Internet Tourism

Nablus... Old City by Afaf Arafat

Al-Diwan - Old Nablus by Afaf Arafat

Afaf Arafat is a Palestinian artist who was attracted to art as a young child, when she would try to draw the jasmine tree which climbed all the way from her father's Diwan to the first floor of the house.... As evident in her pictures the Palestinian countryside figures prominently in her work. So does the old city of Nablus. Other pictures display the splendor of Palestinian heritage whether in costume or architecture. Nablusguide.com

I discovered Afaf Arafat's beautiful artwork while poking around the Internet yesterday- looking for beauty. I have This Week in Palestine bookmarked on my computer, easy to click on and from there I often discover unique and interesting ideas and web sites to explore.

Building a Positive Brand Identity for Palestine in the Media

It is good to see so many different people taking positive media efforts for Palestine seriously. We all have a part to play- each in our own way. Each link we click helps make it more popular- and more likely to be noticed by others.

Different pictures, different tones, different colors- different types of stories and art and adventure appeal to different types of people. There is no one size fits all. There is however a mainstream, a very large middle where more people are more likely to hear and be influenced by what you have to say. It is as simple as that.

The Golden Rule [Do unto others as you would have them do unto you] really is a good rule of thumb for navigating the mainstream if you want more competent and capable people to become interested in Palestine and peace...

"A walk in the wondrous Old City of Jerusalem with all of its fragrances and colourful shops, or a short trip to any Palestinian city can expose a lot of the demographic mix to the discerning eye. I personally see this as strength and an added value to the Palestinian fabric. We are able to offer a diverse and varied culture in such a small country like Palestine." Raed Saadeh

The Dome on the Rock from a 19th century print

An 19th century impression of the land around Hebron

A view of ancient Tyre from a 19th century print

"Imagine cycling from Jenin to Hebron- passing Jerusalem and Bethlehem on the way. Immersed in the breathtaking Biblical landscape, taking the ancient roads of pilgrims and warriors- from the quiet of the Jerusalem Wilderness desert to the majesty of the Dead Sea." BIKE PALESTINE

"Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Explorations of the Holy Land 2011
Participants in this tour will explore the religious diversity and cultural richness of Israel and Palestine. We will investigate holy sites, listen to devotees, observe religious practices, delve into group beliefs and values, and ponder the religious experiences of the peoples of Israel and Palestine. Special attention will be given to the diversity of Jewish life, the vibrancy of Islam, and a selection of the indigenous Christian communities of Israel and Palestine. How have such lusciously flowered religions survived, adapted, and blossomed in the ‘desert’? Siraj Center for Holy Land Studies"

"Reconnect the Human Family - Step by Step Abraham's Path is a cultural itinerary that inspires and engages travelers to journey on the national and local trails of each nation of the region. Some of these national and local trails we have directly helped design and open — others are purely in the domain of national governments. Abraham's Path honors the laws, traveler-related directives, and nomenclature of all government partners."
Or, for the more secular and scientifically inclined arm chair tourist, who is seeking a more global perspective there are fascinating self guided tours through The World At Night (TWAN) where one can star gaze....

Night of an Ancient Library
Stars of Leo, the Lion, and planet Saturn shine above the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, a city of ancient Anatolia. Ephesus hosted one of the seven churches of Asia, addressed in the Book of Revelation of The Bible. It is also the site of a large gladiator graveyard. Pictured here under the moonlight, the Library of Celsus, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces, was built in AD 125 and once held nearly 12,000 scrolls. Today's archaeological site of Ephesus lies 3 kilometers south of the Selçuk district of Izmir Province, Turkey. Tunc Tezel.

The World At Night (TWAN) is a program to produce and present a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s landmarks against the celestial attractions.

Last month my husband and I got all dressed up and went down to a glorious Gala at the Ritiz Carlton in Washington DC. Dr. Ziad Asali of the American Task Force on Palestine emailed me a picture taken there.

ATFP's Dr. Ziad Asali with Annie & Jaffar

The ATFP Gala was very well organized and very well attended. It was VERY impressive!

BUT what has really awed me the most has been the subsequent followup...

ATFP's Fifth Annual Gala 2010: Building Palestine, the Indispensable State for Peace

A beautifully written quick summary is filled with links one can explore in full- watch videos of great speeches or read the riveting transcripts. One can scroll through photos of the Gala, or stroll through the inspiring art work at the silent auction, or read the program and experience the entire program in full from afar- savoring every perfect word. The introductions are as good as the formal speeches. There is also a collection of articles in the media covering the Gala.

