May 1, 2002

Bethlehem Update

[East Jerusalem, Palestine] I called one of my favorite families today to get more information on Bethlehem. The Zs live close to Nativity Church, and they gave me an update on the situation there.

E.Z. says that although the family has been away from work, it sure hasn't been a 30-day vacation. Most nights there is still a lot of shooting around the Nativity Church area, making it hard for the family to sleep. Curfew has been lifted for their family several times, so they can occasionally walk out to get food. No food has been delivered to the area around their home though, so they have to walk farther to find supplies. And it appears that the soldiers are only allowing in Israeli deliveries to restock shelves in the stores. Prices on food items have increased too, making it much harder for people who have run out of money. No one has worked in a month, so money is in short supply. 30 days of community garbage is piling up in the streets, creating a terrible smell. Men try to burn it, but the pile is so huge that the fire has to be constantly monitored, so that it doesn't get out of control. E.Z. told me that both her office and Z.Z.'s office suffered an army search. Reports from both places say that computers were damaged or carried off. I asked about backups, and E.Z. repeated what others have already told me. Backups were made, both on-site and off-site, but off-site locations were also searched and CDs confiscated. The family continues to have water and electricity most of the time. E.Z. echoes the request from Z.Z. -- "Do not be reluctant to say prayers"

Nativity Church entrance a couple of months ago

Men take food left by ISM Activists at Nativity Church door (photo: AP)

Soldiers ready at Nativity Church (photo: AP)

Priest walks in front of Nativity Church (photo: Mahfouz Abu Turk, Palestine Chronicle)

Men leaving Nativity Church (photo: Mahfouz Abu Turk, Palestine Chronicle)