It Takes a Settlement…

September 6, 2006 - 12:55 PM by Allison

Sometimes living in a controversial yet cohesive place has its compensations.

West Bank Mama has been going through some tough personal times, but her community is rallying around her, she says:

Most people probably roll their eyes at Hillary Clinton’s quote that it takes a village to raise a child, because of the source. I used to roll my eyes also – but the events of this past week and a half have proven it true.

I can’t describe the details of what we are going through in our family because I think it would do damage – but I can say that it is serious.

When people in our yishuv heard about our problems, many came forth to help. I expected this type of help from my personal friends – because that is what friends are like, after all.

What really surprised me though, was the outpouring of both gestures of support and real, concrete advice and practical help from people that I thought were just acquaintances. It seems that when you live in a village, and you watch what is unfolding in your neighbors lives, and you see their kids growing up, you develop a relationship with them without realizing it. Many, many people who I don’t know very well care about my kids – and are willing to give of themselves to help out.

Another reason to love living in the place that I do.

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