Take your time- enjoy the journey. Times are changing- and we citizens of the world, (regardless of supposed race, religion or nationality) are all part of that change.

This past summer, in training for my own empty nest, I was obsessed with a webcam watching an osprey nest on the Chester River (thanks to Chestertown Spy and everyone involved in supporting that project.) The osprey parents were attentive and dedicated. At first the baby birds were pretty darn ugly- but the scenery there was lovely. I'd often watch the sunrise there on the Chester River.... the river where my oldest son rows.

The webcam showed the nest and the river beyond, with a wide enough angle that sometimes you could see one of the osprey swoop down to fish- a small dark silhouette splashing the surface of the water and then winging its way back in a circle- rising up to land, looming large in the nest to feed.

Time passed and as the baby birds grew their elegant parents changed tactics. Early on one parent or the other would position themselves in the nest so as to cast a cooling shadow on the sleeping chicks, to protect them from the full glare of the hot summer sun. Eventually, as the chicks leaned to move the chicks learned to move into protective shade cast by a parent: Each took ownership of their own well-being... and responsibility for themselves.

Relationships change every day- and we adapt. We go from being a dependent child to a teen to an adult. We age- some more gracefully than others. But no matter what our age, or our state of grace, we tend to keep in contact with people we want to hear from, and we avoid people we don't want to hear from- for whatever reason. Our own behavior helps shape the marketplace of ideas.


In growing a garden for Palestine today- on my blog, there are hundreds of potentially worthy projects to point out- and thousands of worthy pictures and photos that I am tempted to post... plus millions of worthy quotes to quote....

Another day perhaps.

The sun sets over Palestinian fishermen in their boat in the Mediterranean sea, near the beach on the outskirts of Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) Yahoo! news photos

Jasmine

Palestine

Jericho Mosiac- Leaping Gazelle

Dear Ziad

Dear Ziad,

Thank you and your lovely wife Naila, and all of ATFP for hosting such an inspiring and interesting Gala. My husband and I very much enjoyed all the art- and the speakers... and the gift bag with zataar and olive oil and Nabulsi soap.

Meeting one of my favorite modern poets in person was a moment I will never ever forget. Naomi Shihab Nye is as welcoming and delightful as her poems.

ATFP's hard work and good intentions are obvious, as is the talent, intelligence, dignity and compassion of all the many people who chose to help support the American Task Force on Palestine... I wish you the best of luck in your collective efforts to help shape a just, lasting and comprehensive peace and a real Palestinian state.

Sincerely,
Annie

Washington DC: The Lincoln Memorial

“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States—the Great Emancipator and preserver of the nation during the Civil War—sits immortalized in marble. As an enduring symbol of freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope. nps.gov

ATFP 2010 featuring Arab Artwork- promoting Palestine & Peace

For the complete text of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's Keynote Address at ATFP Gala click here. For the complete text of Ziad Asali's introduction click here. For more information about the gala click here.

Music Therapy

All summer long I have very much enjoyed seeing the humming birds flitting up to drink their nectar at our feeder.

At the end of this summer my husband's father died, suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a horrible shock. My husband's father was an amazing man. I simply can not find the words to express how deep our loss is... the world's loss really as he was very much beloved by all family, friends, and associates who knew him. My father-in-law and his best buddy from childhood grew up to be very successful, well respected businessmen. Many different people feel his loss in many different ways. My husband has lost not only a father, but a best friend and trusted advisor. My sister-in-law writes lovingly of him in a blog she started called Baba's Little Girl. I however can not even begin to express in words how much this perfect father-in-law has meant to me. Nor can I even try describe him yet, for I would not know where to begin except to say he was born in Palestine.

Perhaps one day I will find the words to explain what an admirable and interesting and entertaining man my father-in-law was. In time, I hope, in time. He is most definitely a good memory to savor.

Miqdad giving his grandson James some lettuce to taste, Amman Jordan

Jaffar and his father and our kids in Petra

Miqdad and his two oldest grandsons exploring history

Miqdad & Miqdad & James & Jaffar just hanging out

Fathers & sons: Jaffar, Miqdad, and his namesake Miqdad

My father-in-law, who knew all sorts of fascinating tidbits about history and archaeology, giving us a fascinating tour of Jerash

Jaffar and his father

Miqdad & Alma Lou Annab at home

Miqdad, Jaffar & Miqdad gardening in the atrium, Amman Jordan 2009

We flew to Amman as quickly as we could when we heard of Baba's death. My mother came over as soon as she heard, helping us as I orchestrated plane tickets and travel plans for two sons away at two different colleges, my husband, myself and my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law was visiting us at the time of my father-in-law's death. Her immediate reaction was to remind us that he lived a good life- a full life. I will always be grateful that she was here to tell the news to her son, and to console us all.

