This story is a bit long, but I found it interesting so I decided to share: Last Sunday, while walking in the world village festival in Helsinki, looking at the countries food stands, I noticed the one of Syria. I decided to get closer, to see what kind of food they make, but didnt understood what is it, so I decided in a not so obvious decision for an Israeli to ask them. One of the workers, an old Syrian woman, tried to explain me, but she wasnt sure how to say a certain thing in English, so she hoped I’ll understand in Finnish. Oh, hummus! I said, revealing a non-European accent at all. Do you understand Arabic? She asked me surprised. Only few words I said. Where are you from? She asked. Became nervous, but told her the truth: my mothers parents are from Damascus and Halab (the two largest cities in Syria). And your father? My father is of European origin, again, truth. So you are Syrian then! She said excited. Some may say I answered. We continued to talk, discussed many things, in a lovely and respectful conversation. In the end of the conversation I said Shukran (thank you in Arabic) she said Afwan, and I left the place. I was so excited about my first ever meeting with a Syrian, or at least a real one, not like my Syrian-born grandparents, but on the other hand, I felt really weird about my decision not to reveal to her my true nationality. Why didnt I tell her that I’m Israeli?? I thought. But to my regret, I was afraid. She wasnt a student, it wasnt in the university, and I had no idea how she will react if she will hear that I am from her fierce enemy country. I really wanted her to realize how great is this moment, that she as a Syrian is speaking with Israeli, and not just one but one that originally came from her country. But I couldnt, it is sad, but I was too scared. I really wish that one day, hopefully one day soon, an Israeli and a Syrian will be able to talk with each other, and even to visit each others countries, with no fear but only true respect.
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 12:12:03 +0000
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