Classic Othona 'time out' in company with special guest Jonathan Herbert, until last year warden of our near neighbours the Pilsdon Community. Jonathan will share his recent experience as an 'ecumenical accompanier' in Israel/Palestine, standing alongside Palestinians and Israelis who oppose the Israeli occupation through non-violent presence and advocacy. Here is an extract from a recent letter home.

By the time we'd been roused by our contacts, 5 young men had been taken from their homes. As I poked my head out of our solid metal steel gate, a startled soldier pointed his gun inches from my chest. I immediately raised my hands and shouted 'International, International'. Parked outside was a convoy of 13 vehicles, one a huge prison van. The soldiers searching the side streets quickly got into their jeeps and moved out with their cargo of bound and blindfolded 18-20 year olds. We stood out in the street with our neighbour whose son had been taken, powerless to do anything but stand with them...

Under 'Administrative Detention' , people on the West Bank are often held without trial for 6 months, often too the order is then renewed for another 6 months. It is not unusual for 15 - 25 year olds to be released after 2 years without ever having been charged.

The uncertainty of when their sons will be released weighs heavily on the families. One of the boys is the eldest son of our very friendly shopkeeper Mohammed. The day before his son was arrested I'd been showing him pictures of my own 2 sons Ben and Joseph. "What would you do if they took your sons" he asked. I looked at him with tears in both our eyes, there was nothing to say, I could only stand with him.

And standing with people and accompanying them for a little while is what this visit is all about and trying to live out the theology of the incarnation of the God who is amidst us in our struggles.

Before going to Israel/Palestine Jonathan walked the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella, another rich source of story and reflection. His years with the Pilsdon Community also yield some perspectives on 'accompaniment', a theme he will explore a little with us.

Add to all this an introduction which Jonathan offers to simple rustic basket-making and you'll see why we're so eager to welcome him in our midst.

More about Ecumenical Accompaniment: www.quaker.org.uk/eappi

N.B. For Open Space you can book and pay for as many or few days as you wish.