Overcoming Isolation in the West Bank

(15 Dec 07 - RV) Christians marking advent in Bethlehem will gather at the birthplace of Christ in two weeks time to celebrate Christmas Day. Throughout the West Bank, however, people continue to suffer on a daily basis because of separation and isolation. In the village of Jayyous, for example, 70 percent of the land is divided by the Israeli security barrier. Mary Clarke has just returned from three months in Jayyous, where she worked on the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme, helping people overcome problems such as getting to work, school and their land. She is now spreading the message of people’s plight in talks to church congregations and other groups. She told us why Advent was an important time to remember those in need, and how the current Israeli-Palestinian peace talks offer some hope.