Holy Land: Letter from Tent of Nations

We Refuse To Be Enemies - stone at entrance to Tent of Nations

Daoud Nasser from Tent of Nations near Bethlehem writes:

Dear Friends,

It is a big challenge to keep hope alive with all the destruction, the hopelessness and despair that our country is going through. This morning, I was reading the Sermon on the Mount, the strong message of comfort that Jesus shared with the people who came to listen to him. Among them were the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed and the powerless. They all heard a message of hope that changed their lives and opened a new perspective for them.

The access to Tent of Nations has become more difficult in the last couple of months; two additional roadblocks of earth and large stones have been placed on the road to the farm which comes in from Route 60. The aim is clearly to make it more inconvenient for international visitors to get to the farm. We are still waiting for a new court date, after cancellation of the December 4, 2023 session.
We had good rain in the last couple of weeks, the fields are ploughed and prepared for trees, the cisterns are filling with rainwater, and the almond trees are starting to bloom. These are all positive signs that help us to celebrate hope and life even in this very dark time. Last week, we started our tree planting campaign. Three international solidarity groups from the US and Germany are joining us this week and in the following two weeks to help with planting. Three volunteers from Germany will be staying for a week in late February. We are glad to see international solidarity groups and volunteers visiting us in this difficult time, it is another sign of hope.

We will continue to transform our frustration and pain into positive actions, believing that things are possible even in an unjust and hopeless situation. Please pray for us to continue our long journey with faith, love, and hope. Thank you for all your support and solidarity.

Blessings and Salaam,
Daoud Nasser

The Nassar family have owned and farmed their property for over a century - and have a title going back to the 1920's. The 100-acre farm is surrounded by Israeli settlements. Despite many years of struggle against attempts to take the land from his family, Daoud Nasser's Christian faith commits him to love for his neighbours and the cause of reconciliation. Over the past decade and a half, the Tent of Nations has welcomed thousands of pilgrims and volunteers to help them cultivate the land - and grow seeds of hope by building bridges between people.