Toine van Teeffelen, a Dutch author, anthropologist, and peace activist, shares insights from his memoir detailing a Christian family's life in Bethlehem. He delves into the concept of 'sumud' or steadfastness while reflecting on resilience amid the challenges of occupation. The discussion highlights how children creatively navigate trauma and the rich tapestry of Palestinian culture intertwined with Christian traditions. Van Teeffelen also illuminates the ongoing coexistence of Muslim and Christian communities, countering misconceptions about their dynamics.
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insights INSIGHT
Sumud: Active Steadfastness
Sumud means active steadfastness against occupation, not passive submission or blind hate.
It embodies a daily commitment to life and society, a third way beyond despair or violence.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Children's Play Amid Curfews
During the 2002 curfews in Bethlehem, Toine's daughter used play and fantasy to cope with confinement and fear.
She acted as a journalist and created games to express reality and manage trauma within the home.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Wall Museum: Creative Protest
Toine's organization created a Wall Museum with large posters sharing Palestinian life stories on the separation barrier.
Soldiers monitored and recorded these creative protests, highlighting nonviolent resistance.
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The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition. The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.
The Birthplace of Jesus Is in Palestine: A Memoir (Wipf and Stock, 2024) is a narrative of a Christian family in Bethlehem in the West Bank. Based on diary entries and interviews from 2000 to 2023, the Dutch author--an anthropologist and peace activist--chronicles the spontaneous reactions of his Palestinian children and wife navigating the challenges posed by curfews and checkpoints. Problems of Palestinian school life are shown from the perspective of teachers and students. Against the background of Israeli occupation and settlement building, the intricacies of Palestinian culture in its daily rhythms and domestic spaces come to life. Throughout the pages, the key Palestinian concept of sumud, or steadfastness, is explored. The memoir details acts of creative nonviolent resistance, individual protests, affirmations of cultural identity, and inspiring examples of Muslim-Christian community. The book also reveals unexpected connections between Palestinian culture in the Bethlehem area and broader Christian values and traditions. An afterword reflects upon implications of Israel's war in Gaza.
Roberto Mazza is currently a visiting scholar at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. He is the host of the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast and to discuss and propose a book for interview can be reached at robbymazza@gmail.com. Blusky and IG: @robbyref
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