On Friday 24th January, 7.30pm, Colinsburgh Community Cinema will be presenting a screening of the Palestinian film Lemon Tree. Entry will be £4.

Lemon Tree, starring renowned Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, tells the story of a Palestinian widow has to stand up against her new neighbour, the Israeli Defence Minister, when he moves into his new house opposite her lemon grove on the green line border between Israel and the West Bank.  The Israeli security forces are quick to declare the lemon trees pose a threat to the Minister’s safety and issue orders to uproot the trees.

STEPS held its autumn event, “Palestinian Stories” on 7th November in the Undercroft, St John’s House, 61-75 South Street from 6.15-9.00pm. Heartfelt thanks to Jordan Valley Wholefoods for providing wonderful food and to John Stewart for photography, but most of all to our scholars Noor and Nadine for responding to audience questions after a showing of the harrowing film “Born in Gaza”.

STEPS held its annual general meeting at 5.30 on 19th August at the Quaker Meeting House, No. 2 Howard Place, St Andrews.

A big thank you to Colinsburgh Community Cinema and their supporters for sponsoring the film “Wajib” on Friday 7 June.

Regular cinema supporters came out in strength to offer generous donations. One of our present students came along as well as several of STEPS Trustees. Nour was able to shed light on what such opportunities to study at St Andrews for a one year Masters course means to young Palestinians. She was able to share some of her experiences of life in the West Bank. This opened up opportunities for further conversations after the film. We were treated to a delicious buffet of Palestinian foods.

14 and 17 March 2019. Two powerful events taking place in Scotland. On 14 March in Glasgow – ‘The News from Gaza, dispelling myths and telling the truth’. On 17 March in Edinburgh – ‘Tragedy in Gaza, Britain’s Legacy, Scotland’s Role’. Free, but register in advance on Eventbrite. Go to balfourproject.org for more details.