Report Back from Deir Ibzia

Speakers: Arla S. Ertz, Mary Erwin, Jim Harris, Cathy Mahoney, Wendy Kaufmyn, Jon Jackson 5 to 6 pm - Reception and Middle Eastern Food 6 to 8 pm - Slides and Report back Presentations Letters and Artwork from Children on Display! Dier Ibzi'a is a small village located about 20 minutes south-west of Ramallah -- or it would be 20 minutes if one were able to use the road. Dier Ibzi'a, along with 34 other small villages, has been cut off from it's life-line of Ramallah since Feb. 19, 2002 when the IDF destroyed the road, removed the checkpoint and installed snipers. Residents then had to make the often treacherous (due to more troops and snipers) and always strenous jouney over the nearby mountain in order to bring in needed food supplies, see a doctor, attempt to take their produce to market, etc. In July, groups of ISM people traveled to the Dier Ibzi'a to assist with a "Summer Camp" that was the vision of a very progressive, education-minded man living in the village. The camp was, for the up to 250 children involved, a wonderfully enjoyable version of summer school where they learned english, did artwork, sang songs, and learned about the environment, amongst other things. Compared to the past 120 days of direct Israeli occupation and imposed curfews in their small village, the chance to come together to have fun, learn and meet the odd and colorful international visitors generated immense positivity! For the internationals fortunate enough to land in Dier Ibzi'a, it was sheerly phenomenal to meet so many bright, beautiful, loving children as well as an amazing chance to get to know a number of the villagers, spending hours on end talking with people and hearing their stories.