A messenger and a march on the UN

John is at his desk, busy writing on his computer. He senses someone is in front of him. It is David, and he has a glow around him. Probably from looking up from the computer-although John often thinks he sees people as angels. Always, they have been strangers coming to the rescue in some small way. But David looks angelic...and he is a messanger right now.

David

'So you gonna come? It should be a hoot.'

John looks bewildered

David

I asked you if you want to march on the UN at lunchtime. To get the peace talks going again. You know. The Arabs recognize Israel and we create a Palestinian State. You know..peace.'

John

'k'

Bernie comes out of Keith's office.

Bernie

'David. I see talking. I want to see arting. Go art.'

John and David look at Bernie.

Bernie to David

'...and what's with wearing black all the time. He's in yellow or orange t's. You look like life and death. You look like you are going to a funeral.'

David

'I'm going to go art.'

David leaps like a male ballet dancer leaving the stage dramatically.

At noon, John and David join a small group of people preparing to march. More than a few people are holding blue and white flags of Israel. They begin to walk down the street towards the UN. At about a block away, there's anti American and anti-Israel screaming.

David to John

'Don't worry about them. That group is always out there...they don't think there should be an Israel..we hate America...thinks like that.'

John

'So we're going to march to the UN and then what.'

David

'They will show their signs about passing the resolution and we go back to work.'

John

'Do you like the El Pollo stuff?'

David

'I do.'

John

'Is it good?'

David

'Yes. But you should know that. Have some confidence. Thanks for marching...'

John

"I was thinking the other day on the beach... it's not enough to feel connected ...I should stand up for things and people. And I do believe a Palestinian state solution and the right of Israel to exist..'


A fist hits John in the face...knocking him to the ground.


Angry Man

"typical Jew.'

David squats down, shield John.

David

'Wrong'

Muslim woman squats down next to John. She puts the cross he wears in her hands.

Muslim woman

'He's Christian. He doesn't speak for us.'

Angry Man

'That's worst.'

Angry Man runs into the crowd. A cop runs after him.

David

'That's a bias crime.'

John gets up with David and the Muslim woman's help

John

'Bias? He hit a Catholic he thought was a Jew marching for Palestine and Israel?'

David

'Well say it like that and it sounds like you have a head injury.'