April, 2003
The Orthodox service began at 4:00 am. We rolled out of bed and joined the hearty faithful for the service.
Folks from throughout the community - Christians and Muslims alike - stopped by to visit.
It was the first eucharist service held in the church since Fr. Firas' grandfather died in 1985, and as such, it was moving to be a part of.
News came late of another ISM (International Solidarity Movement) casualty, this time a British national in Gaza. Tom Hurndall has been declared brain dead. That brings the total to four casualties (three in short succession, two of them fatal), and has caused some to claim that these international activists are being intentionally targeted: Rachel Corrie killed by a bulldozer in Gaza, an Irish national shot in the legs this Fall, and an American shot in the face in Jenin last week.