While I was having my usual lunch break with work colleagues, I was asked by one of them about my favorite dish. Among many, I told her I loved a Palestinian dish called Msakkhan (this of course was followed by giving the recipe). So one thing led to another and we ended up talking about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as my colleague expressed her admiration to the late King Hussein of Jordan (although I don’t understand her feelings yet!). Then she suddenly asserted that the only solution for the Palestinians is for Jordan to donate parts of it territories for them to form a land, in addition to Gaza, and hence end the struggle with the Israelis by building a “new” Palestine for themselves, and give up the rest to live in peace. As expected, I was furious. Her suggestion (in addition to many other similar comments that came rushing through my head at that moment) made me wonder: did we become so inhumane so to brush away this key regional matter, around which the Arab history has revolved for years, with a ridiculous solution? Or are we so humane that we want to find a solution, regardless of how unreasonable it sounds?
Yes, there are a million conflicts and issues around the world. Africa, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Bosnia …you name it. And yes, we do wish for all of them to get solved this minute. Yet, have we become so ignorant when it comes to the Palestinian issue? I do agree with the fact that the current and really sad dispute between the Palestinian leaderships has tainted the original cause with the corruption and silliness of all political parties. This might have led many Palestinians, Arabs and others to ridicule the main core issue since the internal conflict has taken over the whole picture. But, it does remain appalling to see that some people, including some Palestinians (at least the ones I have come across over the past few years) idolize several Arab leaders who have played significant roles over the course of history to worsen the Palestinian situation in favor of personal interests. It’s even more shocking to find that a significant number of Palestinians and Arabs call for the compromise of Jerusalem and the right for the refugees to return for peace with Israel (an enemy that has proved its deceitfulness since its existence), so that they would all live in peace and party with a clear conscious!
Of course the most common questions that friends, colleagues and acquaintances raise are: what do you think is the solution then? Are you with Fateh or Hamas? Don’t you think that we (Arabs) have suffered enough because of your conflict? Who’s to blame for this whole ordeal?
In reality, Israel has established itself as a country made up of people, a government, scholars, journalists etc. Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that it has stolen the land on which all of this was built. And we should not forget that the Israelis and all their allies have outwitted the Arabs throughout history by planning ahead of time for all their actions. So the solution remains vague. This vicious cycle of constant killings on both sides will continue, because and like it or not, resistance is only normal and corruption will always invade the minds of our leaders.
Many would argue that as a Palestinian, born in Jordan, raised in the Gulf and currently residing in Lebanon, I wouldn’t fully understand the intensity of the internal situation and the day to day action in my homeland. The fact that a single twist in fate that led me (like a million others) to grow up in well-off family, receive the best education and have access to various life resources, does not mean that I have lost my Palestinian roots (“identity” is another controversial term!), my Arab heritage and most importantly my humanity. In fact, I believe that all of these circumstances have put additional pressure on me to keep the Palestinian humanitarian case alive and relay the message to the next generation.
Our duty towards Palestine is to read more, learn more and write more about it. Educating our children and young people on this eternal conflict (since it’s also known as the “Arab-Israeli” conflict) remains an essential responsibility. The answer is not to hate the Israelis, but to deeply understand all dimensions related to this issue in order to hopefully, find a clear solution in the future. We must realize that this is a humanitarian matter and not purely political. Therefore, it is vital that we reinforce our own humanitarian instincts in order to effectively raise awareness and disseminate peace.
Beirut 5.1.2008
Yes, there are a million conflicts and issues around the world. Africa, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Bosnia …you name it. And yes, we do wish for all of them to get solved this minute. Yet, have we become so ignorant when it comes to the Palestinian issue? I do agree with the fact that the current and really sad dispute between the Palestinian leaderships has tainted the original cause with the corruption and silliness of all political parties. This might have led many Palestinians, Arabs and others to ridicule the main core issue since the internal conflict has taken over the whole picture. But, it does remain appalling to see that some people, including some Palestinians (at least the ones I have come across over the past few years) idolize several Arab leaders who have played significant roles over the course of history to worsen the Palestinian situation in favor of personal interests. It’s even more shocking to find that a significant number of Palestinians and Arabs call for the compromise of Jerusalem and the right for the refugees to return for peace with Israel (an enemy that has proved its deceitfulness since its existence), so that they would all live in peace and party with a clear conscious!
Of course the most common questions that friends, colleagues and acquaintances raise are: what do you think is the solution then? Are you with Fateh or Hamas? Don’t you think that we (Arabs) have suffered enough because of your conflict? Who’s to blame for this whole ordeal?
In reality, Israel has established itself as a country made up of people, a government, scholars, journalists etc. Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that it has stolen the land on which all of this was built. And we should not forget that the Israelis and all their allies have outwitted the Arabs throughout history by planning ahead of time for all their actions. So the solution remains vague. This vicious cycle of constant killings on both sides will continue, because and like it or not, resistance is only normal and corruption will always invade the minds of our leaders.
Many would argue that as a Palestinian, born in Jordan, raised in the Gulf and currently residing in Lebanon, I wouldn’t fully understand the intensity of the internal situation and the day to day action in my homeland. The fact that a single twist in fate that led me (like a million others) to grow up in well-off family, receive the best education and have access to various life resources, does not mean that I have lost my Palestinian roots (“identity” is another controversial term!), my Arab heritage and most importantly my humanity. In fact, I believe that all of these circumstances have put additional pressure on me to keep the Palestinian humanitarian case alive and relay the message to the next generation.
Our duty towards Palestine is to read more, learn more and write more about it. Educating our children and young people on this eternal conflict (since it’s also known as the “Arab-Israeli” conflict) remains an essential responsibility. The answer is not to hate the Israelis, but to deeply understand all dimensions related to this issue in order to hopefully, find a clear solution in the future. We must realize that this is a humanitarian matter and not purely political. Therefore, it is vital that we reinforce our own humanitarian instincts in order to effectively raise awareness and disseminate peace.
Beirut 5.1.2008
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