Victoria, having lunch with her student parents at Mo and Elena's grill

A warm welcome to the West Bank at Qalandia

The Center of Ramallah appears thriving; though, as  Jean reminds me, the appearance is misleading.  Unemployment is high, prices are rising and, when Israel is displeased with the Palestinian Authority, it withholds tax revenue that belongs to the Palestinians. When Abbas disobeyed Israel and the U.S. last fall, asking recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly (and got it, 138 - 9 with 41 abstentions), tax revenues were withheld and plans to build on the critical E1 area were announced. That's called punishment for seeking what Israel sought in the same venue in 1947.