neighboring villages and towns marched and played to crowds lining the walls of the Old City street. A fleet of cars escorted the pious Roman Catholic Cardinal of the region seated in the back of a Mercedes, passing us on the way to the waiting crowd in Manger Square. I say “capture the feeling” because what I experienced that holiday were not the tinsel and wrapped packages of my own experiences at such time at home, but the feeling of family and the expectant arrival of the Holy One there in that little town.
 
The incident that stands out in my mind so vividly still, and reflected in the poem above, is the image of an older man, perhaps the father of a young boy being compassionately brought close to the priest in hopes of receiving his healing blessing. At first, I was alarmed by the counter-flow up the street of the two people going against the grain of the parade coming down, and the almost desperate, but later, it seemed, loving way the elder presented his son to the holy man. The story in Luke of the faithfulness of friends lowering their sick companion through the roof to Jesus below was what I really saw at that moment. Later, Daoud, who had seen it, too, confirmed that the man and boy were his neighbors, and, indeed, what I saw was accurate.
 
So family, love and hospitality is what I felt that week in Bethlehem. After the parade that afternoon, and I had had yet another one of those many savory meals, we attended the Christmas Eve candle-light service together at the English-speaking Lutheran Church, a short walk away uphill. The church was full when we arrived, and many had come far to celebrate the birth of Jesus that night. Many, like myself, from other countries, and many who were serving in some volunteer capacity in the region, gathered together in the wooden pews, surrounded overhead by the majestic arched walls above. At one point during the prayers of intercession, one could hear nine languages reading antiphonally the nine prayer passages coupled by a collective phrase of gratitude in Arabic. There was a sense, on that silent night, of the universality of the faith community as we lit our candles together.
 
The next morning, on Christmas Day, we went as a family to the same church to the Arabic service where the Nassar family children dominated the music program with their playing of tubas, hand bells, trumpet and voice – such talent! Receiving communion among the Arab members of the church was very special and an even more meaningful service than the evening before. Following worship, I walked to the home of an old friend who works as a diplomat in the Palestinian government. I shared yet another scrumptious meal with her and her mother; we also shared the memories of her father, who had died during the year. He had always welcomed me and my friend, Bill, so warmly as “brothers” each time we came to his home.
 

Nassar Family Members

During the remainder of Christmas Day, I shared time with Daoud’s family as a steady flow of relatives came to the home to express their love. It is custom that family members visit the members of their family who have married outside their own circle to express solidarity.
 
The next day, Daoud and I went with his brother, Daher, to the farm to plant trees that were a gift from 12 members of the Endo clan in Virginia. It was a wonderful time for us of working and relishing the events of the week.
 
When alone in the chapel cave with my harp, I couldn’t help but remember that image of the father and son in their encounter with the holy one on Star Street. I wonder..?
“Amidst all the clamor in both haste and speed
Our healing God goes unseen in the space between.”
 
Bill Plitt
FOTONNA Steering Committee Senior Consultant and Historian

THANK YOU!

Your generous prayers, presence, and gifts mean so much to everyone involved with Tent of Nations. Gifts to FOTONNA are not tax deductible under US tax law, but are all used to support the crucial work of Tent of Nations. Click here for donation information.
 
A REQUEST: We are trying to build a geographic map of supporters of the Tent of Nations. If you are willing, please email us to share your snail-mail address, or at least to tell us the city and state where you live. Email Info@fotonna.org. In turn, we will be able to inform you when Tent of Nations speakers come to your area.

Grateful to be on this FOTONNA road with you!

Years ago, during a meeting about Israel Palestine, the tenor of the discussion turned dark and fatalistic, with one voice blurting out that “those people have never and will never learn to get along.” My spirits were deflated by the utterance of that cruel myth. I finally sputtered, “As followers of Christ, we are people of hope, called to step out in faith and work for change.” Silence… In response, John Collier shared his recollection about working for the U.S. State Department on South African Affairs in the late 1980s. “During those years, if someone had asked me, ‘Will apartheid ever fall,’ I would have said (waving his hand at the air), ‘Well, yes, but it will take many, many, MANY years.’ But… it DID fall, and that is my hope for Israel Palestine. The occupation will end. So, never give up hope.”
 
These days, the news from I/P is hard to bear for us in North America and harder to endure for the Palestinians of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. But, let us follow the Nassars’ lead, as they continue their journey forward with faith, love, and hope in action.
 
Thank you for all the ways you are walking on the FOTONNA road with the Nassars!

