This week’s lockdown diary comes from Karen, Encompass’ Palestinian Coordinator. Karen reflects on the difficulty of trying to plan Encompass programmes, which focus on bringing people together, in an era where social interactions have come to be seen as one of the biggest threats to society:

“The first lockdown in Palestine began on March 5, 2020. Just short of 3 weeks before we were to begin our new round of IntraPal meetings. We had 30 new participants and 20 alumni ready to have deep discussion about the state of affairs in Palestine, community activism and discuss and create a response on the ‘Deal of the Century’. We thought the lockdown would only last a few days, so didn’t immediately postpone the program. However, as more cases began to show up and stricter lockdown measures put in place, we finally had to make the decision to postpone.

Here began the first communication challenge. Discussing with the Encompass Trust administration about the situation, and agreeing on a plan of action. Then, having a virtual meeting with local staff members. Next was informing participants. Not only did we post on the group about the postponement, but also individually contacted people who didn’t respond on the group. Finally, we had to cancel the venue reservation and the transportation.

While waiting to see when it would be safe again to have group meetings, we tried to keep the group involved in on-line conversations and build cohesiveness. It worked at first, but without those connections that participants build during a program, after a while, it ended up being only a few people responding.

In early June, the lockdown was eased and we were again planning to start the program. But with the opening came gatherings, weddings, work and trips into Israel and visits from/with our Palestine brothers from historical Palestine. Covid-19 began showing-up in every city, town, camp and village in Palestine. After only a week or so of opening, lockdown was again ordered, and all hopes of having a program during the summer dashed to pieces.

We are now hoping to have the program in December at the original venue in Jericho. We may need to cut the number down though, to insure safe social distancing. The goals will also change, as the world and the situation in Palestine has gone through a metamorphosis that needs to be understood and discussed. Communicating the new needs and challenges in our communities will be at the forefront of our program…..when we are finally able to have it that is.”