Saturday, July 11, 2009

Loyalty

I have a trinity of three nations that I very much believe in and want the best for.... Two are sovereign, and one is Palestine.

Jaffar & Annie in Jordan

The two sovereign nations that I very much believe in and want the best for are America (where I was born and raised) and Jordan where most of my husband's family now lives, and where he was raised with many many many cousins.

Both America and Jordan have provided peace, sanctuary, security, economic opportunities, real freedom and a hopeful future for many people, regardless of religion or race. Yes one can find fault if one wants, but I'd rather look for and support the good.

A bird nesting outside Baba's library window

Baba's favorite book

I do not know what will become of Palestine, however I very much hope that someday soon Palestine will also be a fully sovereign nation providing peace, sanctuary, security, economic opportunities, real freedom and a hopeful future for its citizens- regardless of race or religion. Many people bicker about the best way to make that a reality. Meanwhile numerous hate mongers, greedy opportunists and religious extremists take full advantage of the very real plight of the Palestinians, making a bad situation even worse... no peace- no justice.

"Exhausted after more than two decades [SIXTY YEARS] of on-and-off conflict with Israel and deeply skeptical about prospects of statehood, Palestinians here are increasingly trying to carve out their own little niches of happiness." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090711/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_palestinians_west_bank_rebound

This June, right after school let out for the summer, my husband, our two sons and I went home to Jordan where we spent a heavenly couple of weeks being totally pampered by my husband's warm welcoming family.

Most of our time was spent with family- eating eating eating- so much really really really good food! And good company. It was paradise. A perfect holiday.

We managed to make time for a few touristy excursions, brief day trips.

Chariot races in Jerash...


and the scenic views at Mt. Neba ....

in Arabic "God is Love"

& mosaics in Madaba, specifically The Palestine Map
and a very pleasant Friday morning breakfast on a rooftop cafe over a wonderful little bookstore followed by an intriguing stroll up the street and through the open market of Souk Jara.





Old Palestine Coin

Jordan River Foundation http://www.jordanriver.jo/

While in Jordan we arranged to meet with an utterly delightful young woman with The Abraham Path Initiative http://www.abrahampath.org/visit.php in hopes of strolling a bit of it, but found it is really geared for younger stronger hikers- teenagers- college students- and older athletic intellectuals who can handle hours of summer heat :-) .

I strongly recommend The Abraham Path for any school or college or group or family of enthusiastic walkers, preferably as a winter break or spring break student activity if possible. For information on traveling the Abraham Path please email: travel@abrahampath.org

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In Palestine Abraham Path Youth Walk 2009 The Palestinian Summer Celebration http://www.sirajcenter.org/

on Baba's farm

In addition to the many gifts & sweets we bought back from Jordan for family and friends here in America,

We also came home with a suitcase full of new books- beautiful books to add to our personal library. Nothing on politics- some poetry, some on flora and fauna, some on food and traditions, some on antiquities- history and art.
One is titled Welcome to Jordan- The Heart of the Middle East. I like that title.

Another book is called Historic Trees of Jordan

Years ago when our kids were small we planted two maple trees in our yard here in America. They look glorious in the fall. The maple tree in our back yard is now big enough to climb- and to hold a macramé hammock swing. It's the type of rope hammock that cradles you sitting up. Almost every day I meander out and wander over to sit there to watch the birds flit about, listening to their songs, and watching their antics... and watching our flowers bloom...and my family...


It is very pleasant to be outside simply enjoying life in a garden.

My husband's cousin recently sent him a new photo of the old family house in Nablus Palestine. It shows the fountain in the garden- a charming central fountain... but the garden itself needs work, and the arbor needs vines. It is obvious it was once all well thought out and cared for, hopefully it will be again some day soon.

And one day we will be free to go celebrate Jerusalem- Capital of Arab Culture....

SUPPORT NONVIOLENCE: The ABC's of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel


The ABC's of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel

Palestinian Civil Society Calls for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel Until it Complies with International Law and Universal Principles of Human Rights

What you can do

1. ADVOCATE BOYCOTT until Israel fully complies with the precepts of international law by

 A. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;

B. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and

C. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.
Boycotting Israeli academic and cultural institutions is an urgently needed form of pressure against Israel that can bring about its compliance with international law and the requirements for a just peace... ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN


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Palestine Sunbird painting by Ismail Shammout
(heart doodle by annie)
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Shereen Audi "I really wanted to spread some hope and positivity and give that feeling to the world and to everyone who needs it... all I wish for Palestine and for our world is peace and light.."

  Shereen Audi "I really wanted to spread some hope and positivity and give that feeling to the world and to everyone who needs it......