Posted to my facebook page on
Oct 12, 2012

If I hadn't been denied entry, detained, and deported by Israeli border goons, today is the day I would have returned home. I'm so sad that I didn't get to paint murals in Jenin and Hebron, ride my bicycle with my friend Elizabeth through the Jordan valley and most importantly, see my friends in the West Bank.

But here are some pictures of my comrades who did get through and were able to do these things.

Sent to friends on Sept 5, 2012

Dear Friends,
It is with great sorrow that I write to tell you that upon my arrival at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv I was denied entry, detained and deported. So I will not be painting murals with communities in Hebron, Nablus and Jenin. I will not be biking from Jenin through the Jordan Valley to the south Hebron hills. And most painful of all, I will not be reunited with my dear friends in Deir Ibzi'a or see my friend Neta’s new baby in Tel Aviv.

I am just one of thousands of non-violent activists that have been denied entry. Israel perceives us as dangerous. In fact, we are. The most serious threat to Israel's security is having the truth of its cruel, brutal occupation and apartheid system exposed to the world.

Although my disappointment and sadness is vast, I know that it pales in comparison to what Palestinians endure. An example of graffiti on the walls of my cell in the detention center:

I came to the holy land to spend the holy month of Ramadan with my family. Instead I was separated from my three younger sisters and deported. My crime? I am Palestinian!

– Haneen June 2012

The real work for a free Palestine lies in changing U.S. policy. I will not cease my efforts in this pursuit. And the Friends of Deir Ibzi’a will continue to support the steadfast resistance in Palestine by supporting people to merely live their lives: We will continue to sponsor scholarships for students and buy embroidery from the womyn in Deir Ibzi’a.

Love,
Wendy

Sent to friends August 2012

Dear Friends,
I’m excited to let you know that after 3 years, I’ll be returning to Palestine!
(September 1st – October 8th , 2012)

This trip will be somewhat different than my previous trips.  I am thrilled to be part of the Palestine Arts delegation organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation. We will use the arts as a means of solidarity work and community building with the Palestinian people. The pictures you see here are murals that the 2011 delegation created with communities in the Balata Refugee Camp. For more information about FOR and this delegation follow this link: http://forusa.org/content/palestine-arts-delegation-application

After this delegation I will be participating in a purely pleasure bicycle tour through Palestine with my good friend Elizabeth. There may still be space if you want to join us! Check it out: http://www.bikepalestine.com/about_us.html

And of course I'll be meeting with our partners in Deir Ibzi'a and the scholarship recipients. www.deiribzia.org

For peace in the Middle East!
Wendy