Tag: Occupied Palestinian Territories
23rd March 2015
Jerusalem, Israel
Earlier this month, Palestinians joined people around the world celebrating International Women’s Day. Palestinians have much to celebrate on this day. I’ve been struck during my time here by the dedication of Palestinian women: running successful businesses; influencing politics; building communities in spite of the difficult conditions imposed by the Occupation. To celebrate International Women’s […]
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23rd December 2014
Jerusalem, Israel
There is no escaping olive trees in this part of the world. Olives appear on every table. Olive oil is liberally poured on every dish. The unmistakeable shape of olive trees lines every hillside. Even the Christmas ornaments I hung on my tree last week are fashioned out of olive wood. The olive tree is […]
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27th November 2014
Jerusalem, Israel
Last month one of my friends took me on a tour of the Old City with my son. We jostled with the crowds shopping at Damascus Gate. We ate kaek. We smelt the pungent spices and coffee. We felt humbled by the sight of Christian, Muslim and Jewish worshippers heading towards their holy sites. Jerusalem […]
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15th October 2014
Jerusalem, Israel
On Monday night, the British Parliament voted in favour of a non-binding motion, calling the government to recognise the state of Palestine as a contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution. Palestinians I have spoken to in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Gaza and Hebron have delivered the same message to me. So what is the British […]
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12th June 2014
Jerusalem, Israel
Welcome to my new blog! Some of you will remember me from my time as Ambassador in South Sudan. Others will be meeting me for the first time. I have been in Jerusalem for five months and would like to start a conversation with you about this fascinating part of the world. My first five […]
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