Page 6 - 1.News and Views Spring 2025 for Jim.

Christmas in Gaza © Sarah Early (November2024)

A cold coming we had of it —-
Just the worst time for a journey ,
And such a long journey. 1

First we fled South, then back North, then South again.
So many exhausting miles.
Obeying the orders of the Commander of Zion.

At times our hearths burned brightly.
At times our tents, our houses and whole villages burned.
The charred embers of entire families
Coming to light as Dawn broke.

The Commander of Zion told us that
He was seeking out the Evil Ones.
But where they were hiding? —-
It seems he did not know.

From his actions, you might have concluded that:
They were concealed inside 370,000 domestic dwellings;
Inside hundreds of schools, and all our universities;
Inside all our refugee camps and most of our hospitals.

Apparently the Evil Ones included thousands of small children,
Their mothers, and their elderly grandparents.

Who knew?

Nevertheless, the Three Wise Men did manage to visit us.
When the Commander of Zion permitted.
UNRWA, War Child and Palestine Relief were among them.

They brought with them precious gifts
Fresh water—nourishing food—vital medical supplies.
The minimum needed to avoid all-out famine.

But … when will the slaughter end?

1 Ref. T S Eliot's Journey of the Magi.

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