Soulful Presence

Bethlehem, Palestine

Photograph and article by James O. Whitlock

This ancient olive tree in Palestine has seen a lot. It speaks of strong hope and faith, of tenacity and persistence, of enduring
struggle and acceptance, and of an indomitable will to survive and live as fully as possible regardless of circumstances. 

I met this tree on one of my lunchtime walks, near the new checkpoint terminal on the Hebron Road from Bethlehem
to Jerusalem and not far from Caritas Baby Hospital where I spent so much time that year. The Israeli security fence is immediately behind it and the Har Homa settlement is on the hilltop in the background. I felt a soulful presence in this tree and had no doubt at all that it has wept equally for all the disputants in the tragic conflict that surrounds it.

Presented to Riverside-Salem UCC, February 17, 2008