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9.25.2010

MPT leaves Jerusalem before lockdown

On Tuesday,September 21 this picture was taken from the balcony of Ecce Homo convent/guesthouse which has served Jews,Muslims,Catholics,Protestants and Orthodox since 1856 as an orphanage,school,dispensary and guest house. The hostel is on Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried the cross. The arch outside the hostel is where tradition says Pontius Pilate presented Jesus to the crowds saying 'ecce homo' Behold the man!

On Wednesday,September 22 a 32-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by an Israeli security guard in East Jerusalem. Palestinians continue to protest the demolition of their homes in East Jerusalem. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-1138796)

By Friday, September 24 East Jerusalem was in full military lock down. (http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8812&Itemid=71 ) There has never been any slowdown of Jews only housing (settlement) starts in illegally annexed East Jerusalem. ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10400282 )

The Israeli government's provocative actions and the violations of Palestinian human rights may lead to an escalation of violence on both sides; this gives Israel an excuse to stop peace talks and allow the 'never realized' moratorium of Jews only settlements in the West Bank to expire September 26.

MPT and other internationals are waiting for the olive harvest to begin; after the first heavy rain, October 5-15, the month long harvesting will start.


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