Our young niece and nephew met at us the airport in Jordan, they are growing up so fast! We drove to Baba's house and the kitchen was crowded with close family members who had gathered to greet us, and to share our tears.

The Arabic newspapers were full of condolences and announcements about Baba. We had the traditional azza- three days of formal grieving with the men of the family greeting people (men only) in a large rented formal public hall and the women staying in the home to receive female visitors there. All day long people were coming in, shaking hands, sitting down for either a few minutes or hours- depending on how close they were to the family. Arabic coffee in tiny cups and big plump juicy dates and bottles of water were served to all who came. In the afternoon a large lunch arrived- each day brought by someone in the extended family as the women of the house can not be expected to cook during this time. We had delicious lamb with rice and almonds. Chicken. Stuffed grape leaves..etc... the traditional stuff. And on the third day we had knaffieh for dessert- the Nablus specialty.

Miqdad, James, Annie & Jaffar on the front steps of Baba's house Amman Jordan September 2010

Miqdad Hasan Annab, 16 years old
August 1st, 1932- September 17th 2010

Baba's kids: Nasser, Jaffar, Ali & Randa

Baba's grandchildren (Miqdad, James, Feisal, Yasmeen, & Laith) with Randa and Baba's niece Ghada & her daughter Nisreen

I always hoped that one day when Palestine was free from Israeli occupation Baba could take us to Nablus, and show us his childhood haunts and entertain us with his stories. He had a knack for making people feel at home and happy... We all thought he would live a long long time as his father did. I wish he could have lived long enough to see Palestine, his beloved birthplace, free. He was the type of supporter that Palestine needs- a good man and a loving man, and a modest man... and a successful competent businessman. Very much a diplomat- and a gentleman. By the entrance to his library there was a calender open to September 2010- celebrating El-Funoun the Palestinian popular dance troupe.

Jaffar & Annie at Nancy & Mohammad's for breakfast, Amman Jordan September 2020

Meanwhile life goes on. Our time with Baba was far too brief- and so is life itself. As my mother-in-law reminded us over and over this past month, Baba would not want us to waste all our time mourning.

This year's autumn leaves and autumn weather here in central Pennsylvania are glorious...

Autumn Leaves

Autumn flowers

Wandering in and out to see the leaves I sometimes leave the door open- the air feels so crisp- so clean, and the rustle of dry leaves in the trees as the wind picks up and drops is music to my ears- as is the bird song in our garden.

October Glory Maple Leaf

The other day I was sitting at my computer when I heard a loud ruckus in the garden room quite near me- turned out to be the clatter of squirrel talons/toenails on our Garden room's tile floor as a Mr. Squirrel sprinted over to the far corner of the room and crept under my grandmother's rickety old rocking chair.

I screamed! I screamed and jumped up- and I ran away... in running away my back was turned so I was not sure if Mr. Squirrel scampered out. Mr. Squirrel was no where to be found when my husband and I searched for him. I am now imagining furtive ninja squirrel carefully hiding in my house by hanging upside down somewhere under the furniture- his silhouette pulled tight up against his hiding place in order to better hide in the shadows.

Me?

Blue Jay in our back yard

This weekend was Family weekend at my youngest son's college. We had a delightful time spending the day with James, and we totally enjoyed the the '16th annual homecoming parade' put on by his college- and eating cafeteria food... and seeing a very special art exhibit in Elizabethtown College's Zug Memorial Hall.


Professor Gene Ann Behrens is a Music Therapy Professor. During a recent trip to Bethlehem she took some riveting and revealing photographs and has organized them into an exhibit to try to help show America what Bethlehem looks like today, under Israeli occupation- strangled by that awful Israeli made wall.



What struck me most about her exhibit is that she does not bombard her audience with the most painful and traumatizing images she can find. Instead she conveys a sense of hope- and a sensitivity to Palestinian dignity and beauty. Her photos are good- but how she titles them is most revealing; "The Pride of a Palestinian Mother" ... "Children Getting to "Act as Children"" ..."Illuminating Years of Faith in the Nativity Church"... "Ageless Strength"

"Ageless Strength "

"Perseverance Amid the Destruction"

Professor Gene Ann Behrens

Music therapy prof travels to Bethlehem to work with children
http://www.etown.edu/news.aspx?year=2008&month=4&dept=29

The International Center of Bethlehem is an ecumenically oriented institution developed through the Lutheran Church that serves the entire Palestinian community. Professor Behrens worked at the Center’s Dar Al-Kalima Health and Wellness Center, meeting with small groups of children and their parents to see how they are coping with the trauma of war, and developing music therapy protocol for working with the children.

