Washington, DC — Mary Singaus, a public health nurse who lives s in Mar Vista, recently returned from a unique journey to Israel and Palestine. Singaus, along with 31 other people from the U.S. and Canada, landed in Tel Aviv on October 28 for the two-week trip through the conflict zone, during which they heard both sides of  the story of the conflict  directly from Palestinians and Israelis.

They also discussed the role of the U.S. government in resolving  to the conflict.  The delegation examined Israeli and Palestinian perspectives on President Obama’s plan to halt illegal Israeli settlement construction and restart stalled peace talks.  Despite positive rhetoric from the administration, U.S. military aid to the region continues to flow unabated and conditions on the ground continue to worsen.

The delegation also focused on the Palestinian olive harvest that  takes place each autumn. It’s an occasion of profound cultural and economic importance for Palestinian communities and a time when tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents of the West Bank run high.

Sponsored by Interfaith Peace-Builders (IFPB), this delegation was the 32nd since 2001. More than 500 North Americans have made the trip.

Singaus has dedicated much of her life to encouraging global peace and justice, volunteering with Arlington West – a local project of Veterans for Peace-Los Angeles – and participating as an active member of the St. Anne’s Parish

People who would like to hear more,  about Singaus’s trip may call her at 310.502.9067 or dsrt2ocean@verizon.net.