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.