Uprooting the Olive Tree

by Lloyd Philip Johnson

Ashley realized that’s what she had done with her parents’ blessing. In fact, leaving literally, halfway around the world. As a young couple, they had their own life to live and should not be governed by parents into their adult lives. But in this more traditional culture, it would be almost unthinkable to run off and marry without their parents’ consent. Perhaps change was coming. But families usually remained close, with the son and new daughter-in-law moving into his family complex. And that complicated things for Fatima’s parents as Fatima would move into a Christian family and live closely with them in Israel. Most likely they had dreamed of her marrying into a well-functioning Muslim household in Palestine, near them. Ashley could understand their reluctance to send their daughter into an unknown world in Israel and never be able to visit there without a special Israeli permit, usually denied.

  ***

  Saleh brought out the Palestinian flag after dinner and spoke with pride about his people including both Muslims and Christians working together to end the occupation and finally be free. Independence Day now meant something as the world recognized Palestine as a state in the United Nations by the General Assembly’s overwhelming vote. But the reality on the ground was subservience to a colonial power, and getting worse day by day. There would probably be celebrations in Bethlehem and other cities of Palestine, but they could result in tear gas and rubber-coated bullets from the IDF breaking up the rallies. So they would stay home. They’d had enough encounters with soldiers.

  “Oh, I almost forgot,” Najid said. “I received a letter from Gilad, the Israeli soldier who arrested Ali.”

  All of the family stared at Najid as he pulled the letter from his pocket handing it to Jamilah who sat next to him. She read it out loud and then shook her head. “What happened to that young man to put him in jail?”

  Najid related his encounters with Gilad, the young soldier’s growing unease with what he did and the growing trust and friendship with Najid. He told of his decision to refuse orders to harm Palestinians and of his subsequent jailing. The letter asking forgiveness from Ali’s family was his effort to start a new life. He had no way to contact other families he had terrorized.

  “So what will happen to him?” Saleh asked.

  “He’ll probably spend a few months in jail and then be dishonorably discharged. He wants to link with other veterans who regret what they did. They tell their stories through media and in person. It’s called ‘Breaking the Silence.’”

  “When you see him, tell him we do forgive him,” Jamilah said. “And we appreciate his transformation and wish him God’s blessing in telling his story.”

  ***

  The family moved to more comfortable seating in the front room. Ashley noted Najid looking at the window now repaired, and she recalled the bullet that could have killed him. She shuddered at the close call and the casual way teenage soldiers spray their automatic weapons at houses without regard to people inside. She visualized the Jeeps full of young Israelis laughing at the mayhem they caused, and then thought of Gilad who would become an ambassador for justice and peace. She suddenly realized everyone was laughing.

  Sami and Fatima sat on the sofa a little ways apart when Ali had jumped between them and sat down. Sami lifted him over to his side and Ali jumped right back into the middle. Everyone laughed while Sami shrugged and let Ali stay.

  “I like to sit next to Fatima and Sami. I don’t see him very much. Besides, they don’t need to sit close to each other,” Ali said with finality.

  “Maybe they don’t, but they might like to,” Jamilah said with a twinkle in her eye. She looked at her husband who didn’t smile.

  Ashley watched both parents and suspected it was Saleh who did not approve of Sami’s attentions toward his daughter. It seemed like the time to share a bit of her own story. “I think they would like to sit close. They have a lot in common. I have the greatest respect and admiration for both of these young people and trust their judgment. I’ve known Sami now for two years. I can tell you Sami is a jewel.” Ashley paused and gazed at Fatima’s father.

  “But let me tell you my story. When my parents first met Najid it was in the hospital just after my operation for the bombing injuries. When my parents learned he was Palestinian, they assumed he was a terrorist and warned me to have nothing to do with him. But I knew him, that he loved God and his life showed that he did. We had many adventures together and he took care of me in many ways. He saved my life by getting help at the bombing, again when we met the bomber face to face and finally when I was injured high on a mountain. The problem my parents had was that he was different from us, too different. They didn’t understand him. My father in particular, did not want his only daughter marrying some terrible Arab who would carry her off to some desert place and treat her badly in the home of his parents.”

  Everyone laughed and looked at Najid who smirked with his hands up.

  “He is a terrible Arab,” Sami said as the laughter continued.

  “Terrible or not,” Ashley continued, “he’s the best husband I could ever imagine. A friend of mine got several people together with my parents who told of Najid doing what I described, basically saving my life again and again. That coupled with Najid’s faith in God that guided his life, finally convinced my father to give us his blessing. My parents supported and encouraged us ever since and Najid and I are eternally grateful.” Ashley stopped, turning to Najid.

  “This terrible Arab can also tell you that my family has accepted Ashley enthusiastically even though she is an American and originally was a Zionist.” Najid paused, watching Saleh’s eyebrows rise. “But she isn’t anymore. She did come to see my parents twice before we married. She has fit in well with our family and friends. It can be done. The gap of differences, whatever they are, can be bridged with a bit of wisdom and God’s help. If this is something Sami and Fatima want, I can assure them it can be done and done well.”

