Israel Day Five (part 1): Tent of Nations

We started our fifth day driving to the Tent of Nations, an organization that brings all people together to live and work on land that is disputed. Daoud Nassar, a Christian, is the owner of the disputed land. It was his grandfather’s land. However, his grandfather did something unusual. He received deeds from all the occupying powers that invaded Palestine. The grandfather obtained deeds from Ottomans and British. However, since last 12 years, the Israeli government is trying to prove it is public land.

As we traveled down a stony dirt road, we had to stop the bus and walk the way by foot. Several years ago, the Israeli government placed huge boulders on road so that it would make it difficult for Daoud to travel on his own road. He has to take another road to leave the farm which takes three times as long by car. Why is it important enough for a government to want to make life difficult for one 100 acre farm? What is so great about this land?

The land is surrounded by Israeli settlements. His land is most likely marked to be used as another settlement.  Daoud (that’s him to the left) has fought for his land and gone all the way to a supreme court in Israeli. He has Spent 100,000 dollars trying to prove that his family’s land is his. The government made him survey the land and get permission from Israeli neighbors to survey. So, Daoud met all the requirements but the court said it wasn’t enough.

After years of proving that his land belong to him, The Israeli government and military harass his family. Israeli settlers cut 800 olive trees. A Jewish British group gave money to plant 250 trees as a way to help replace some trees lost. Once, the Israeli government offer a blank check for his family’s land.

At a time when many Christians are fleeing Israel, Daoud chooses to stay. The Tent of Nations invites children and adults from all nations to work and help the farm. The goal of the farm is for people to come and see and experience life on the farm and Israeli through the eyes of Palestinians. Then, go and tell in order to share what it was like seeing the other as a human.

Living on the farm is a challenge because there is no access to running water, electricity, or are they allowed to build because the government doesn’t allow it. Orders to demolish The Tent for all Nations have been given to Daoud 16 times. Since permits cannot be issued to build buildings on top of the ground, structures for housing is built underground.

Daoud’s wife works with a women project by collecting plastic bags and making products by weaving. These products are sold to help the women and the farm. Another way the farm makes money is by selling their olive and grape products.

Pictures and part two to follow.

Israel Trip Day 1 – Day 2 – Day 3 – Day 4 – Day 5 part I – Day 5 part II – Day 6 – Day 7 – Day 8