Qaddoum Village Will Stay With Me For A Long Time…

Very dear Daniela,

As we arrived at our final stop I ran towards the front of the bus, all ready to sound off the speech of thanks I had prepared in my head… and was disappointed to have missed you.

I wanted to tell you that prior to this tour we were apprehensive, fearing possible attempts to talk us into being more ‘leftist’ than we are, that I would return even more depressed and despairing than I already am, and that the tour won’t show us anything new because we are quite up to date with the situation, and that perhaps this would just be another boring tour, as we already suffer too many distractions as it is.

But everything was so well measured! And to the point. Every word uttered was weighed and fell in its perfect place. I could even tell my mother when we were back – “It’s not what you think… the guide herself likes soldiers… And Eretz Israel!!” So thanks for a beautiful and sad day that will make ne glad, the day I chose to celebrate my birthday. Qaddoum village will stay with me for a long time. At night I dreamt (my imagination was already working on the bus on our way back) that Qaddoum would become a site for pilgrims from all over the world, with people sitting in the houses and drinking tea and telling their story to their guests and that the village is protected from all evil.. Just fantasizing, it’s a good thing sometimes.

And I wanted to tell you that you do a wonderful job! This morning I already prepared a whole list of people I will urge to take this tour. Perhaps even my mother might be talked into coming, without pressure.

Have a nice week, and thanks a lot,

Shiri