  Finally Saleh spoke. “You are telling me that the divide between religions can be bridged? Maybe that should be the divide between cultures. I don’t know what to think Fatima is, Muslim or Christian? And is it religion or culture?”

  “Let’s get beyond the cultural things that divide people, including what group they belong to by birth, Muslim or Christian.” Najid scooted forward on his chair toward Saleh. “In Palestine we work together well, and think of ourselves as Palestinians primarily. We don’t go around asking people, are you Muslim or Christian? We can usually tell by their name anyway.”

  “True, Najid, but then what about the religious differences?” Saleh pointed out.

  “Are you talking about going to prayers or going to a church for worship?”

  “Yes.”

  “That can be easy. Christians go to different churches, and Muslims to mosques that fit their interest. I know Muslims who occasionally visit churches, and Christians who sometimes pray with their friends in a mosque.”

  “You think there is no difference in what they believe?”

  “No. There are differences. But these are matters of the heart and mind and very important. We are told through Moses and later, Jesus, to love God with our heart and mind and our neighbor as ourselves. From what I understand, both Fatima and Sami have that kind of relationship to both God and people around them. They are one in heart and mind, I believe.”

  “Is that true Sami?” Saleh asked.

  “Yes, sir. We are completely together in our faith.”

  “Oh yes, Papa. We are one in wanting to please Allah even though we sometimes mess up as Americans say.”

  Saleh sighed. He turned to Jamilah. “What do you think, Mama?”

  “They have answered all my questions, and Najid and Ashley have just confirmed that whatever they will face, Allah will help them see it through. So they have my blessing.”

  All eyes turned back to Saleh who seemed to search the faces of Fatima and Sami, first one and then the other. He finally shook his head. “I guess I trust you two to find the right path. Who am I to stand in t
he way of Allah the compassionate, the merciful? So Sami and Fatima, you have my blessing too.”

  Sami leaped out of his seat to hug Fatima’s parents with Fatima following, tears streaming down her face. Soon Jamilah was crying, and Ashley couldn’t help laughing and wiping her eyes. Najid joined the congratulations to the couple and Fatima’s parents. They all watched as Sami and Fatima holding each other’s hands gazed and smiled at each other. He took her head in his hands, and kissed her on both cheeks. Ashley nodded at his respect for Palestinian reserve when they probably longed to be in each other’s arms. Ali ran round and around the adults shouting, “Sami’s going to be part of our family!”

  Sami squatted down and Ali flew into his arms. “Maybe someday, my little brother.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Our friends in Bethlehem, committed to bringing peace with justice and helping families survive the ongoing traumatic stress of the military occupation, inspire us. Gentle, hospitable, loving, welcoming of all people, including Jews. For example, Christian and Muslim, Usama Nicolai and Marwan Farajeh respectively, became close friends of ours, working to restore homes and hope with great heart for suffering families, and including guiding international visitors. We’ve learned much from them of people and events.

  We thank heads of humanitarian organizations and visionaries, Sami Awad of Holy Land Trust, and Zoughbi Zoughbi of Wi’am providing conflict resolution and hope for traumatized families. And Daoud Nassar, persecuted farmer who proclaims “We refuse to be enemies” is admired worldwide through his Tent of Nations organization. For his “Jesus way” of love, non-violent resistance to eviction, and for his youth camps. Alex Awad, pastor and author in East Jerusalem has blessed us with his quiet wisdom and courage, now providing for Gazans. All men of faith and compassion, friends we love and admire, encouraging and teaching us. Thank you. They call Americans to “come and see.” They asked us to “Go and tell. Tell our story to people in your homeland.”

  So we do, via fiction. The adventures of ordinary people based on real life in the Holy Land today. We are indebted to many in the U.S. for their encouragement and information: Leonard Rodgers with a lifetime working in the Middle East, Mark Braverman, Jewish author and speaker, a powerful advocate for peace with justice, heading up Kairos USA. Joan Deming leading Pilgrims of Ibillin in support of the Mars Elias Schools of founder Abuna Elias Chacour in northern Israel.

  For invaluable help and encouragement in writing these stories I thank Sandra and Brad Gerrish along with Bill and Julie Clark. Our “conversations,” group headed by Huda Giddens, Charlton Price, and Jerry Sherrard along with others, provide continual information and stimulation for which we are grateful. Additionally, the Kairos USA organization headed by Mark Braverman and Diane Dulin, as well as the Kairos Puget Sound Coalition led by Mary Segall and John Berg, continue to track for us the ongoing saga of Israel/Palestine and what we in America can do to help bring peace with justice. Hope dawns as the truth gradually becomes known here in America and around the world.

  John Koehler, publisher of Koehler Books, and executive editor Joe Coccaro with his team continue to be of invaluable help in making these stories a book.

  I am indebted to Laverne Meekhof for her tireless work in correcting so many errors as a volunteer copy editor. And finally, to my dear wife, Marianne, whose views and guidance I value highly as we have lived together both in Bethlehem and here in the Seattle area. And for her patience and encouragement as I disappear into my cave losing vast hours to the joy of writing from the heart.