CPTnet
November 6, 2001
CHICAGO: Book Review of Art Gish's _Hebron Journal_
by Muriel Stackley
Art Gish's newly published Hebron Journal could have been subtitled "20
death threats in one day." As it is, these "Stories of nonviolent
peacemaking" lead readers to add their voices to the author's
refrain: This is holy ground.
Gish, an Ohio farmer, spent parts of the last five years as a member of
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Hebron, Palestine. He has been an
activist for peace and justice beginning with work, 40 years ago, as a
conscientious objector with Brethren Volunteer Service in Europe. His job
description then as now: Get in the way of bigotry and violence.
As anyone aware of the news would expect, this journal describes
pain: the young Palestinian killed during the demolition of his home--at
Issawiyeh, "place of Jesus"; the author being spat on, kicked, imprisoned;
and the children on both sides being victimized.
The journal also documents joy: harvesting turnips, the miracle of
snowfall bringing "enemies" together, and Israelis coming to rebuild a
bull-dozed Palestinian house. "I watched," writes Gish, "Palestinians and
Israelis hugging and kissing each other beside the rubble....This is real
peace, the fruit of repentance and humility. Amos wore Atta's kiffeyeh
and Atta wore Amos's hat."
Hebron Journal evokes dreams: Jews and Arabs living together in peace; a
"hospitality tent of meeting" for Jews, Arabs, and Christians to celebrate
holy-days and Scriptures and food in common; the formation of "Muslim
Peacemaker Teams" and "Jewish Peacemaker Teams."
Finally, the journal invites hope. A Palestinian man who has experienced
horror from both settlers and soldiers, said, "God addresses all people in
the Holy Books. God did not create racism."
Hebron Journal is a primer in CPT: (1) talk with every side in the
conflict; (2) act as "international observers"; (3) be an active
nonviolent presence; (4) nurture and depend on the support of Israeli and
Palestinian friends; and (5) act out of a spiritual center.
When Herald Press reprints Art Gish's journal, I hope they add a quote
from the Mishnah (there is one on page 291) to the Christian and Muslim
Scriptures on the frontpiece. I also hope that the editors will be
assertive in tightening the manuscript; I got tired of
the repeated "It was a good conversation."
Gish's _Hebron Journal_ is available at CPT's Chicago and Hebron offices for
$15 U.S.
and for $20 Canadian in the CPT's Canadian office (Addresses below.)
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