We are roughly two weeks into our Duke Engage experience and I can already say this trip has been life altering. Prior to this trip, I have never left America before. I felt frustrated by my lack of community in the states and never felt “at home.” Since being in Amaan, I have met more Palestinians in a two-week span than I have my entire life. I’ve always felt like everything I was learning about my culture was from word of mouth, or by watching videos. People always say that experiencing something is a lot different than viewing it from a distance, and this could not be more accurate. Last week, we visited Peace Wadi and a man named Abu Farris. He told us how he could view his home in Jericho from his front porch but cannot visit due to Israeli occupation. I asked him what it was like growing up in Palestine for the first 10 years of his life and his eyes lit up at the question. He immediately explained how beautiful it was and how much he still longs to go home. He went on to show us the approved construction plans for his father’s home in Jerusalem, which was stolen by Israeli settlers.
Growing up, my parents always tried to keep us educated on our culture and what is happening to our people overseas. I remember being told stories about my grandfather’s mansion that was stolen and transformed into a sugar factory by the Israeli government. I remember my mom telling me about how my uncles were kidnapped and their homes were burned down by Israeli soldiers. I remember feeling so frustrated at the cruelty that Palestinians faced daily. Since being in Jordan, I’d say my biggest struggle is coping with the constant reminder of Israeli occupation. As amazing as it is to meet so many Palestinians, it also feels like a constant reminder of the fact that most of them are here against their will and would not be here if it weren’t for the cruelties of Zionism.
Yet, since being in Jordan, I’ve realized how much joy Palestinians maintain, even in the hardest of times. Despite Abu Farris not being able to return home, he has created a beautiful home and family of his own in Jordan. He has a date farm and a beautiful project being built on his land. We explored his property and were shown an underground “cave” that Abu Farris and his friend built and a building that Abu Farris hopes will eventually become a place to host celebrations and events. I’ve sincerely enjoyed meeting other Palestinians from similar areas as me. In fact, Abu Farris’s wife is actually from my village, Beit Hanina, in Palestine. Everyone that I have spoken to is so excited to tell me about Palestine and pray that I will be able to visit sometime. Despite the fact that they may never be able to return home again, they still hope and pray that I will be able visit and see my country with my own eyes. I’d say the biggest perspective I’ve gained thus far is the perspective of hope and resilience that Palestinians constantly exhibit, and I am so incredibly grateful to all the people I have met thus far that have been kind enough to share their stories with me.
