This is something I’ve been feeling so significantly the past week. It’s the feeling of dehumanized or the feeling that life is not meant for us, the Palestinians. Even though I fight this feeling with all of my power, yet sometimes it prevails, because I don’t find an escape. In other words, my strength can’t protect my vulnerability; I find myself in need to feel weak, so I can feel my strength again.
Well, smallthings are always more significant than say wars or assaults.
Getting to explanations, the electricity in Gaza has been nothing but horrible since the start of this summer. It’s cut for almost 8 hours and mostly when it’s required. I think when you wake up at 8 am hopping to have a productive day then the very next moment it’s cut till 4 in the evening, you find yourself like…ok, now what? Go back to sleep! I use my computer for educational purposes. I’ll still live if I don’t use it for 8 hours. But now almost every single institution & society uses computers and depends on them for work. No electricity, no work!
Moreover, it’s July, the summer has not been hotter here in Gaza.
You may want to argue that these are tolerable troubles and after all you still get 16 hours of electricity!! Why all this drama?
Well here’s something, have you ever thought about not having electricity for 8 hours? Something the world takes for granted, like the electricity. To us ,Gazans, it is somethig when we have it for 24 hours.
So isn’t enough to feel dehumanized?
Another thing, summer time to many people is a time when you travel & chill out to put behind you all the year’s stress so you can have energy to start over. Well in Gaza, it’s yet another season. In this regard, I don’t feel bad for myself, as much as I feel bad for my parents; they work hard all the year. They deserve a break. My mum has not seen her mum for 5 years. Grandma lives in Jordan.
As a matter of fact, it’s impossible for us ,Gazans, to visit Jordan, because we’re not given visas.
Moreover, Rafah crossing opens 3 days each 3 months and conditionally; that is only for those who are severely sick, students ,and not Gaza residents. Plus, if you go out of Gaza, you won’t have a specific date or even an estimated period for how long you’ll be out. Not forgetting, the way people get humiliated by the Egyptian police on the terminal. So why the drama, the humiliation why to travel unless you were dying?! Again is that something you’ve ever thought of? It’s another thing the world takes for granted while to us, Gazans, is a means of last resort.
Last, the food we eat and the things we buy. I think that more than 80% of the goods you find in the supermarkets are smuggled. When you go to Al-Qishawai, one of Gaza’s biggest supermarkets, you find most of the goods there are smuggled from Egypt. One may ask what gives it away? Well you have to wash the Coca Cola can before you drink it, because it is so much like it was buried in the sand, and then hit by rocks then exposed to the sea that it got rusted. Another thing caught my attention how the box of tea bags is full of sand, because it’s smuggled.
The siege which has been imposed on Gaza for more than two years now does not mean to hunger the Gazans; it wants us to feel dehumanized! Something like, see even the food you eat is not clean, because you don’t deserve one. You don’t get to travel, because you don’t deserve it. You don’t get electricity for 24 hours, because you don’t deserve that either. These things are for human not Gazas humans.
Life is difficult in Gaza. All the people are suffering this dehumanization.
For how long? I don’t know.
Things don’t seem to get better. It’s only getting worse and worse! There’s no room for hope or anything that prompts it.
However, the only thing that makes me feel good in the end of the day despite the annoyance and frustration prompted by feeling dehumanized,is that I am not distracted to what is important, to what the Palestinian issue is all about; struggle for freedom ,dignity ,and justice.
In fact,I am in pain for the siege but not only for that. I am in pain for the constant confiscation for the lands in the West bank by the Israeli settlers. Moreover, I am in pain for the house demolitions in Al-Quds. I am in pain for not being able to visit Al-Aqsa even it’s only 2 hours or less far away from where I am. Maybe this pain is the only thing left for me to have hope. In fact, it is the only thing left. Till this hopeful pain turns to freedom we aspire, I am letting my strength protect my vulnerability.
Special thanks to Nesreen Abu-Sultan & Zahid
Salamz,
It’s said that summer break is a chance to refresh and toss out all the years stress. In Gaza,all seasons are the same. The siege which is bieng imposed made it impossible to think of traveling whether out-side or inside Palestine. Outdoors activities in Gaza are not much either. We have the beach…and that’s it!
Personally, I see holidays as a chance to do the things I don’t get to do in university days. I recoreded this video to show you indoors activities which will make sure that my time won’t be wasted! 
Remember moros in the West Bank, Outlandishs concert is aroundthe corner. July the 2nd! In sha Allah!
