Reading Response 3.21

After reading the LGBTQ Bill of Rights, I was intrigued to find out that the Tel Aviv Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Queer youth center. The parade ended purposefully at the front gates of the Knesset (Israel's Parliament). It is very interesting that there exists discrimination and inequality in numerous aspects of the community in Israel. Attempting to address the community's demands is very critical in eliminating the inequality. The fact that the legal rights of same-sex couples today only exist due to "holes" in Israeli laws, must be very frustrating to same sex couples. "A hate  crime is different from other types of crimes as it is a social crime." I find that in Israels attempt to eliminate discrimination of the LGBTQ community there is some sense of hyprocracy in the fact that the hate crimes against Palestinians are not being suppressed. The Right to Protection of Hate section of the LGBTQ Bill of Rights, is also another amendment that seems to not apply to the Israelis in respect to the occupation of Palestinians.

March 19th response

The depth and the detail that Suad Amiry gives when talking about the gas masks sent chills down my spine. To put oneself in those shoes, to imagine how life like that must be is unthinkable. These stories just intensify my love for Palestine and its people. Just reading about how the Palestinians were not offered gas masks is unbelievable. To not even have the opportunity to KNOW that a gas attack would take place is unfathomable.
The one quote that stuck with me the most in this chapter was " I don't know what it is with Israeli soldiers. They all have a fetish for making Palestinians stand in an orderly line. They complicate our lives with all sorts of permits, make them unbearable chaotic, then insist we stand in straight lines."  I can relate to this quote on such a personal level. For example when standing at the checkpoint to enter Jerusalem, one of the most exhausting and terrifying experiences of my life was standing in line with the numerous numbers of Palestinians and Israelis lined up. After standing in the line outside in the heat for hours we then find out that the Israeli officer went on a lunch break and we must wait in line for an indefinite amount of time until he returns. We wait for him to press a button to allow each individual person to enter a steel security chamber like thing. Once in that chamber alone you must cross and wait till the rest of my family crossed (which took at least an additional 2 hours) and then to be questioned and to stand in another line to get on the bus which not to mention was 3 checkpoints away from Jerusalem. It's hard to truly articulate these stories until you have actually gone through them. I admire Suad Amiry immensely for telling her stories, not matter how tough some of the details may be, just to bring awareness about some of the struggles that not only she went through but others as well to the public.
After reading the "A Dog's Life" chapter it was awe inspiring but at the same time was meant to evoke some sense of rage and anger out of anyone; male or female, a dog lover or not, Palestinian or Israeli. The fact that the veterinarian was unwilling to give the dog a simple shot because she was a female was enraging. But she took it upon herself to go to a doctor on an Israeli industrial zone, which provided some sense of hope in the reader, to then later learn that a dog received a passport that some Jerusalemites had spent 16 years waiting for a Jerusalem ID. She also has to hide the dog's passport from Samir who after 24 years of marriage to Sawsan, a Jerusalemite, had NOT succeeded in getting a Jerusalem ID. Or even the fact that their daughter couldn't receive even a Palestinian ID because her father has a Palestinian Ramallah ID and her mother had an Israeli Jerusalem ID.

Journal #4

Music has always played an important part of my life ever since I was a child. I remember memorizing some of my parent’s favorite old tunes, and singing them with the family on long car rides. Even as a child, being attracted to songs that had deep lyrics and a rich meaning or theme was something I gravitated towards. For example, in 5^th grade I remember memorizing every lyric of every song I heard and being moved by the words I sang. “Where is the love?” by Black Eyed Peas is one of the first songs I remember escalating my love for music. Music is another thing that can be listened to anywhere, sung on any street or concert hall, shared with family or argued by colleagues.

Even though music may bring people together I also feel that music has played a vital role in dividing and segregating the world as well. Even today when I mention that rap and hip-hop are my favorite genres; I feel like subconsciously some people judge me automatically and associate me with the rappers or artists that I listen too. Even as a highschooler my peers bullied me for my music choices. I noticed right away that typically the white upper class in my high school listened to the hit radio tunes that were on reply 24/7, following the norm. Even I succumb to the popular jams but I find myself sticking to lyrics with meaning that are appropriate for the mood that I am in. The beauty of music is that no matter what mood you are in, there is a song that can make you feel that you are not alone in feeling that emotion.  Of course there are songs especially nowadays, that promote inappropriate behavior for example drug abuse. But unfortunately some artists care more about what their audience want rather than will this offend or upset listeners.

