Was my 2nd time

by PhillyNDFan, Thursday, March 19, 2026, 21:23 (69 days ago) @ Jay

I went back in 2018 as part of a delegation of artists and educators, but I was suffering through some mental health issues around that time, so I was there, but I wasn't really THERE. It's not often we get a chance for do-overs, so I hopped on the opportunity when it presented itself this year. The big thing for me this time was to sit and talk with people. See their day-to-day lives. From wandering around the Old City talking to random kids and shop owners to breaking bread in houses in refugee camps, I've never been greeted with such hospitality before. I, unfortunately, also got to see some of the settler violence firsthand in Taybeh, and witnessed how some of the people in Masafer Yatta are living in limestone caves since their houses keep being burnt down by settlers. I didn't go in, but I took pics from the outside. But if you Google Masafer Yatta caves, you'll see it. And even then, the people of that village were incredibly kind, offering tea and coffee as soon as they greeted me.

I vlogged while I was there, and I'm creating multimedia content (featuring photos, videos, voiceover, and animation) for each city I visited. It's gonna get me banned from going back, which sucks because I'd go back tomorrow if I could, but all anyone ever asked of me while I was there was to go back and speak honestly about what I saw.