Faster of Puppets

One day into Ramadan! Fasting yesterday went very well - I was able to keep it up the whole day. In the evening, our host made us a dinner of rice and vegetables, and shared some delicious rice from his family's meal.

Fasting was easier than I expected. Not that it was easy - especially right before dinner - but I wasn't too tired and didn't get a headache. I did a good job eating and drinking enough in the morning. We've been told that after 3 days it gets easier, so I'm looking forward to that. It's a shame I won't be in August for the whole of Ramadan. I may consider fasting for the rest of it in the States, but it will be more difficult, I think. I'm fortunate here because no only is almost everyone fasting, but that even includes my fellow volunteers. Having a good support system helps a lot.

This morning there was a house raid in the village by the Israeli military. Our host woke us up at 3:30 to tell us there had been concussion grenades used nearby and that Israeli forces had entered a house nearby. We went to the roof - I was scared, thinking they might enter here as well. They did not, but we watched in the pre-dawn silence as a line of military jeeps and a prison truck drove past. Apparently they arrested a member of his family. Not sure why.

It was a grim reminder of the reality of the occupation here. The military acts with impugnity. There is a gate at the front of the village, near the watch tower. If the military wishes, the village can be cut off from the world. This village is quiet enough that I sometimes forget that shortly before I came here, the military beat one of the members of the Popular Committee here almost to the point of death after he was detained in a protest. Earlier this year, settlers killed a young man in a village nearby. And in the recent past, young people have been rounded up and detained in a show of collective punishment.

After witnessing this event, we went downstairs and ate our pre-dawn meal. Ramadan is said to be a time of blessings, when the gates of hell are closed and the gates of heaven are open. How long until all the gates to all the Palestinian towns in the West Bank shatter?

Ahlan wa Sahlan Ramadhan (Welcome Ramadan)

The holy month of Ramadan started yesterday. For Muslims, this means no food, drink, smoking, or physical relations from dusk until dawn for a whole month. It was revealed in the following verse from the Qur'an:

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spent it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
2:185

Not everyone here fasts, but there is no eating or drinking in public until after the evening call to prayer. During the day, many Muslims spend time reading and reciting as much of the Qur'an as possible. In the evening, there are large family dinners as people break the fast for the day.

While I am in Palestine, I am observing Ramadan as well. I feel that it's important act in solidarity with the people here, and is also something I've wanted to try in the past. It feels very special to be participating in such a powerful act, especially with so many others here and aroudn the world doing so as well. The most challenging point may be English class today, because we hold it at 4, which is very close to the evening call to prayer. It will be a very hungry class.

I have never actually fasted before, but myself and the other volunteers woke up at 4 for Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal. This morning I had a pita with hummus, some cheese, and eggs with water and orange juice. Hopefully I'll feel okay today, if not I'll have to change it up tomorrow.