Telling a story or relaying messages are ways that music has typically been used. Of course some stories told by music hold some more credibility than others, typically judged by the lyrics used. Some artists write and sing songs for many different purposes, either entertainment, to tell a personal story, or to bring awareness. One example of a song that strikes me right away as a song that sends a strong message is Words I Never Said by Lupe Fiasco because it brings up topics and issues that many artists are afraid to bring back up to the surface of reality. Mainly because of fear, or lack of audience adoration; artists hold back sometimes what they truly want to express. In Words I Never Said Lupe sings “Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit, “ this song attracted great controversy and unrest but Lupe didn’t hold back because his mission was to bring awareness of the Palestinian Israeli conflict even if that meant losing some fans or causing some unrest.

Israeli/Palestinian Rap

Music is a means of expression that can be preformed by people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. It can be expressed in different forms, such as classical, rap or country. But from the readings this week. Rap is mainly used to convey struggle and perserverance through tough and tumultuous times.

From the Israeli hip hop music articles, I came to the conclusion that Israeli rap originated as being a copy or imitation of the African American hip hop style. "At first, attempts to craft rap in Hebrew seemed forced and artificial." (Nirit Ben-Ari) Rap and hip hop in my opinion, is more believable and emotionally moving when the stories conveyed in the lyrics are true and relateable. Rap, that is pro-government and typically created by middle class citizens, would stray completely from the original form of rap and hip hop. Adopting the African American rap on such a superficial level, invalidates the message that might be attempted to be illustrated through a rap or hip hop song.


Rap that originates from a marginalized population whose voices are quelled and sequestered by a more powerful and dominant occupying group makes the music more emotionally engaging and more relatable. When a story is told from a first person point of view it is more likely to capture the hearts of the audience, and that how i feel the Palestinians rap and hip hop has engaged its audiences.

2/28 Response

http://electronicintifada.net/content/it-fence-it-wall-no-its-separation-barrier/4715

-This article that was published(in 2003) discusses Israels separation barrier and discusses its parallel to the Berlin Wall. The relative size, compared to the Berlin wall is said to be at least 403 miles long. Due to the publication date of this article, I would be intrigued to figure out how accurate this estimation is. There are 2 types of section- a wall made of concrete or concrete/fence combination. Some sections include electrified fencing, 2 meter deep trenches, roads for patrol vehicles, thermal imaging and video cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles, sniper towers and razor wires.

http://electronicintifada.net/content/it-fence-it-wall-no-its-separation-barrier/4715

-This more recent video by PRESSTV discusses the Israeli Barrier and its wall near Syria the Occupied Golan Height. Tel Aviv says the barrier will stat from the southern part of the Golan beside the Jordanian border up tot the north of the Golan Heights. According to Israeli officials the wall is aimed to protect settlers in the Occupied Golan. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/16/world/middleeast/israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-in-west-bank-confrontation.html?_r=0

When researching the barrier I came across this artcile in the NYTIMES that was released January 15, 2013. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian teenager during a confrontation along the West Bank barrier. Two more men were fatally shot along Gazas border with Israel. This artcile as i interpretted, illustrates the fact that this separation wall is causing more unrest and fierce militant action; rather than solving any issues that were thought to be resolved from building such a barrier. This article further discusses how Samir Awwad, the 16 year old that was fatally shot on his way home after an exam as he threw stones at some soldiers, live fire was responded ultimately killing Samir.  "On Friday, Israeli forces shot to death a Palestinian man and wounded another near the fence separating Gaza and Israel. Witnesses said that a group of Palestinians had approached the fence, which Israel forbids on security grounds. Israeli military officials said soldiers had acted in accordance with the rules of engagement and fired at the legs of protesters who were trying to damage the fence." The following direct quote from the article discusses the growing unrest as a result of the separation barrier. 

