Dear friends and family:
It's hard to believe it, but in
just one week I will be on a plane going back to At-Tuwani, Palestine!
My life is filled to the brim with olive trees, sheep and wonderful
neighbors and it's been ages since I've written to you. Before another
year slips by, I want to take a moment to update you on my work here in
Palestine and let you know how you can be involved. I hope you find it
as inspiring as I do.
As you probably know, over the last year and a half I have been
living in a small rural Palestinian village in the West Bank called
At-Tuwani. Despite living under daily threat of violence from the
Israeli army and extremist Israeli settlers, the people of At-Tuwani
are seeking justice through nonviolence. Through demonstrations,
lawsuits, education, and a determination to work their land no matter
what, the village has taken meaningful steps towards reclaiming their
land and livelihood. As international human rights workers, my
colleagues and I use video cameras to document human rights violations,
join Palestinians as they work in their fields, help children get to
school, and physically stand in the way of violence. It's a pleasure
to witness how the efforts of the people of Tuwani are transforming
their lives. Here are some of the successes and sets backs of the past
year:
Working with thoughtful people who daily show me
what nonviolence looks like brings me profound hope. I'm also excited
about new opportunities in my own life. In addition to continuing my
work in At-Tuwani, some exciting new advocacy opportunities have come my
way and I hope to be able to share more about them shortly. (Yes,
that's a tease to keep you interested!)
It's difficult to express the importance of this work, the joy it
gives me, or how grateful I am for the support of people like you.
Your donations , prayers, letters, and good wishes make my work
possible. If you'd like to support my work financially, thank you!
Checks can be marked "For Joy Ellison" and made out to "West Hills
Friends" at P.O. Box 19173 Portland, OR 97219.
Thank you for all of the ways that you have supported me and my work. People like you give me hope for a better future.
In peace,
Joy Ellison
PS: For updates on my work, join my email list by sending me an email at
jub...@gmail.com or read my blog:
http://inpalestine.blogspot.com