Are the people in America seeing what we are seeing in Gaza?

I was asked this question while I was sitting in Bourj El-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, just a few weeks ago.  

I visited the Palestinian Civil Defense (PCD) center in the camp. In a group of Palestinian refugees, I stood out as the sole American. A portion of those included individuals I was familiar with and had a great deal of respect for. We were discussing their work, and it’s quite impressive. The Lebanese Civil Defense requested their assistance to tackle a huge fire at a factory in a nearby suburb. When PCD arrived, a few Lebanese firefighters had suffered from smoke inhalation. PCD member dedicatedly working through the night to put out the fire.

PCD is viewed by the Lebanese Civil Defense as a partner, an extension of their own team. The Lebanese treat Palestinian refugees with respect, value, and equality in this particular situation.

Familiarity with Lebanon’s history is essential to grasp the importance of this. For decades, Palestinians have been unwelcome guests that the Lebanese disdain. Basic rights are denied to the 250,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, resulting in an inhuman existence. Lebanon’s civil war saw the PLO’s involvement turn violent, fueling further resentment towards them.

Unsurprisingly, the discussion moved towards Gaza. I was introduced by the battalion chief as an American, but I was with the Palestinians. I had spent a significant amount of time in the camps and was a supporter of their efforts.

I was asked about America and the protests. Yes, they saw the university protests.

“The American people are angry and most Americans want the genocide to end.”

I informed them about the personal experiences I’ve had witnessing a change and the growing interest among Americans to learn about Palestine.

This information came as a bit of a surprise to them. Next, I was posed two significant questions.

“Why is your government so far from the people?”

This question holds importance as it highlights how Palestinians and other Arabs recognize the contrast between myself and my government, a point I consistently stress to Americans worried about me in the Middle East.

I couldn’t give them a proper answer because I also don’t comprehend it.

With a hint of confusion and pain, the second question was gently asked in English.

“Are the people in America seeing what we are seeing in Gaza?”

“Yes.”

He acknowledged by shaking his head and cast his eyes downwards.

The most striking aspect of this conversation was its tenderness and honesty. It’s heartbreaking to witness the pain we all endure as we watch this from afar. We have different types of pain.

They are observing the massacre of their own people.

I am witnessing my country actively assisting in the massacre.

I was not met with anger on this trip, but with tenderness, graciousness, and hospitality. Perhaps it’s because they’re familiar with me and my longstanding connections in the camps.

Essentially, this is the essence of the Palestinian people.

This is who I know them to be.