The Most Important

Walking hand in hand through Shatila Camp. Beirut, Lebanon. July 2018.

Us being together is the most important thing right now.

By “us,” I’m referring to the worldwide community.

Everyone is understandably feeling bewildered, I know. I’m constantly reminding myself to breathe. I was furious when I heard the proposal to transform Gaza into a resort area. Was I surprised? No. But I raged at the grift. I was furious about the injustice. I raged at the powerful, deciding to prioritize a real estate deal over the lives of 1.6 million people.

Then I regulated my nervous system.

Inhale.

Incidentally, Gaza was a Palestinian Riviera before it was bombed and reduced to rubble by 85,000 tons of explosives.

During these unstable and chaotic times, I reflect on the lessons I learned from Palestinians. I’ve had a 21-year connection with Palestinians. They’re masterful instructors in the art of presence, joy, and resilient living despite chaos, oppression, and violence.  

Our most important priority is each other. Maintaining our humanity requires offering kindness amidst cruelty and fostering community.

We need each other.

We belong to each other.

This is what the Palestinians have taught me.

I was barred from entering Israel in 2014. The IDF detained me for 12 hours on the border of Jordan. More than an hour of interrogation concluded with the accusation that I am a threat to Israel. While being walked back to the bus by a baggage handler, I broke down and cried. I endured 12 hours of psychological torture before finally revealing it. A Jordanian bus driver took my bag, saying, “Don’t worry, you’re always welcome in Jordan.”

Boarding the bus, he pulled a snack cake from his pocket, asking if I’d eaten.” I had not. The Israelis’ detainment of the bus meant we had to wait before returning. The bus driver had his hookah prepared and proceeded to smoke it. He asked me whether I wanted any. Indeed, I did. I smoked an arguile with a Jordanian bus driver under the gaze of several IDF soldiers.

I learned something incredibly valuable from a Jordanian man. This is how he resisted. Even though he couldn’t determine when he could leave or how he would be treated by the Israelis, he could still find pleasure in his time. He defied with enjoyment; they didn’t break his spirit.

This man had a strong sense of self and refused to let others, even those trying to bully him, shape his identity. He showed me kindness. He held onto his humanity and dignity.

This serves as our example. Know who you are. Do not be intimidated. Extend kindness and aid to those who are struggling. Hold on to our shared humanity. Stick together.

This is the way we’ll make it.

Together.