Heidi Saikaly FOTONNA Steering Committee Communications Co-Director

FOTONNA Newsletter – September 2021

/in /by

FOTONNA NEWSLETTER – September 2021

Update from Daoud – 15 September 2021

Dear Friends of Tent of Nations,  I hope this message finds you well and in good health amid these challenging times. Here in Palestine, the political situation is becoming more difficult following the latest events. The continuous expansion of Israeli settlements across the West Bank and the construction of the wall, left the Palestinians with little hope for a better future. The tunnel is becoming darker and darker, and the light is slowly disappearing. We are moving towards an unclear future pushing mainly the young and educated Palestinian generation to leave and look for a better future somewhere else. Where do we go from here; is there still some hope?! A question that remains without an answer. The Israeli settlements surrounding the Tent of Nations/Nassar farm are expanding. From sunrise until sunset, we hear the noises of trucks, bulldozers, and concrete lorries changing the landscape and building homes on Palestinian land for new Israeli settlers. The continuation of the settlement’s expansion is making it more difficult if not impossible for the Palestinians to have their own state. Our land re-registration process is still on hold. Our lawyer officially informed the military authority on Tuesday, September 7th that he would appeal within three days to the Supreme Court to push the military authority to complete the process of re-registration. Within two days, the military authority responded with a December 13, 2021 meeting date to continue the re-registration process. We hope that this date will not be pushed back. We are very thankful for all our friends who stood by our side, signed the petition, and sent letters to their elected officials. This pressure is indeed making a difference. We are very appreciative of your solidarity and support on our long journey for justice. This year has been very challenging for the Tent of Nations. We have experienced destruction on the farm caused by local individuals from the neighboring village who claim that part of our land belongs to them. We are still traumatized by the recent outbreak of the fire, which was intentionally started. Over 1000 trees were burned entirely, among them were 200 almond trees, which brutally affected our almond harvest this year and caused us to lose 80% of the yearly production. We have also lost 350 grape trees to the fire, another 250 grape trees were damaged by locals in February, and harvested grapes have been stolen. We had about 15% of grapes left from the farm’s normal production. Unfortunately, we did not have enough to make wine this year, so we decided to make grape syrup instead.  In June, the Israeli military entered the farm with vehicles and a bulldozer, destroying olive trees and damaging the terraced land. Our loss of olive trees to the fire and to the military’s destruction, resulted in a loss of about 50% of the yearly production. This is not looking good for our olive harvest this October. Another big loss!  On the other hand, the fig harvest this year was very good, the trees produced many figs. We ate some, we gave some away, we dried some, and the rest was used for making jam.

Daoud planting grape trees

It was hard for us to stand up again after these incidents, but we decided to rise from the ashes and replant more trees as a sign of hope for the future. We repaired some of the burnt plots and planted 170 new grape trees. We developed an irrigation system to water those trees twice a day pumping out the water from the cisterns. We still have to water them daily until the first rain comes, hopefully in November. Thanks must go to our friends who are contributing to repairing the damages caused by the fire and to replanting new trees. We hope to plant more trees before the end of this year. Despite the current circumstances, we continue to develop the infrastructure on the farm. We are still facing some issues with our solar power system. We have successfully installed new batteries, but the system is not producing at its full capacity, which leaves the batteries unable to be fully charged. After examining the situation, electrical engineers informed us that there is a problem with one of the inverters that needs to be replaced. Some solar panels need to be changed, and the whole system needs to be upgraded. It is a big project we hope to complete before the onset of winter. In the last few months, the Tent of Nations hosted visiting groups and delegations who came to learn about our story of Sumud (steadfastness). In January, we welcomed the Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem along with a small delegation. In March, we welcomed the UK Consul  with a small delegation from the UK consulate in Jerusalem. In April, we welcomed the Swiss Consul with a delegation from the Swiss Consulate in Ramallah and a small delegation from the German Consulate in Ramallah. In May, we hosted the Dutch Consul with a small delegation. In June, we hosted a group of 25 people from Germany working on German Development projects and other NGOs in Ramallah. During the month of July, we had 14 Diplomats from the European Consulates come for a briefing about the Tent of Nations. We also welcomed local groups from the Bethlehem area, teachers, and young people from refugee camps. We were also very happy to host local and international volunteers on the farm. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, those volunteers were determined to help us, which was a source of strength for us and a reminder that we are not alone in this struggle. Some stayed for one day and others between two and three weeks. We hope to host more volunteers to help with our olive harvest, which is approaching. Our path is full of obstacles, but we need to keep looking forward. We hope to empower more people through the message of Tent of Nations and to encourage them to share it with others. We hope to invite more people to come and see and go back home and tell the story of what they have seen in their own creative ways; whether through writing, photographs, short videos, documentaries, music, research, or organizing virtual tours. We are determined to continue this path of Sumud (Steadfastness) without giving up. We know the burden is heavy to carry, but still, we need to look forward and focus on our vision. Thank you for accompanying us on this narrow path and for all your support and solidarity. And the journey continues with faith, love, and hope in action. Blessings and Salaam, Daoud Nassar Director, Tent of Nations -People Building Bridges- www.tentofnations.org Facebook: Tent of Nations/Nassar farm

A Message from the FOTONNA Steering Committee Chair

Having grown up on a four-generation family fruit farm in Washington State, I felt an instant connection to the Nassar family and their farm when I first visited Tent of Nations with my wife and two sons in 2016.  I had met Daoud prior to this visit on one of several speaking engagements he’d had in the Seattle area where I live.  Daoud’s story planted seeds in me at that time, seeds that grew toward taking an even greater interest in the lives of Palestinians and justice for them.

