Greetings From Beirut

October 1st, 2002
Beirut, Lebanon

Greetings from Beirut,

Our time in Amman was excellent. We had fine hosts who took us around this beautiful, big city. We were introduced to the struggles of the Palestinian refugees and visited a refugee camp where people have been since their expulsion in 1948. We learned of their intense longing to return to their homes and homeland. We also met with a former leader of the PLO who spoke to the need for reform and cohesive leadership for the Palestinians. We also met with a very charismatic Melakite priest who is doing a lot of interfaith work. We invited Fr. Haddad to come to the Twin Cities and preach at St. Joan's!

We get a lot of concern expressed by people about the threat of US invasion of Iraq. We had a very good briefing at the American Embassy with a rep who shared many of his personal views as well as State Department policy. We met with Lillian (from Holland) and David (from Canada) who work with the Quakers. They are finding a good response to learning about non-violent resistance within the Palestinian communities in Israel. People are so politically aware. All have expressed appreciation for our presence here and ask us to tell their story so that the other Americans can understand their pain and struggle. Everyone here expresses alarm about the potential US invasion of Iraq. They are convinced it will only further destabilize the region. They feel that a pre-emptive strike would set a very bad precedent for dealing with crisis in the region.

Last night we came to Beirut where we were met by Elias Aba Sabu, a native of Southern Lebanon who taught engineering in the U.S. He is a very gracious host. We are staying in apartments near the American University of Beirut where he also taught. It is a beautiful campus on the Mediterranean. We just spent the morning at the UN agency for Palestinian refugee services for Lebanon. We had lunch with Sylia who directs an interfaith and international elementary school. Tomorrow we shall go to Southern Lebanon and tour the Shatila camp and Khiam prison. We are enjoying the good Lebanese food!

Julie and Michael are fabulous traveling companions. We all like to try local foods. We find that our schedule and meetings are all very intense. We go from meeting to meeting. But we find that everyone is so concerned to share their stories and their hopes for peaceful solutions. People are very weary of conflict and want a negotiated settlement. And we are learning what would constitute such an agreement.

Julie wants me to inform you that she has edited this and contributed significantly.

We love you and will write again in a few days.

George and Julie - and Michael too