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Wellington Woman’s Mission for Middle Eastern Peace

Media Release (for immediate issue)

21 May 2004

Wellington Woman’s Mission for Middle Eastern Peace

Wellingtonian Rev Glenn Jetta Barclay has returned home following 5 months in Ramallah working as a witness for justice and peace throughout Palestine/Israel. She is the first New Zealander to work as an ecumenical accompanier on the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel. She regularly saw intimidation, violence, and the containment of all Palestinians, while hearing the desire of most for a just peace for all, including the Israeli people.

The work gave Glenn an opportunity to see the experiences of the Palestinian people for herself. “I heard from prisoners how they had been tortured and raped. There is frightening similarity between what is happening in Palestine and Iraq right now,” says Rev Barclay. “I also saw how the settlements and the wall have virtually imprisoned all Palestinians, who are being punished collectively. Students, farmers, business people and families find it impossible to function normally because of containment, separation barriers and harassment.”

The work was sometimes very dangerous. “On one shopping trip an ordinary street scene was turned into a war zone, complete with tear gas and rubber bullets. I stocked up on food, not knowing when it would be safe to return to the streets,” Rev Barclay said.

The accompaniment programme was set up in response to an invitation by the Christian churches in Jerusalem. “Both Muslim and Christian people feel the world has forgotten them because of western guilt about former Jewish suffering,” said Rev Barclay. “Palestinian people need a witness, voice and protectors. The world needs to know that these are ordinary people, not terrorists. Nor are they helpless. Despite the genocidal policies of the Israeli government they are proactive, helping themselves, and are able to be self governing.” When she asked Christian leaders in Ramallah what else she could do to help they replied, “Your presence is enough.”

There were many high points to her visit, including spending part of Christmas Eve with Palestinian leader Yassar Arafat. Rev Barclay also experienced the fortitude of the Palestinian people, and the courage of Israeli peace workers and human rights activists.

Now back in New Zealand, Glenn wishes to continue to work for peace in the Middle East. She aims to educate New Zealanders about the day-to-day lives of the Palestinian people, and what practical steps Kiwis can take for peace. Part of this education will include a national road show and writing a book about her experiences. On an international level she will coordinate the programme for the World Council of Churches in the Asia and Pacific regions.

ENDS

For further information about Glenn’s work visit:
http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/1994.0.html

For an interview with Rev Barclay contact:
Media liaison Richard Davis (04) 381 8285