November 2023 - Learning How To Be Thankful From Palestinians
Welcome back to 'Monthly Musings: A Curated Reading List'
“Hold on to what is good, Even if it's a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, Even if it's a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do, Even if it's a long way from here. Hold on to your life, Even if it's easier to let go" ― a Pueblo blessing
Reflection on Thanksgiving
Just like many of you, I've delved into numerous discussions pondering the profound life changes one might make if faced with only six months, a year, a month, or even a single day left to live. Palestinians in Gaza have given us all a lot more to reflect on how we would live our lives if it could be taken away at any moment. How would you behave if a bomb took away the lives of all your family members at once? How should we be grateful to God in the most harrowing conditions? The world has not seen anything like this. This kind of faith, courage, resilience, bravery, dignity, humanity, and humility. No wonder, many are watching in awe and taking notes.
The ongoing situation in Gaza has profoundly intensified my sense of gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities I have in my life.
While eating, I thank God that I have things to eat and drink. And who knows, this might be my last meal.
While sleeping, I thank God that I have a bed to sleep and shelter and no bombs falling from the sky above me. And who knows, this might be my last night.
While praying, I thank God that I have a place and time to pray. And who knows, this might be my last prayer.
While showering, I thank God that I have water to take a shower. And who knows, this might be my last shower.
While getting together with family on Thanksgiving, I thank God that I have my family with me, and who knows this might be the last we are getting together.
While working in my office, I thank God that I can work and earn. And who knows, this might be my last day here.
While walking in the grocery store, I thank God that I have so many choices and can afford decent food for my family.
As I count my blessings, it reminds me of a famous saying of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH): "Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death."
A poet I have fallen in love with
Mohammed El-Kurd is a writer and poet from Jerusalem in occupied Palestine. He currently serves as The Nation's first-ever Palestine Correspondent. He is the author of RIFQA and the forthcoming nonfiction project tentatively titled A MILLION STATES IN ONE.
Recent Article, short and powerful.
The Right to Speak for Ourselves - The Nation
If you ask me to recommend just one video to watch, I would recommend
Mohammed El-Kurd: Palestine | Lex Fridman Podcast #391 - YouTube
I just ordered this poetry book, hope you will too.
Rifqa by Mohammed El-Kurd
Inspiration
I am deeply moved by those who courageously speak truth to power, often risking their personal safety and well-being. Their remarkable sacrifices inspire, awe, and respect. Below are some notable examples:
Josh Paul, a former director in the State Department’s political-military affairs bureau, which oversees U.S. arms transfers, resigned from his post in protest of America’s blind support for Israel. Many in the State Department are concerned about U.S. Policy and have protested.
One of the most acclaimed minds and authors of our time, Ta-Nehesi Coates started speaking out against the occupation, apartheid, and oppression of Palestinians. He has so much to lose, but he says “There’s no way for me, as an African American, to come back and stand before you, to witness segregation and not say anything about it.”
Dr. Hammam Alloh and countless medical professionals have paid the ultimate price in saving countless lives since Israeli’s most recent bombing campaign began. I think they are the ultimate heroes. Listen to this NPR story here.
In Hollywood, there are a few brave souls (people like Susan Sarandon, Melissa Barrera, and others) who spoke out for the occupied Palestinians and are paying the price. In Hollywood, Criticizing Israel’s Assault on Gaza Comes With a Price - RollingStone
Disheartening News
“All Palestinians” Should Die, Says Florida Politician - YouTube
School of Information will not punish board member who verbally assaulted Arab and Muslim students - The Michigan Daily
Stuart Seldowitz’s hateful behavior is US foreign policy unmasked - The Guardian
"1,000 Palestinian mothers will cry" - YouTube
General reading/watching/listening
Joy on Israeli offensive: Bombings are funded using our tax dollars. We should ask some questions - Joy Reid, MSNBC
"A Textbook Case of Genocide": Israeli Holocaust Scholar Raz Segal Decries Israel's Assault on Gaza - Democracy Now!
What really happened in Israel on Oct. 7? Max Blumenthal | The Chris Hedges Report
Israeli October 7 poster child was killed by an Israeli tank, eyewitnesses reveal - The GRAYZONE
In an undisclosed call, Pope Francis warned Israel against committing ‘terror’ (PDF)- The Washington Post
Gaza Is a Nightmare Today, but We Will Not Stop Dreaming of Freedom - The Nation
Please feel free to add your favorite readings of the month in the comments so others can benefit as well. Let me know your thoughts including what was interesting/useful for you.
Your post is a powerful and thought-provoking. It skillfully intertwines the theme of gratitude with the harrowing realities faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. The juxtaposition of everyday activities and the constant acknowledgment of their transient nature serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Your reflections, inspired by the resilience and faith of the Palestinian people, challenge readers to consider deeper aspects of gratitude, especially in the face of adversity and suffering. The references to influential figures and events, such as Mohammed El-Kurd's work, Ta-Nehesi Coates' stance on the occupation, and the sacrifices made by medical professionals like Dr. Hammam Alloh, enrich the narrative by providing real-life examples of courage and advocacy.
This piece not only highlights the importance of being thankful for life's blessings but also urges readers to be conscious of the broader political and social contexts that shape our world. It's a call to action to speak out against injustice and to be aware of the impacts of geopolitical decisions on individual lives.
Overall, your blog serves as a potent reminder of the power of gratitude, resilience, and advocacy in the face of adversity. It's a meaningful contribution to the discourse on global issues and human rights.
I recently came across a piece of poetry by the renowned Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008), which seems to echo the echoes of a past conflict in Palestine. The profoundness of his words can be felt. While the translation strives to preserve the emotional depth and essence of Darwish's original text, it's important to acknowledge that certain nuances inevitably get lost in the process of translation.
ستنتهي الحرب و يتصافح القادة
وتبقى تلك العجوز تنتظر ولدها الشهيد
وتلك الفتاة تنتظر زوجها الحبيب
وأولائك الأطفال ينتظرون والدهم البطل
لا أعلم من باع الوطن
ولكنني رأيت من دفع الثمن
The war will cease and the leaders would shake hands (in peace).
(Yet) there remains an aged mother, in ceaseless wait for her martyred son.
And that young woman (lingers in hope), awaiting her cherished husband's return.
And those children await their father, the unsung hero.
I don't know who has bartered (the soul of) the land,
However, I have witnessed (the unacknowledged) who have paid the price!