Filed under: Real Gaza | Tags: Al Jazeera English, Ayman Mohyeldin, gaza, Palestine
Salamz all,
I would like you to read this report. It’s very comprehensive and very informative. It sums up the situation in Gaza over two years of Hamas’s taking over Gaza. It’s non-aligned to any faction.
You can read the article by clicking here.
And there is also a video report you can watch here:
Salam all,
I always feel great when I write something. Because, writing is way more complicated process than graphic design or editing a movie. Last night, I was just going to sleep. Before I did, however; I was listening to an Isam B ,Danish song 
The song is nothing but…magic. It caught my attention since the very time I listened to it. Moreover, its lyrics is just SO GOOOOOOOD! SOO PROFOUND!
Anyhow, I started writing at 2 am and finished at 3 am!! I’ve never ever spent that much time writing a poem; I usually spend like 5-15 minutes. But this time…AN HOUR! And since it was very late, I didn’t turn the light on. I wrote it using the light my cellphone, because I was listening to the track on and on to get more lines…Don’t ask
Finally, the song which I consider pure ART, is called “Skæbnen gør ondt” or “Fate hurts”. The two lyrics are not typical at the meanings. What inspires me is the tones not the lyrics.
Anyhow, after this long, long introduction…here’s the OUTCOME :
it takes a lot of courage
to face yourself
to tell yourself secrets
you prefer them to stay kept
who you are
is not a truth you escape
but a person you dare
You have flaws, mistakes
sins and dreads
Your truth, fate and path
are defined
Your past, present and future
are left for you to findIs it too hard for you to believe?
Is it too hard for you to heed?
I know it’s not easy
But it’s indeed…A lesson to be taught
A fight to be fought
Seconds to be passed
Sadness to be come through
Starts to end…and ends to start
It’s life
Goes up and down
Up and downIt takes a lot of pain
to love, to hope
Any moment everything can be lost
Always on the run
Searching for a home
Someone means to you the most
Waiting for you to end your warsIs it too hard for you to believe?
Is it too hard for you to heed?
I know it’s not easy
But it’s indeed…A lesson to be taught
A fight to be fought
Seconds to be passed
Sadness to be come through
Starts to end…and ends to start
It’s life
Goes up and down
Up and downNow,
Sounds in your head are howling
Thoughts are storming
You don’t know how to stall it
neither your silence nor your words
Are expressing what is in your soul
Walking in the midst of fog
One voice called
Read your book
Peruse its pages
Find where did you go wrong
fall…
then fall
life is a lesson to be taught
Then rise
Life is a battle to be won
I really hope you like it. I know part of it talks about me. You can call it personal and out of experience. And never mind the title I had to come up with something. Writing the title IS HARD!
If Isam B got you curious, listen to the AMAZING song here:
Special thanks to Soha Z and Eman E!!!
That’s all
Salamz all,
Last Thursday and Friday, I had two amazing days. To me, it was the 1st time I met non-Palestinian students as the same age as me. The group of about 40 students came to Gaza from Cairo to show solidarity with the people of Gaza. They were all Americans expect one girl was Canadian.
As I go to Sharek English unit (a society to activate the youths’ role in the community.), our group there was invited to meet these students.
On Thursday, we met them at Al Baidar “resort” on the seaside. We arrived there at 4 pm. When we got there, I saw no one. So, I was like maybe they are not here,yet. Then, when I went out of the hall to the beach. Many of them were enjoying the pristine, polluted sea of Gaza. Seriously, the sea was very tempting!!
Anyhow, after both Palestinians and Americans had enjoyed some sun & sea, we went inside to get to know each others. We sat in groups. At the beginning, it was difficult for me to start a conversation. Funny thing, the Gazans were sitting together, and our counterparts were on the other side of the table. So, I thought, bloody hell, we ain’t talking! we ain’t doing anything!
I suggested that we blend, and we did.
First, me and two of colleagues sat with a boy and a girl. They were really nice! And again at the beginning, I didn’t know how to break the ice. But since it’s Gaza! there’s always something to talk about! 1st question, How do you find Gaza?! lol Most of the answers that I got were: I loved Gaza and its people! they are so friendly.
To be honest, I was really happy to hear that! Then, we were lectured about the situation by Al-Ahzar’s Mukhemir Abu Sa’da and the head of “Al-Dameer” society. It was educating.
Then, there was a coffe break. It was another chance to talk to other people.