Daoud with Charlie Lewis, Steering Committe Chr

Charlie Lewis and Daoud at TON in 2018

It’s part of the DNA of farmers to keep planting new seeds and new trees so that new fruit will always be growing and new hope will always be emerging from what appears to be barren ground. A farmer’s livelihood depends on it. Hope for the farm’s future counts on it. The 170 new grape trees that Daoud and his family have planted on their farm following the arson fire that took over 1,000 trees and a bulldozer took another 50 are signs of hope. Challenges come, but with the challenges also come nonviolent acts of resistance, planting trees. Challenges come, but alongside them comes peaceful resistance with over 3,600 of you signing a petition to our State Department, with letters many of you signed to send to your Senator or House Member, and with Zoom calls some of us made to our congressional leaders or their aides to call attention to the plight of the Palestinians and the Tent of Nations in particular. These are all signs of hope for the Nassar family, a sign that they have a vast international community that stands in solidarity with them and with their cause of a just peace. The reality is, no one plants seeds or trees today who does not believe in tomorrow. And after thirty years of enduring harassment and delay after delay in the courts, “We are,” as Daoud points out, “still here!” And you and I are here with them too, standing with them and for them and beside them in defending their right to their own land. We plant seeds every day with the words we speak and the actions we take to stand up for what’s right. Thank you for your peaceful acts of resistance as we work and pray and wait for “justice to roll down like mighty waters and fairness like an ever-flowing stream.” Together in solidarity with you and the Nassars, Charlie Lewis Chair of the FOTONNA Steering Committee

Emergency Response Plan Update and Call to Action

The “Save the TON” petition with more than 3,600 signatures from the U.S. and partners around the globe has been delivered to the State Department and U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Daoud and his family are scheduled to meet with the Israeli Military Authority about the re-registration process on December 13, 2021.  The Nassars are grateful for you, standing with them, signing the petition, and sending letters to your elected officials.  Daoud stresses, “This pressure is indeed making a difference.  We are very appreciative of your solidarity and support on our long journey for justice.”

Call for Action:

Daoud asks that we continue our advocacy work in the weeks leading up to the December 13, 2021 meeting with the Israeli Military Authority.

What can we do?

To those of you who signed the petition from outside the U.S., we are so very grateful for your partnership.  Please continue to raise the Nassars’ call for justice with your elected officials and keep us posted on their responses.  Your advocacy work is critical in the weeks leading up to the Nassars’ re-registration meeting on December 13, 2021! To those in the USA who have already called or emailed your senators and your representative, thank you for taking that step!  We would appreciate hearing from you about the responses you have received.  For that purpose and for any questions or input you may have, write to us at info@fotonna.org.  You may be wondering about next steps that you can take to encourage your elected officials to contact the State Department about the Tent of Nations emergency. We would like to suggest that you maintain ongoing contact with the closest local office of your senators and your representative.  Staffers in these offices have the vital role of conveying constituents’ concerns to their colleagues. They can provide guidance to you on these inquiries:

  • “How may I follow up on my request for Senator/Representative _____________to contact the State Department?
  • Would you and members of the senator’s/representative’s foreign policy team like to meet via zoom to clarify details about the situation at Tent of Nations?   Whom do I contact to arrange a meeting?”  Or, “Would it be possible to meet with the Senator/Representative about the situation at Tent of Nations?”

If you have not contacted your elected representatives and wish to do so, here again is the information: “Contact your senators and representatives. Urge them to ask the State Department to question the Israeli government about the Israeli Military’s recent acts of destruction of Nassar property and the delays of the re-registration.”

  • Click here for scripts to guide your phone calls and emails.
  • Click here to download a one-page backgrounder on Tent of Nations that you can send on to your representatives and to others.

