These are grim times here, where a disproportionate number of innocent people are enduring great suffering because of the actions of a few. Nothing new about that, and yet it is heartrending every time. In the pastoral Palestinian town of Arrabe in the Galilee near the Bet Netufa Valley, they are mourning a 14 year old who happened to be too close to the Syrian border as he accompanied his father to work on the first day of school vacation. Another victim, another family’s tragedy.
I was just in Arrabe and neighboring Sakhnin last week, tagging along with a small delegation of bakers from France who are seeking local farmers to grow ancient varieties of wheat for them. As we opened the day at the Towns Association for Environmental Quality, an NGO in Sakhnin doing education and research on sustainable agriculture, the challenges of communication across the cultural divide were fascinating to observe. The idea that these visitors actually wanted to grow wheat which produces significantly lower yields than the usual varieties was counter-intuitive, in spite of their assurances that they were prepared to pay significantly more than the market value in recognition of the quality of the product.
One of the bakers pulled out his Ipad to show the farmers photos of the artisanal breads he bakes, unaware that the elegant loaves on the screen did not correspond at all to the local perception of what bread even looks like. But good will, courtesy and respect go a long way in overcoming these obstacles, and the groundwork was established for future cooperation.
After visiting the epic expanse of the Bet Netufa valley for a close-up look at the wheat fields, we came back to Arrabe, to the restored stone building that houses Afnan AlGalil, a non-profit for empowering local women. Our hostesses served us a lunch prepared entirely from products grown in and around the Valley – bulgar in mejadre (with lentils) and shulbata (with vegetables and tomato sauce), farike, okra in tomato sauce, labaneh, stuffed grape leaves and zucchini and fresh, whole wheat pita. The room was suffused with pride, dignity, generosity and hospitality – and we came away uplifted in body and spirit.
I just wonder when the scales will tip, and the forces of universal tolerance, respect and love will set the regional agenda. 
I have been following your blog for a while now – we’ve returned to London after 5 years in Jerusalem working with Palestinians. My husband now works for a small NGO which supplies medical aid to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon.
However, we made wonderful Jewish friends – two of whom are staying with us as I write. They and I are much distressed by current events.
Its helpful, as ever, to read your interesting blog. I love reading about growing and preparing delicious middle eastern food. And its very reassuring to recall my own experienced of the good relationships I came across, where humanity was more important than politics, collaboration more evident than conflict. Good luck.
Good writing! Perhaps not “politically correct” in the eyes of some, and not likely to be read by those of the town of Arrabe who would take some measure of comfort, it is nevertheless an essential statement to be made! And you made it! Keep a strong and straight back. It is certainly not easy to have to redirect your way, but it is infinitely better than not having the option to do so. Love, Dad
Thanks I see that you met her.