Adel Hana/Associated Press

Caption: Palestinians women attended the funeral of a Palestinian farmer on Tuesday, who died hours after being shot near the Gaza border.

Response 2/26

After watching the Writing on the Walls videos, understanding that their are numerous ways to relay a message and a story. The website that allows the public to put messages on the wall, is such a peaceful way to speak ones mind without using violence to prove a point. I find that in our modern society many people use methods that are less peaceful to show others how they feel about a topic or to prove a political message.  Some of the messages on the walls are so deep and emotionally stimulating that one cant help but want to know the story behind the messages and pictures on the wall.
After reading Noura's thesis, it helped me get a clearer understanding of terms that I would hear and read but never questioned.  Homeland, for example, has a much deeper meaning than just the physical territory. Homeland has a very "emotional dimension that allows the nation to promote sentiments such as a sense of belonging, memory of space, feelings of historical continuity and possession of the land (8)." These elements are what the Israels and Palestinians value in the land of Jerusalem. The need to have an exclusive right and historical legacy to the land is what makes reconciliation very difficult. I also found it very appropriate to define what the definition of Israeli and Palestinian are, many assume everyone understands the boundaries of what make up the varying sects. Promoting exclusion by feeling legitimacy over the "other", and the two nationalisms with deep rooted ties to the territory "through methods of history, collective past, religion and political ideology (7)" are what make it difficult to look past each owns narrative and understand everyone has theri own story that must be respected. 

Response to Parallels and Paradoxes

I understand that Edward Said had a profound impact on the lives of others but the extent to which his influence changed the world is remarkable. His questions examining Orientalism a term in which he pioneered will forever be studied and analyzed. He also is the most forceful and impassioned commentator on the endlessly complex conflicts in the Middle East. The fact that he can have such a lasting impression as well as numerous musical essays, is amazing and creative. In addition, Daniel Barenboim "is a central figure in the musical world." Breaking the barriers with Edward Said, Barneboim is the first and most prominent Israeli musician ever to perform in the Palestinian West Bank. The numerous public manifestations the two of them put together is a true interpretation that that it is possible for Palestinians and Isrealis to come together.

Journal #3

Every artifact that has some Middle Eastern background and heritage in my home holds its own significance. Each piece of art has an individual story. They were bought at different times some before I was born while others I was present during their purchase. Some were bought from the store vendors on the streets of Palestine, while others were purchased in fancy boutiques. Some more expensive than the rest, but each has its own story and history. These artifacts of the Middle East culture represent community, faith, family values and in some cases milestones in life such as marriage.

Reading Response 2/12

In Ishaq Shami and the Arab Jew a great point was made that in contrast to the other Arab countries such as Yemen, Iraq, and Syria-Lebanon, the community was not homogenous in ethnic and confessional terms. In addition, there is an interesting transition as noted in Victoria, Michaels most controversial novel, that there was a major divide and separation that most Arabic Jews experienced when classifying themselves as Arabic Jews or Israelis. It’s interesting that by reconstructing their Hebrew culture the denigrating of their Arab cultural roots had to simultaneously take place.

In Lepers Lunatics and Saints, there is an interesting debate about the use of the word nativism. Some use it to “refer to widely disparate notions of preserving cultural roots and their ‘authenticity’.” While others such as Mehrzad, it is a “ ‘resurgence ad reinstatement of native or indigenous cultural customs.. Privileging ones own ‘authentic identity’.” While Canaan and his colleagues strayed away from using that term but were still rather skilled at framing observations about peasant practices with references mainly from the Old Testament and less from the Quran. By doing so he hoped to demonstrate the historical continuity between pre-Islamic social and normative systems and the modern Arab rural lifestyle. By using the biblical references as his main historical backdrop was understandable since it does contain a great deal of historical content but I feel like to gain a less biased and one sided background was essential to accurately analyze the changing mores of his subjects. Canaan delves deeper in explaining the demonology, which he uses in a scientific aspect to explain how the peasants who were affected by natural and human disasters, as well as held hostage cope with these stressful aspects of life. He bridges the aspect of peasant ailments such as herbology to the ideological aspects of folk medicine such as magic potions.

