Author Archives: Rachelle Friesen

The Sound of Resistance

The wind whistles through the trees. Here and there birds are chirping. The trickle of a fresh water spring. These are the sounds of Wadi Qana; a beautiful valley spanning 2500 acres only 30 minutes west of the northern West … Continue reading

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Greenwashing Occupation

“Look at all the soldiers!” Aziz Abi Mediam exclaims as he points to the horizon. In the distance I do not see armed men in uniform, but rather young trees dotting the landscape. Yet for the people from the Bedouin … Continue reading

Overcoming a Denied Childhood: Beit Sahour YMCA Providing Support for Child Prisoners

 A few years ago Imad and his friends were driving home to Beit Fajjar from Bethlehem. As they approached Etzion junction, a prominent West Bank junction where Israeli settlers often hitch hike, Israeli soldiers opened fire on their vehicle for … Continue reading

Free-Thinking Activists Raise Hopes for Gaza’s Future

The sound of children’s laughter fills the air at MCC’s partner, The Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA) in Khan Younis, Gaza. Children are playing soccer, learning computer skills, playing house, taking part in Dubka dancing, and reading. It is … Continue reading

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Starving for Justice: Palestine’s Hunger Strikers

Mohammed, the media coordinator of MCC partner Lajee Center, was walking home from spending a night out with friends. As he reached his home in Aida Refugee Camp, he found the Israeli military had entered his neighbourhood to arrest someone. … Continue reading

A Globalized Occupation

As I waited for my parents at the arrivals hall in Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, I spotted a Canadian flag sewn into the uniform of man apparently also waiting for someone. Internationals are common at Ben Gurion, but … Continue reading

Everyday is Land Day

Thirty-six years ago, on March 30, 1976, hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel took to the streets to protest the confiscation of their land. The State of Israel had announced they were confiscating the land in order to build Jewish-only … Continue reading

February’s Slammer: U.S. Policy and Palestine

There is an Arabic proverb that says February’s slamming, beating, and thunder will bring summer’s sweet smell. Outside the wind howls while rain mixed with sleet splatters against the small house in the small Bethlehem village of Al Masara, a … Continue reading

Summer 2012: Come to Palestine-Israel!

Not sure what to do this summer? Come to Palestine-Israel! Every summer MCC Palestine’s partners host summer opportunities to volunteer, do advocacy, and learn about occupation. No matter whether it is your first or your tenth time to the region, … Continue reading

Oh Little(r) Town of Bethlehem

Bethlehem is aglow with Christmas. Every main street is strung with luminous Christmas lights and at Manger Square the 20-ft Christmas tree is finally complete with decorations after weeks of effort. Yet, the giddiness and excitement that is often combined … Continue reading