On hiatus
January 4, 2009
Apologies for the lack of posts lately. I’ve been extremely busy with my thesis and have now begun the editing process. Knowing how busy the next two months are going to be, i’ve decided to take a break during this crucial period. I know a number of you are probably going to be disappointed by this decision, but unfortunately, Faz too is busy during this period to keep Nuseiba alive. I’ll be back in March with full force and hope to have interesting topics to write about!
And let’s all pray for the people of Gaza right now, as Israel continues on its air and ground bombardment. Half of Gaza’s population comprises of children. This war is against children! I encourage all Muslims (and non-Muslims) to take political action against what can only be described as a war crime. It is our duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
My love and support goes out to the people of Palestine .
-Sahar
F
Sahar
Farah
January 10, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Hello,
I came across this blog, looking for more information about Islam. Living in Canada, we don’t get the best of what Islam has to offer and I felt that there is more to it than bombs, suppression and fear.
Being an Israeli woman (and somewhat of a feminist) I don’t hide the fact that I am heavily influenced by the image of a Muslim person that I was raised with. However, I would like to make some random comments about a few things:
1. Your entry on the issues of women were enlightening, made me think about many subject. I myself also think that the feminists in the west got it somewhat wrong.
2. Israel and Palestine are both in a big problem, which is, if it makes anybody feels better, mutual. We were never taught to hate Muslims or Palestine. But we fear them because many of them were taught to hate us. And although many people say it is a land war – it is not. And a reason that I know it is not is because I have friends living in Gaza who told me. They told me that it IS a religious and cultural war between the east and west. Why would they lie?
I don’t think any Muslim person is a suicide bomber or a member of any organization. In my heart, I truly feel that most of the people seek Allah, peace and identity for themselves and their families. However, I often feel that in day to day interactions with some Muslims and what I see of the news, the courtesy of tolerance is not being extended to us.
I guess my question is this: If Israel gives in to all of Hamas’ demands will there be peace? We did a few times and there wasn’t. I want the fire to stop, but I don’t want my friends to die. What would be the right thing for me to do?
I thank you for the opportunity to write these words. I also want to assure you that I will continue to seek for a bridge rather than an abyss between Muslims, Jews and whoever else.
I urge you to consider how would the world look like if we all try to do a little bit of the same.
Like I said, I have friends in Gaza. And even if I wouldn’t, I still join every prayer being spoken for peace.
January 13, 2009 at 11:20 am
Alisa,
Although a response to your comment would mean i’m moving away from the usual subject(s) this blog deals with, I think it’s important I respond anyway. With all due respect, I can’t really take your opinion which is supposedly based on the opinion of friends in Gaza too seriously. It’s more a story than a political and factual reality. What I can respond to is the reality in Gaza and the West Bank. Most Israelis always bring up this undeserved hostility that they believe the Arab and Muslim world has for them. This is always said within a vacuum. No context is provided to explain this hostility, and so we’re conveniently led to believe it’s based on two things: Racism and the irrational and uncivilised Arab (Muslim) who isn’t interested in peace and wishes to exterminate all jews.
What supporters of Israel, like yourself, fail to mention is the historical events that led to this hostility. It has nothing to do with anti-semitism, which only serves as a distraction. There is no mention of the humiliating occupation and the appropriation of Palestinian land and resources. There is no mention of the numerous ‘peace agreements’ that Israel violated (even though it wrote them up itself and made sure it made little concessions as possible). These are reasons which contribute to the hostility.
In the context of Gaza, there is no mention that the military occupation of Gaza continues (the 2005 withdrawal was a civil disengagement where most of the settlers were resettled in occupied West Bank) and the ceasefire agreement with Hamas was never enforced by Israel which continued the blockade. Currently, 917 Palestinians have been massacred in the conflict, majority of these are civilians and 284 of them are children. Is this a way to bring about peace? The numerous offers made by Hamas from 2004 were opportunites that Israel puposely ignored. In particular, the Arab League declaration of 2004 which stated that Israel will be recognised if it returns to its 1967 borders and abides by internatioal laws. That is Hamas’ offer and always has been. Is that too much to ask? Iran and Hamas both agreed to this declaration. This was a huge opportunity for Israel. What did it do? Israel ignored it and continued on its massive lie that Hamas is out to destroy Israel and isn’t interested in peace. What Isarel IS interested in is having their lackey Abbas in power, which is partly why they went into Gaza in the first place.
Perhaps some of these reasons i’ve highlighted may be why there is a lack of tolerance towards Israel and its supporters. Everything has a context, including this conflict.
January 16, 2009 at 7:58 am
Sorry Alisa but I can’t accept your comment because it is Israeli propaganda and gives Zionists like yourself an opportunity to use this space to demonise Palestinians and discredit thier right to self determination and liberation. You’ve missed the entire point of my response: There are reasons for the hatred and hostility Israelis are receiving. You can show me all the youtube videos of the world and it won’t discount this fact.
I suggest you read more. Also, this isn’t the right place to be discussing this issue in the first place.