Final Chapters

The fact that Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt so many times in its long history just proves the strength of the city and its people. In Chapter 17 it discusses to some extent the “what ifs” that I have been asking myself. What if the Arab nations all treated the Palestinian and Israeli conflict similarly and gave all the refugees similar treatments? Would there have been an alternate turn of events than it is today? If Jerusalem would have been the capital of Palestine how would that have changed or altered the relationship of the Palestinians and Israelis today? Oversimplifying the issue seems to be something that many of us take part in today, especially as U.S citizens. Accounts of struggle and conflict occur on both sides of the issue and presenting it in terms of villains and heroes is not realistic and accurate. Being able to overcome the ideological divisions within their own movement, the Zionists were obviously more fortunate impart because the Arab nationalist movement in Palestine lacked some extent of coherence or ability to deal with the Europeans and Zionists at the same time. When mentioned that Lord Balfour didn’t notice, “ the streets of Arab Jerusalem were shuttered and silent and that black flags of mourning hung in the suq” was this believed to be a pivotal reason riots arised in the 1920 riots?

Chapters 11-13

The way that Islam was portrayed it illustrates it in such a way that makes it sound like such a religion is no longer practiced.  But its illustration with words makes it somewhat simplified but still greatly respected. It explains some of the basic terms, Islam, Muslim and kufr in a way that makes sense to non -Muslims. Finding the similarities in the Hebrew prophets also makes it relatable to people of other faiths. “Like the Hebrew prophets, Muhammad stressed the prime duty is to create a society where the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the oppressed was a Muslims first responsibility.” The description of the hijrah, as a blasphemous action is what confuses me. The description of the Quran “instructing Muslims to return o the original, pure religion of Abraham, who had lived before either the Torah or the gospel and had, therefore, been neither a Jew nor a Christian.” In addition the ideology that “everything came from God, all things were good, so there was no essential dichotomy between the sacred and the proface as in Judaism.” I wish Armstrong elaborated when she stated “Islam is a realistic faith, and Muhammad knew that human beings need symbols on which to focus.” But overall the chapters were realistic and the facts were somewhat accurate.

Chapters 8-10

I found the relationship between the Jews and the Christians very intriguing while reading these chapters. The speed at which they turned on each other clearly showed how sincere their relationships were. In chapter 9 it was very evident that under the Christians rule the Jews continued to deteriorate at the hands of the Christian emperors. The banning of the intermarriage between Jews and Christians after Constantine's death in 337 in addition to new legislation prohibiting Jews from owning slaves. Such measures were designed to isolate Jews and to the cripple Jewish industry. Later in 353, there was new legislation that forbade Christians from converting to Judaism. I find it very interesting how the Jews are somewhat seeking revenge by treating the Palestinians in a similar manner today, one would think that after being stigmatized as being "savage" "abominable"and "blasphemous"  as well as being deemed "the enemies of society" they would understand that isolating and treating another group as such is kind of inhumane. The Jews were also pushed to the margins and treated as outcasts similarly to how the Christians had once been. History does seem to repeat itself.

Journal 2

The memories of walking in the crowded streets, buying prayer rugs from local vendors, smelling the fresh falafel and handmade bread as you try to not lose your relatives through the crowds of people. Many of us take for granted returning to places we love, no even questioning if it will still be there when we return because we assume its not going anywhere. My family and I take trips to Florida every winter break and the question of is our resort still going to be open, or will there sill be our favorite pool to swim in next year, never crosses our minds. Every time I travel to Palestine, my brothers are always hesitant and reluctant to travel but my mother reminds them that it may not be there the next year we decide to travel. Such thoughts, are saddening but at the same time  instill the patriotic ideals we have about Palestine. To question if the Al Aqsa mosque will still be standing, if our great grandparents home will still be in the same condition we left it in, if the local taxi driver will still have his job; these are all questions that I ask to myself every time I leave Palestine. It is sad but it also strengthens the emotions and makes the memories in Palestine when I'm there more memorable and unforgettable. Walking to the little markets with my cousins, riding the taxis alone with my brothers, giving charity to the homeless and feeling that instant satisfaction knowing that you truly have changed their lives for the better; are just a few of the memories that will last with me for a lifetime.
I find myself tearing up while writing this journal entry, because there are times when I forget to thank God for the uncountable blessings I have in my life. The fact that I have traveled to Palestine at least every other year since I was born is one of those blessings that I thank God for each and every day because I understand that, that alone is something millions of people of all faiths could only dream of.  Just being in the third holiest site sends chills down ones spine, but praying there especially on a Friday is one of those experiences that cant be expressed with words. I am thankful for having the privilege of praying in Al-Aqsa Mosque and I pray each and every day that it will still be as beautiful as it is today when I take my children there in the future, Inshallah (God willing).