Despair, destruction and hope 'Behind the Walls' of Bethlehem, Professor's photos on display at Elizabethtown College
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/290216#ixzz12caSO5L2

Professor Behrens happened to meander into the gallary right before my husband, myself and our son were about to leave. Heavens what serendipity- she was fascinating to talk with!

One thing she said really struck me- basically, the gist of it is that some researchers are finding that talking about trauma can make things worse for the traumitized, leaving them mired in misery rather than healing them. Music therapy however can reach the child- help heal the child.

There probally could be much more written on the topic of Music and healing- and Palestine, but I am not the right person to explain all that needs to be explained.

This week, here in America, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will be the keynote speaker at the ATFP's Fifth Annual Gala 2010: Building Palestine, the Indispensible State for Peace. One of my favorite poets Naomi Shihab Nye will be honored with an award for Excellence in the Arts. ATFP's Gala also has an Artists Corner pointing out that "these talented individuals have spoken volumes, celebrating Arab and Arab-American culture with vibrancy" My favorite artist found there is Helen Zughaib who believes that the Arts are one of the most important tools we have to help shape and foster dialogue and positive ideas about the Middle East. "Hopefulness, healing and spirituality, are all themes that are woven into her work."

Sisters by Helen Zughaib

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."Eleanor Roosevelt

GIRLAFESTO... Uniting Girls to Change the World

Growing Gardens for Palestine
The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

BUILDING PALESTINE: THE INDISPENSIBLE STATE FOR PEACE.... ATFP Gala 2010

BUILDING PALESTINE: THE INDISPENSIBLE STATE FOR PEACE....
ATFP Gala 2010

Dear ATFP friends,

We would like to extend to you the warmest of invitations to ATFP’s 5th Annual Gala to be held on October 20, 2010 at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. This year, ATFP will recognize the outstanding contributions of four esteemed Palestinian-Americans, including Dr. Peter Mansoor, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) for Distinguished National Service; Mrs. Naomi Shihab Nye for Excellence in the Arts; Ms. Betty Shamieh for Excellence in the Performing Arts; and Mr. Ghassan Salameh for Excellence in Business.

ATFP is honored and humbled to count such highly distinguished guests as T.H. Madeleine K. Albright, and T.H. Stephen Hadley as members of the 5th Annual Gala’s Honorary Host Committee. Amb. Albright and Mr. Hadley are joined by a long list of honorable Senators, Congressman, Ambassadors, and leaders of many influential public and private institutions who all support ATFP’s vision for a two-state solution and the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state. (A full list of the 2010 Honorary Host Committee members can be viewed here.)

We would be truly honored if you would join us at ATFP’s 5th Gala, to not only lend your support for a two-state solution and the work of ATFP, but also to help us amplify the strong American and Palestinian voices of success, moderation and commitment to peace.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Ritz Carlton—Washington D.C.
1150 22nd Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037

6:00pm - Reception
7:30pm - Program and Dinner

The event will be a black tie event.

Price : Ticket $ 250.00

For tables, sponsorships, and other information about the Gala, please contact us at (202) 887 0177 or e-mail us at gala_info@atfp.net.

The American Task Force on Palestine is happy to announce that it will be holding its Fifth Annual Gala on October 20, 2010.

Each year, ATFP’s Annual Gala honors Palestinian Americans in recognition for their outstanding contributions to the United States. The 2010 Gala will award the following honorees:

Dr. Peter Mansoor, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) for Distinguished National Service;
Mrs. Naomi Shihab Nye for Excellence in the Arts;
Ms. Betty Shamieh for Excellence in the Performing Arts;
and Mr. Ghassan Salameh for Excellence in Business.

This year’s Honorary Host Committee members include T.H. Madeleine K. Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State, and T.H. Stephen Hadley, former National Security Advisor as well as a group of Senators, U.S. Representatives, Ambassadors, Diplomats and heads of national and international institutions. The full list of the 2010 Honorary Host Committee's esteemed members can be viewed here.

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ATFP Resources on Palestinian State and Institution Building

ATFP's unique collection of online resources on Palestinian state and institution building, including hundreds of relevant documents

Middle East Peace Talks Statements
Official Statements of Heads of State from the Middle East Peace Talks held in Washington DC, on September 2nd, 2010.