Use these links to obtain the contact information for your elected representatives:

We will keep you informed through our newsletter in the coming weeks.  Again, thank you for your solidarity at this critical time for all of us. Sincerely, FOTONNA Steering Committee, Emergency Response Plan Sub-Committee

Travel as a Heart-Expander Joan Deming — FOTONNA Steering Committee Communications Co-Director As the newest member of the Steering Committee, I was invited to kick off a newsletter feature introducing FOTONNA leaders. Last in, fresh vision? I hope my reflections on why I’m involved might prompt your memories of learning about Tent of Nations – of hearing the story of “Refusing to Hate” and staying resilient. What “grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go” about the Nassar’s story actually began for me elsewhere.  I joined the staff of Pilgrims of Ibillin in 2007 to support the work of Archbishop Elias Chacour in the schools he founded in Ibillin, a Palestinian village in the Galilee region of today’s Israel. While serving 28 years as a United Methodist local church pastor, I had often shared stories of international peacemakers like Abuna Chacour with my congregations. By 2007 I was working in nonprofit development, and when I learned of an opportunity to support Abuna Chacour’s work for peace, I leaped at the chance. My work involved at least annual trips to Ibillin where I was a guest for the first five minutes and then a family member forever. As I met the Christians, Muslims, and Jewish teachers and students of Abuna Chacour’s Mar Elias Schools, my world and heart grew.

Daher Nassar and Joan Deming at TON

Daher Nassar and Joan Deming at TON

Pilgrims of Ibillin also introduced me to other peacemakers and organizations working nonviolently for justice and human rights on both sides of the Green Line. I quickly learned the power of personal visits to Israel/Palestine, not as tourists but as pilgrims, meeting local people and hearing stories of “belonging to the Land.” Together with leaders from Wi’am Conflict Transformation Center in Bethlehem, I began taking groups of US travelers to Palestine/Israel. Tent of Nations rose to the top of the “must visit” places, thanks to the gracious hospitality and powerful story shared by the whole Nassar family. Since 2012 I’ve taken more than 15 groups to visit Tent of Nations. We’ve heard Daoud’s story of finding a way to live with hope and without hate as the farm has been repeatedly attacked. We’ve sung praise songs in Arabic and English with Daher in the caves during farm tours. We’ve eaten delicious lunches prepared by Mrs. Nassar and we’ve helped pick olives. Once introduced to the Tent of Nations, our pilgrims never forget the inspiration they felt there. Our hearts are forever better because of those moments on a hilltop southwest of Bethlehem. My plan is to resume leading “Meet the Peacemaker” tours as soon as travel is safe again after COVID-19. Tent of Nations will be a key visit – not just for a talk and tour, but to join the host of volunteers who have spent days and nights on the farm, helping wherever needed and being enriched beyond measure. In the meantime, being able to serve on the Steering Committee to support the Tent of Nations is a blessing. I’ll be behind the scenes making sure the FOTONNA website is up to date and our Constant Contact communications are working. Together with you, my grateful prayer will be for safety, resolution, and official recognition for the Nassar family and the Tent of Nations.

SHARING “THE STORY” FROM A DISTANCE BETH MOORE – Tour Planning and Finance Co-Director Even in the midst of the challenging times being faced at Tent of Nations,  Daoud continues to share the story of the farm, and the family’s journey.  It’s now been almost two years since we have been able to host in-person tours in the U.S. In spite of the constraints placed upon us by the pandemic, you have come forward to request that Daoud be with you virtually.  He, and we are so grateful for that.  For it is in sharing the message of “refusing to be enemies”, and the journey of this particular family, that we are reminded again of the fact that hope still rises.  These gatherings encourage us all and give us energy to continue. This April Daoud was invited by our longtime partners, Eyewitness Palestine, to be a part of their virtual tours series.  Daoud and other members of his family we don’t often see were present at four different gatherings, and we debuted a brief video of the farm which was created by Daoud and Jihan’s daughters, Shadin and Nardine.  Also, that month, Daoud was interviewed by long-time supporter Michael Spath, Director of the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, in one of a series of webinars he has conducted on current conditions in Palestine.  May brought a visit to Church of the Palms UCC, a congregation in Sun City Arizona which hosted an in person visit in 2018.  In August the TON of Hope Book group of Des Moines, Iowa submitted a workshop proposal for the annual congress of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) which combined Daoud sharing the story and their presentation about development of a children’s book about TON.  In mid-September Daoud shared the TON story in a webinar hosted by Pilgrims of Ibillin. This fall, we have two virtual events planned:

If you would like Daoud to participate virtually at a conference, adult education, or other gathering, please feel free to be in touch with Beth Moore, FOTONNA’s Tour Coordinator at ebmoore1@live.com. Volunteers will be needed to work on the farm.  Please see www.tentofnations.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to complete a volunteer application.  Travel restrictions due to COVID-19 precautions will determine the scheduling of volunteers.

Your generosity with prayers, presence, and gifts means so much to everyone involved with Tent of Nations. Thank you! Gifts to FOTONNA are not tax deductible under US tax law, but are all used to support the crucial work of Tent of Nations. Click here for donation information.

Thank you for all the ways that you are walking on the FOTONNA road for justice with the Nassars.  Your actions are a source of encouragement to the family as they continue their journey with faith, love, and hope. Heidi Saikaly FOTONNA Steering Committee Communications Co-Director