Music of War

yesterday we made it to the crossing point at the border between Israel and Gaza near Sederot. Saw tanks patrolling the no-man's land. Visited Israeli kibbutz 3 miles away saw bomb shelters built to protect from Kassam rockets. got presentation from Israeli woman who has experienced the terror of the rockets but has turned against the war. She says the bombing of civilians imprisoned in Gaza is awful but does not rise to the level of genocide.

left brain right brain blog:

http://leftbrainrightbrainproductions.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/the-music-of-war-with-link-to-video-blog/

spectacular first day

Started with sunrise on Dome of the Rock seen from MT of Olives - unbelievable! ! THEN tour of east Jerusalem - Saw separation wall - then visited battleground near Bal'in where protesters have been killed - then back through Ramallah and Kalandia check point where Israeli army made us wait to cross into East Jerusalem - then wonderful Palestinian concert Open air in Tomb of Kings! - resistance songs!

East Jerusalem

Staying at Holy Land Hotel. Hiked up MT Olive and watched sunrise on Dome of the Rock.

Orientation

IFPB doing great training and orientation for our trip. Stayed with Steve and Marie France @ their house in Cabin John. Great hosts! Leave this evening from IAD on British Airways.

DC

Downtown DC -- millions of boy scouts -- I'm doing National Gallery.

IFPB began as a program of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in 2000. Interfaith Peace - Builders mission is to give US citizens the opportunity to see and understand the Israeli - Palestinian conflict firsthand and to empower these citizens to educate their local communities and advocate for better US foreign pollicy when they return to the US.

Start trip, start blog

Heading out to DC tonight: redeye to IAD.