First Impressions
By Aaron Chan
This is my fourth time in Palestine/Israel, but each time my impressions are different. I was first introduced to the Palestinian struggle in 1999. As an average American my only impression before coming was that these two groups have been fighting forever over religious issues. However, it soon became very obvious that it was the Palestinians who were the ones being oppressed, and that it was a one-sided war. Those around me predicted an uprising, unless there were some serious changes. The injustices and suffering of the people stayed with me in my heart.
When the people rose again for the Second Intifada, it caused me to rise and come back again in February, 2001 for the Sabeel Conference. My impressions then were just of tragic violence and it didn’t look like it was going to stop. Then I got the chance to return for a fact finding mission with the Methodist Church in July 2002, and as my knowledge of the issues matured, I really saw the evil of the domination system of Israel. Yes, individuals have suffered gravely during the past 50 years, but more prominently the problem to me was this evil beast of an apartheid system that continues to threaten to destroy and infect all those in Palestine/Israel, which is supported by an even stronger opposing force in the US domination system. After 2 years of trying to make changes in the US, I knew that I had just hit the tip of iceberg. Just knowing and trying to educate people about it wasn’t going to be enough.
Now, I’m here again with the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment Program. I think this is the first step to figuring out what I can really do to stop the occupation, besides just knowing about it. I am anxious to take action here in Palestine. However, what I have realized after coming here this fourth time, is that it is still the Palestinians who will decide their freedom, and that I’m just here to aid in their lead. I on the other hand must take lead in regards to changing the US.
The current situation of fighting against the war on Iraq and waiting for what Israel’s actions will be too, has made a lot of us quite anxious and depressed. Unfortunately that is my impression this fourth time: the waiting, the anxiety, depression, and exhaustion after struggling against all these domination systems especially these past few years with Sharon and Bush in power. I’m proud of what people have done in the recent past to fight against the occupation and fight against the War on Iraq, but I keep feeling like we are always on the defensive. I wish we could wage peace as easily as they wage war. Why don’t we have any happy gas grenades that will make people love each other and stop fighting?
Despite all this, I still see a beautiful a country with beautiful people and cultures when I stop thinking about all the politics. I feel very welcomed in this town of Bethlehem, and enjoy the Palestinian hospitality. People here treat me as family, and they can separate me from the policies of my government. There are still always signs of hope as we continue to struggle onwards towards liberation. That’s why I keep coming back. The soul of the world is at stake here. My belief in humanity is at stake here, and I still believe. I still see signs that we are human and that we are as God created us, good.
Aaron Chan is a 27 year old native of California, where he
attended Chinese Community United Methodist Church in Oakland. He graduated with
a BA in Religious Studies and Psychology at the University of California in San
Diego, and has a Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in
Berkeley, CA.
Through the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program Aaron is volunteering at the
International center of Bethlehem until the end of May, 2003.