Chapters 5-8

Reading how Armstrong describes those who were exiled was very interesting and thought provoking. One can define exile as “the state or a period of forced absence from one's country or home” (www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exile) but Armstrong goes into depth to describe that in times of distress and difficulty many people “turn more readily to myth than to rational forms of faith” (pg 82). To force someone to leave their home, abode, residence; where they formed so many memories was torn away from them as they were forced to leave ones country. Armstrong delves further into the psychology of exile and attaching to a myth in times of crisis and upheaval, by stating “myth can penetrate deeper than cerebral discourse and touch the obscure cause of distress in the farthest reaches of our being.” (pg. 82) Such profound thoughts strengthen the readers understanding of what it was like for the Judahites when they got exiled.  Feeling spiritually dislocated, exiles “can feel cast adrift and lost in a universe that has suddenly become alien..” (pg 82) It was very interesting how at that time those who still wished to worship God couldn’t fathom contacting Yahweh spiritually in an alien land. The way that we pray today would be quite foreign to the Judeans at the time. The interior spirituality was something new the Judeans would learn after being exiled.

Chaps 1-4

One City, Three Faiths a great title to such a novel about the history of a religiously beautiful city. I knew Jerusalem was a history with a rich past but the facts and information that Karen Armstrong illustrated in this novel emphasized its importance. At first I had trouble getting interested into the reading, but after the first chapter I began to realize the amazing struggle so many sects went through for this holy land. One of the many quotes that Armstrong said that gripped my attention was "such sites are 'sacred' to us because they are inextricably bound up with our conception of ourselves; they may be associated with a profound experience that transformed our lives, with memories of early childhood, or with a person who was important to us (pg8)." This statement could not be more accurate, the memories and events that have taken place with me and my family and Jerusalem are what pull my heart that much closer to the holy city. From picking blackberries off the trees in the great grandparents backyard, to jumping on the taxi with my cousins and having him drive us around the city; are just a few of the everlasting memories that I will keep with me forever. Armstrong expands that thought in the next sentence by saying "when we visit such places, we can perhaps recall the experience of enhanced life that we once had there, an experience which momentarily convinced us that despite the distressing and arbitrary nature of much of our mundane existence, it had some ultimate meaning and value, even if we would find it hard to explain this insight rational terms (pg 8)." So many of my relatives found their loves in Jerusalem, my family continues to grow in Jerusalem and unfortunately a lot of my relatives are also buried in the graveyards in Jerusalem. No words can express, just like Armstrong expresses, the ultimate value Jerusalem means to me.

Personal Journal

Using technology is such a web-based class makes it possible to facilitate dialogue much easier than a typical classroom environment. Being able to communicate with others of different backgrounds and cultures makes the classroom dialogue very diverse.  Such a diverse background in ideas, thoughts and beliefs makes the resemblance to real life very similar and relatable. A class such as this makes the students more culturally aware of beliefs other than their own. This will assist them as well as me in the interpretation of the local and international news that discusses the state of Jerusalem in a biased manner. Being able to interpret and comprehend different ideas that don’t necessarily correspond to ones own makes an individual very well rounded and open-minded.

The representation of Jerusalem as a city has varied dramatically since the 1990’s. The beauty of its multiple and diverse cultures and heritages makes it a highly contested and debated area of the world. The combination of the three Abrahamic faiths makes its rich religious nature an area of political, cultural and logistical conflicts and issues.

Discussing the conquest of the city itself and the partition of the city makes for a very heated and debatable topic of interest. Learning the history of the Old City opened my eyes to the even deeper and even richer history and past. Its hard to not get emotional when reading such articles and topics because one would assume that if such religions shared more similarities than differences that the living environment and habitat would be less contested and challenged.

