Caught in crossfire

tyres burning and rocks thrown

Soldiers preparing teargas

It would have been a perfect day on Mt. Gerizim witnessing the Samaritan Passover if not for being caught in the crossfire between rock-throwing palestinians and israeli soldiers shooting on the way home. It was at the Qalandia Crossing - the hotspot for Friday violence. I first noticed something wrong as we approached the checkpoint when a huge armoured water canon rammed up the separation wall to spray water. Then I saw rocks flying across the wall towards the israeli soldiers. I quickly told Rosario who was driving to turn left and get out of the way. We got into the checkpoint carpark while I went out to see when we could leave again. Several other people were also seeking shelter there. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and stunt grenades while rocks continued to hail across the wall. It went on for well over half an hour. Finally we could drive out to the checkpoint but not before 2 more volleys of rocks came across and more tear gas and stunt grenades were fired back. Came home smelling of teargas and smarting eyes and runny nose. It was like in the Intifada days again. Harrowing experience.

Samaritan priest and family

Nevertheless the Samaritan Passover was quite an experience. I didn't go to see the sacrifice of the sheep. Have seen it umpteen times. This time I was there to make several interviews. Met some interesting people - Abou Afif a leading elderly Samaritan in his communiity, Tomer a modern young Samaritan and Matt a convert to Samaritanism - the first ever in living memory.

Stayed in the streets people watching. It was very interesting - elderly Samaritans in traditional garb, young Samaritans in swanky clothes, sheep being dragged to the slaughter, tourists flooding the tiny street and Sacrifice area.

Modern Samaritan youths

Sheep begging not to be killed

The two contrasting experiences - the Samaritan Passover and the Palestinian/israeli tussle at Qalandia was a stark reminder of the holiness of this land and the struggle for this land. Religion and politics. An eternal tension.