I spent pretty much my entire life living in the Arab world; has it always been easy? No. Has it been safe? Not always. But most of the time I have endured nothing but kindness, patience, a willingness to understand, and agreement to differ on opinion. No one has ever made me feel less for not being a Muslim, the belief that women are looked down on, well most of the time I get to stand in a shorter queue, so I aint complaining. I count people from 42 different nations among my friends, something I probably wouldnt have enjoyed if Id lived in the UK. I get to understand about different cultures, not just from the countries themselves, but from the variety of ethnicities and religions that go to make up those countries. I get to share in celebrations from around the world - Holi, Australia Day, 4th July, Eid, and many more. I am enriched by the people in my life, and I really believe that my growing up overseas has given me the best education money can buy. I only truly became aware of the Palestinian situation when I was 19, and asked where it was on the map, cause I couldnt find it. In those days, PR for Palestine was done through the London office - something I couldnt quite grasp, but it intrigued me. I asked questions, got to know what was going on, and since that time have read with increasing dismay the apathy for the rest of the world to the situation. I see the protests happening now, but is this not a case of too little, too late. The death toll is mounting, the international community is doing nothing - when Saddam Hussein rolled in to Kuwait, the need to defend oil was so great that the world rose up. Palestine doesnt have oil, it barely has water, and yet most of the time, when I meet Palestinians, they are happy, caring, accomplished, educated, patient and giving people, who will share stories of a home most of them might never have the opportunity to return to, but they are never bitter. My country is responsible for the situation in Palestine now, and its a shame I bear. I sit and listen to the stories, knowing I am powerless to do much but write my experiences. The UK bleats on about power transfer to Brussels, when not 70 years ago, the ravaged another countrys borders, and handed power over Palestine to the newly formed Israel. I mentioned the death toll, the reality is that it has been climbing for decades. This is nothing new; the profligate use of rockets, bullets and torture have gone unchecked for many years. No one dares to censure Israel, for fear of being called anti-semitic (yes I wrote those in small letters on purpose). I understand the difference between Jew and Zionist, I know that there are many Jews who are horrified at what is taking place to their Palestinian friends and neighbours, but Ive said it before, and I will say it again, until the global community stands up to Israel and tells them enough, they will continue to act without care and concern for the wider community. There is a second crusade coming, and its one of our own making! *steps of soap box*
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 06:16:44 +0000
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