Since returning from Palestine in December, I have talked with quite a range of friends and acquaintances about my travels. However, I recently met a wonderful woman that is here at Clark from Egypt, whom I was able to share tea and conversation with the other night about the status of Palestine and the Arab world. Showing her the footage of my first few days in Ramallah, the children’s concert filled with wonderful Arabic tunes had her dancing from her seated position on the couch, reminded of music she has heard in her own home of Cairo. Just as she was able to savor the warm-fuzzies of such memorable tunes, I recall how I had overheard quite a few Christmas carols or other grade school choir songs being played by the students at Kamandjati as they were waiting for lessons. Just after a few notes were played, the unease at being surrounded by so many cultures and languages different from my own would melt away; at times longing for the white Christmas that never came.

Her accent and occasional Arabic made me recall the wonderful people I was able to work with and share laughs at late-night dinners with while in Ramallah. Most memorable was Kamal and his pronunciation of the word “flirty” or joking nature with Doug. In particular, my heart was won by this hired driver when he asked if I knew of Tracy Chapman, proceeding to play her first album as we drove through narrow residential streets to our flat after a late night of chatting. He easily would be the best ambassador for Palestine with his radiant smile and warm manner.

Back to talking with my new friend here at Clark, it was such a wonderful chance to begin to understand more of what it is to follow the Koran or different beliefs that are held by Muslims. I must admit to never having such an opportunity before, especially with someone so free and willing to listen and interchange thoughts about religion. It made me recall a recent forward that I had received from an AmeriCorps friend. The forward contained comments from Ben Stein on how religon is not an open subject amongst friends and neighbors as well as the lack of faith there of in this country is possibly one of the roots to our societal ills. I must admit that in the beginning of the conversation I was a little uncomfortable, lacking any religious convictions myself. However, I think it was the first actual conversation and not argument/debate that I have had on the subject. It also adds to my long to-do-list of when I have free time to read after I complete my degree to really begin to understand more of what the beliefs of different religions are; such a fascinating study really, seeming to be part of every civilization.

I am renewed with determination to get together some footage for the web and to make a nice little film for all the musicians I worked with in Palestine. Shaimaa really impressed on me the importance of sharing what footage I was able to get of all these towns and villages I saw with others to show that despite the warfare, there is a semblance of life continuing that is not understood by the outside world. My most vivid image of the trip showcasing this thought would be the dance performance in the church square in Gaza City as guns from both Hamas and Fetah ricocheted in the background. As I have been promising fellow Sietchers, the pictures will soon be posted for all to enjoy.

Tisbah alal-khair (good night)