'It's time for Palestine; it's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace' was the message that rang out between the beat of a drum on the Sunday eve of the International Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel.

Organised by the World Council of Churches, the gathering drew an estimated 120 people to Manger Square in Bethlehem to recount the history of the Palestinian people over the last 60 years since the 'nakba' (or catastrophe) during the creation of the State of Israel in which hundreds of villages were destroyed and thousands became refugees.

While Palestinian victims of the last six decades of conflict were somberly remembered, the mood was curiously hopeful and future oriented.

In a symbolic expression of time, a human clock told the story. The beat of a drum moved the 'hands' of the clock, lighting a torch each time, one for each year. The clock hands spelt out 'It's Time for Palestine.' Palestinians and internationals, young and old alike participated in this symbolic gesture.

'This event was a way that we [as Palestinians] can express ourselves non-violently to the world. The fact that a South African [who has struggled for his own freedom] was the one to be lighting the torches-giving us hope-was a powerful image. It shows the world that we are a peace-loving people,' remarked Nora Carmi, a local Palestinian Christian.

Manar, 22, a Palestinian Christian refugee from Bethlehem and member of the local scout group felt the charged atmosphere. 'When I read 'It's Time for Palestine', I read it with all my heart. I want my voice to reach somewhere. I want the internationals [here today] to take this message to the world. I want to live in peace.'

As daily life for Palestinians, including the economic situation, continues to deteriorate, messages like these keep hope alive.

And as the action week message continues, 'It's time to respect human lives in the land called holy, for healing to begin in wounded souls. It's time to end 60 years of conflict, oppression and fear. It's time for freedom from occupation…and to move forward as human beings who are all made in the image of God.'

The poem in its entirety can be found here: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/icappi-2008/action-week-message.html