Fifty shoppers pass through the Souk

The ancient market in Al Khalil (Hebron) has very few shoppers these days. Largely blocked off by Israeli military checkpoints, Israeli walls or barriers, and militarily patrolled Israeli-only areas. You are likely to be asked, ‘what religion are you?’ by a soldier with a gun. You must answer if you want to proceed. Instead of being at the heart of this Palestinian city the Souk has become a backwater - a dead-end.

It is also a potentially dangerous place to shop. Israeli settlers have illegally seized buildings, where they live protected by the Israeli army. From their high windows they throw rubbish, bottles of urine, or rocks down on the Palestinian shoppers below. The alleyways between shops, which were once thronging with people of all religions, locals and tourists, are now largely deserted. One can walk along them alone, saddened by the knowledge that shopkeepers are quietly desperate to make a sale. Few people stop to buy.

Now imagine the Joyful shoppers walking down this street. All of us. Every one of us making a purchase of some sort; everyone engaging with a shopkeeper in a spirit of mutual respect; everyone deciding to purchase a broken object. For a brief visit, fifty of us bringing the Souk to life. Yes - the Joyful Sale of Broken Objects has passed a milestone. We have made fifty sales. Thank you for participating! If you’d like to pass through again, please do. Bring your friends. You will be welcomed. Ahlan-wa-sahlan.