By being a Palestinian Muslim American my views may be very different than the girl who has family in Israel sitting across from me. Learning how to respect each other’s opinions and beliefs is an aspect of this class that I look forward to exploring about myself. I tend to get very emotional but I hope to set my emotions aside in a class such as this where the majority of dialogue may differ from my own. By being born and raised as a Palestinian American I value my freedom as an American but at the same time I wish the same to my fellow brothers and sisters suffering from an occupation in Palestine. Travelling every other year to Palestine with my family opens my eyes to the lifestyle outside of the United States of America. I constantly take for granted the freedom to just drive around and be my own person and not be frightened every time I leave the house that men with army attire and guns, shooting based on their desires and humor. 

I am passionate about my country, Palestine, and I can’t wait to learn more about its history and rich background.

Reading Response #2

It’s very interesting how a city with such religious and cultural significance can also at the same have “the most fiercely contested history of any city in the world” (Khalidi 1). In addition, it was new to me that the it is not necessarily the religious beliefs that the conflict stems from but rather the narrative of Jerusalem’s history. And the different variations of the political agenda are what also seem to be highly contested between both sides of the conflict.

But expanding beyond the conflict is the issue of the numerous faiths that occupy Jerusalem and its effects. The three Abrahamic faiths each have their complied stories and occurrence of events, in the Bible, Gospel and Quran. The fact that most of these events cannot necessarily be verified using historical methodology, to many people it’s the religious tradition that is what grounds individuals to the holy city of Jerusalem.

The influence of all the faiths has had a very significant impact on Jerusalem’s history. It is also a question of who were the original inhabitants of the land. Following the Islamic conquest in the 7^th century, Jerusalem’s population was Arabized (Khalidi 2). The tradition shared by both Arab Christians and Muslims, is what ultimately has caused both groups to have an utterly strong connection to the holy city. The religious nature of the city for Muslims serves as the third holiest place in the world. Such significance in the monumental structures of Jerusalem, such as the Dome of the Rock and Al-Masjid Al Aqsa have deep connections with Muslims in respect to the religious nature of the buildings that date back to the first century of the Muslim Era.

Ever since the arrivals of the Europe knights dating back to 1099, there was always a constant struggle with the “intemperate arrivals”(Khalidi 3). Despite the certain degree of tolerance there was still difficult in maintaining the city of Jerusalem from being seized. By the Crusaders attempting to take Jerusalem this caused the Arabs and Muslims to unite to protect and recover the city that means everything to them.  Learning that the Ottoman era (1516-1917) was the last period in which Jerusalem was under Islamic sovereignty brings me to tears knowing the blood, sweat and tears that were lost to maintain the Islamic religious endowments. The impact of this conflict that began to implant itself in Palestine in the late 19^th century has become so massive that the religious history of the buildings and structures mean more to the Palestinians than ever before.

About ME!

Hi! I'm Medina Rasul and I am a 2nd year majoring in Biology with an Arabic minor. I am a Palestinian American born and raised in this beautiful state of Ohio. My family and I try to visit Palestine as well as Jerusalem at least every other year. Travelling is a major part of who I am, learning other countries cultures and heritages is one of the most beautiful things of life itself.

Reading Response 1

     The art of telling ones story seems to be an art that we as Americans have definitely taken for granted. Suad Amiry states in her article that Palestinians have been deprived of such rights for far too long. She later on speaks about the principle of mutual recognition and equal representation which is what I believe is the basis of the Palestinian and Isreali conflict.
     The love and passion for the city of Jerusalem that both the Palestinians and Isrealis have is unexplainable as described by Suad Amiry. The intertwined nature of politics and culture is what at the end of the day is the basis of the 26 year occupation that Palestinians in Jerusalem struggle with daily. The militaty restriction that Amiry also addresses the limited access the Palestinians have on the city itself.
     The rich cultural and religious significance of Jerusalem is so beautifully described and elaborated in so many "mirrors" as Amiry talks about. Respecting all the other mirrors is a precise explanation of the history that each individual holds no matter where they are from.