Children of Gaza

 

Dear friends and family;

This blog is my attempt to covey the powerful experiences I shared with the Palestinian people in Gaza. The last night of my travels, I was asked to discuss the most positive experience of my trip. Without a doubt, I immediately thought of the bright, beautiful, gracious people we encountered.  As John Ging eloquently stated, “these are very civilized people living in extremely uncivilized circumstances”. The Palestinians are dignified, generous, loving and remarkably peaceful people. It remains my goal to illustrate the love and humanity they demonstrated and to tell their story as it was told to me.

Visual Impact

Building in Gaza City after the Israeli offensive. This was a typical sight walking the streets of Gaza. The destruction was widespread and indiscriminate.

The Difference We Can Make

 

The Beautiful Women of Al Atta Charitable Society, Gaza, March 08, 2009

Alice Walker and I shared an amazing experience laughing, singing and dancing with the local women at the Al Atta Charitable Society. They told their stories of loss and grief. I listened, then I asked how can they survive and endure the continued pain and suffering inflicted by the continued violence. They responded with dignity and wisdom, “patience” they said. The women’s humble acceptance of the their unjustified fate is a unique feature of their strength and beauty.  

The mutual giving of hope. March 08, 2007

They said we gave them hope. They returned the favor by giving me love. For those three hours we shared,  the world seemed simple. Not defined by religion, politics, or the enemy. Rather, our world in that moment revolved around hope, tolerance, and love.

The Crossing

 

Egyptian soldier at the Rafah border. March 07, 2009

As we arrived at the border and witnessed the reality of what stands between us and the people of Gaza, I quickly realized what a privilege it was to be let in. Fortunately, as an American, I was one of the few given the choice and freedom to leave. The Palestinians on the other hand are not as fortunate, they don’t have that option.