My day is getting better - a phone call from the US consulate. USC: Hello, I am from the US consulate, we have a funding program and we are interested to work with you to advance gay rights, esp for Palestinians. Me: Why? USC: Because gay rights are a priority for the US government Me: Why gay rights are a priority for the US government? USC: Oh, because we believe in these values, I mean the US government believes in these values Me: What values? USC: You know, human rights, anti-discrimination... the same values you work for Me: aha, interesting... USC: We are interested to work on advancing gay rights in Palestine and I just googled your organization, and I think you share the same values as the ones in our program. Me; We do? what else you learned about alQaws? USC: Yes we def do. I esp love your mission and goals. I see also, that you have different amazing programs. Me: Thank you. Did you also read about our politics and funding policy while googling us? USC: No, what do you mean? Me: That we refuse to work with the US government, it is actually against our values. USC: Oh too bad. (and continue in a faster tone)... But if you change your mind, our program is really good, and also very competitive (we received 116 applications last year and accepted only 15) - and we are always looking to work with new organizations. Me: *silence* USC: The period of waiting from the time you submit your application is max 6 months. We also.... Me: Thank you for the valuable information and good luck USC: bye *2 seconds pause and the phone rings again.* Me: hello USC (enthusiastic voice): hey, it is me again Me: *silence* USC: I wanted to ask if you know other organizations working for LGBT rights in Palestine Me: *silence* USC: We are looking for organizations that work in the West Bank and Gaza Me: NO, we are the only organization working in the West Bank USC: OOOH, too bad, ok, have a lovely day. ***This is by no mean a status to prove the ignorance (and....) of the US government and its agencies. This is a status to prove that I can be patient and polite. W HA***
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 12:07:51 +0000
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