From Nazareth to Bethlehem for peace
On Saturday, a dedicated group of over 100 people will join the 59th annual Nazareth to Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage to walk part or all of the 10-mile route.
No matter what the weather is, we leave Nazareth at noon to walk with great resolve to be witnesses to something as simple and as complicated as peace.
If interviewed about why we walk, some will say they are walking to remember the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph or because war is still not the answer after 15 years in Afghanistan.
Others might say their presence is a small thing to do in response to children starving in Yemen or families forced to leave their homes because of impossible living conditions in Central America or Syria.
Churches along the route generously open their doors to offer respite and cocoa. Volunteers offer rides as needed.
Weary but joyful walkers arrive in Bethlehem about 5:30 p.m. for a simple supper and to hear our speaker, J. Jondhi Harrell, the founder of The Center for Returning Citizens in Philadelphia.
All are welcome to join us anywhere along the way. For more information go to peacewalk.org.
Mimi Lang Bethlehem The writer is an organizer of the Nazareth to Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage.