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AEI-Open Windows
Visitors
Building Bridges
from Burnley - United Kingdom Visit
On February 9th, 2009, a group from
Building Bridges from Burnley - United Kingdom
visited the Arab Educational Institute (AEI-
Open Windows). Their visit was to see the
situation here in Palestine, and in Bethlehem
Area, Building Bridges group consists of 13
Muslims and 8 Christians, working together to
find common ground and understanding among their
community.
Their tour started with a presentation at the Sumud
Peace House, near Rachel’s Tomb where they saw a
movie and heard a presentation about this area
and the affects of the Apartheid wall on the
neighborhood by Dr. Toine Van Teffeln.
They later continued their way to Claire’s house where
she is trapped by the wall from all angles and
heard her story and the story of the neighbors
comparing how life used to be in that road,
which was the busiest road in Bethlehem.
Afterwards they went to a Tour around the wall,
reaching to Aida Refugee camp, where there they
walked around, and discussed the issue of
Palestinian Refugees and their living
conditions.
Their day continued with a visit to AEI’s Youth house,
where there was the graduate group of the
institute to discuss inter religious relations
in Bethlehem.
They were interested in learning about the
Muslim-Christian relations in Bethlehem, where
Mr. Fouad Giacaman gave a brief history of the
Christian and Muslim origin in Palestine, and
discussing their relations and the various
occupations that came to Palestine throughout
the years.
Many questions were asked from the group to learn
about how people here live, what religion means
to them and about the relations they have with
each other.
The discussion went on about nationality, belonging,
relations and the ability of Palestinians to
carry on throughout the difficult conditions
they live in. |
