02/16/2024
From our friends at the Tent of Nations.
On behalf of Daoud Nassar we are inviting you and your organization to encourage volunteers and visitors to visit the farm despite the current conditions on the ground in the West Bank. We are very concerned by the increasing isolation of the farm: additional roadblocks have been placed on the road to the farm, and the use of flying checkpoints on roads surrounding the farm is increasing and making it more difficult for the family to reach the farm and perform needed work.
There is a need for international presence at the farm with more groups or individuals present. Therefore, we are asking that you consider placing a brief piece about volunteering or visiting Tent of Nations in your upcoming organizational newsletter. Here is a suggested message which you could use/adapt.
Volunteer and Visit Tent of Nations
Tent of Nations, an international peace center located in the West Bank on the Nassar family farm is requesting volunteers and pilgrimage groups to be present with them at the farm during the upcoming months. This is a time of great uncertainty in Palestine, and additional steps are being taken to isolate the farm and restrict access to it. The “solidarity of presence” is being requested and provides some level of protection.
If you are organizing a group to travel to the Holy Land, or will participate in a group, please see that Tent of Nations is part of the itinerary. If you wish to volunteer at the farm, visit Tent of Nations website https://tentofnations.com/volunteer/ review the information on volunteering, and complete and submit the contact form.
As you know from your own past experiences with the Tent of Nations, “going and seeing” often generates hope and enthusiasm in the visitors and volunteers and enables them to “go and tell” their own stories when they return home. Such acts of courage, along with the sheer physical presence of volunteers on the farm, offer the same hope and enthusiasm for the Nassar family, especially now.
We know that you may have visited the farm, and perhaps your organization has organized delegations in the past. If you are planning on sending a delegation to the West Bank in the coming weeks (or traveling there as part of one), please see that Tent of Nations is on your itinerary.
If you, or someone you know, wishes to volunteer at the farm, visit Tent of Nations website https://tentofnations.com/volunteer/ review the information on volunteering, and complete and submit the contact form to Daoud.
If you have questions for us about our request of you, you may contact FOTONNA’s Steering Committee Chair, Charlie Lewis ([email protected]). With gratitude for all you do to advance peace with justice in Palestine-Israel.
Sincerely,
Charlie Lewis - FOTONNA Steering Committee Chair
Bill Plitt - Co-founder of FOTONNA
As a volunteer, you will be part of a small community working together to keep the farm and ToN projects running and growing.