Today, Friday, is our last major construction day at “our” new house – and the weekly holy day for all Muslim communities. However, there is no rest for our skilled workers at the site, and we support them with our many hands. Most have learned a few basic words of Arabic; we can say aiwa (yes), la (no), and shukran (thank you).

As we work, our thoughts and conversations revolve helplessly around the issues in this part of the world: Lebanon, Gaza, as well as other world events where human rights are non-existent. We try to maintain perspective, and a sense of dark humor, as we chat amid the splattering of paint. Many issues are touched upon, including the irony of such words as “democracy” and “freedom” in this land of over a million refugees – and whose life is anything but free.

These broader issues are pushed aside as the afternoon wears on. Pick axes turn the earth in preparation for new trees, while the interior finishing nears completion. The first light switch is thrown, there is light! Somehow, a working kitchen and bathrooms are ready for action. At the end of the day, a flurry of raking results in the levelled yard area – the house will soon be a home for 12 people.

Other events of the day included an Advocacy workshop by Angela Godfrey-Goldstein. She shared her views on political action as well as a list of the many Internet sites that can help keep up to date with the peace movement and Palestinian political issues. In the evening, our circle gathered around Jeff Halper as presented his views on “framing” political issues.

Jeff uses “human rights” to frame the Palestinian context – and makes the violation of human rights more emphatic by using the term “apartheid.” Although Israel is obviously not South Africa – many aspects bear resemblance – such as the cantons that are emerging in the West Bank to contain / imprison the Palestinian population.

Broader concerns aside, we are doing our small part to help. One of the comments from the Palestinian foreman on our worksite was, “You give us more than work, you give us hope.” Peace.