Solidarity

The saga of the tiny and besieged Christian community in Gaza continues. It's not enough that you just pray for them. You should be doing something pro-active!
Gaza Christians fear the end of their tiny community - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Majed and family with the Iftaar
meal of makloubeh

Last night Majed our doorman invited me to his home for Iftaar, the evening meal that breaks the fast of Ramadan. He lives in a tiny apartment behind our house with his wife and 5 sons. His wife cooked a fantastic makloubeh and we ate it in traditional arab style - dipping your spoon into the huge communal dish. Makloubeh is one of my favourite dishes: it's rice cooked with chicken pieces and/or vegetables, topped with pine nuts. There was also arab salad (diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and parsley) and laban (yoghurt). For drinks, I was served Karob syrup (my favourite), then almond syrup, then lemon syrup (all these are typical Ramadan drinks) and ending off with Coke Zero. Majed's 5 sons had a great time. I brought a Black Forest cake and 10 chocolate balls for them, but the boys are not used to eating black/bitter chocolate.

Walking back home, we passed very crowded alleys with children dressed in their best, people eating everywhere, teenagers firing crackers and fireworks. It was very festive. But I can tell you I was very nervous walking through. Majed accompanied me to his house and back because the neighbourhood is tough and pretty anti-christian. I had stares and sneers along the way home ... though no one spat at me ... or threw stones. I was glad Majed and his eldest son Majd came along.

All in all, it was a lovely dinner and meeting with Majed's family. It also showed that there are some muslims who are very friendly to christians in the midst of a largely anti-christian muslim society. I can fully identify with the Gaza christians' situation. In a lesser way, I'm living it here in the Muslim Quarter.