After that, there was a game but I went out. There were students too. I can tell you, I had one of the coolest discussions ever with 3 nice students (Ashley, Madeline, Nathaniel and my mate Ali). We talked about many things; and I did A LOT of the talking
Then, we had a nice Palestinian traditional dish called “Qedra”. Personally, I don’t eat it, but it was a nice thing to them enjoying it. hehe
Day one, came to its end; I took some e-mails to stay in contact. I was not sure that on Friday, I would join them or not. So, I just said goodbyes! My brother Sharif was with me as he works with another youth association to cover the activities.
On Thursday, I had really good time, and I enjoyed the company of new people. It’s an experience I have always wanted to have. I do have many friends from all over the world, but I never saw them in person. So, it was a great pleasure!!
On Friday, I woke up really early so did Sharif. He was like get ready, you’ll join us today, too!
I felt like YAY! I got ready, we moved on 6:30 am!!!
We went the port of Gaza; there fishermen talked about how the siege is affecting them severely.
We went on a sea cruise on a fishing boat, and it was soooooo SICK! (I mean so cool, but I am being cool ) You can check the video below.
Then, we went to a seaside coffee shop and had breakfast there. It was quick!
The next stop, was Gaza’s most controvertial place the tunnels. The tunnels are located on the borders of Egypt. It’s a life line for Gazans as they are mainly used to smuggle goods, fuels and supplies that no longer enter from the crossings with Isreal because of the siege. We were not allowed to take pictures ; it was a very quick visit. We saw one tunnel only, but this is for our safety and also the smugglers’. It’s not a safe area there.
Ok, then, we went to The Marna house a hotel/resturant. There was a senimar about the economic situation in Gaza. To be honest, my bro, his friends and me went down to set at the resturant,however; we were not the only one.
We had a nice, smokey conversation with two students; I said smokey, beauce ALL Of them were smoking Arguilla except me, OF COURSE!!
Afterwards, we headed to the UNRWA’s headquarters to meet John Ging, the head of the UNRWA.
There had been an interesting discussion about the situation and the future of Gazans and Gaza under siege. After the meeting had finished, it was time to say goodbye, for real this time! I admit before leaving, we had a funny discussion about food (Pizza was invited in new york!)
I said goodbye to the people, I consider them new friends. And I deeply wish to meet them again!
Seriously, I have this thing, really not good thing. I get attach to new friends a lot. I mean, I only spent two days with them but I was like MAN! I want to see them again! Sadly, on Saturday and Sunday I had university, so I didn’t join them. Tomorrow , they are leaving Gaza.
ok, that’s the longest post in the history of my blog!!!!!
Even I didn’t get to know all of them; it was plain to see that they were happy to be here. And, now I am sure many of them will tell what they saw and experienced in Gaza to their family and friends, and if one was able to change somebody else’s perspective about the situation here in Gaza that would be remarkable!!
One last thing, This experience opened my eyes to their experiences which left me really frustrated. Really! I really would like to have the life of freedom. Travel, see the world and know more! move around freely and even to have the chance to choose what to study and where to.
As I live in Gaza, all this is not materialized at all. I mean, I am happy that they have these chances, but it makes me sad to know that I just can not have such things, because simply I am from Gaza and I am not free. Even, I believe i do have the same qualifications, ambitions and will. So, this has been suffocating me, but i’ll live
Time for the sea cruise! Yea!
The way back from Rafah, green areas I didn’t know about. I was listening to this song! One of my all time fav songs EVER!
Salamz all,
It’s been a long time!! However. I am still in the Outlandish fever which I have with each new release by them!! Yesterday, I did not have internet connection!! So, I did some artworks for two of my very favorite songs by Outlandish. “Feels like saving the world” and “Someday” both are from the new album, Sound of a rebel.
Today, I did one for another cool song “Keep the record on play”. Even I use Adobe Photoshop and it’s quite easy, it does take a LOT of time and thinking.
Anyhow, so far I’ve done 3, but I hope in the coming few days I’ll be making more. It’s all about the IDEAS!
Here’s the outcome!
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- The figure is the middle is a flower (so many ppl asked me what is it) :D
Salamz all,
Well this poem means so much to me, because I wrote it based on very genuine feelings. Usually, I write poem based on music tones and empathy of others experiences. However, this time it was totally different. My own experience and my friends’ were the impetus of my poem.
For me, I watched a report about a 2 year Gazan boy who died yesterday, because his procedure to fix the holes he had in his heart was delayed.Due to the siege imposed on Gaza since June the 14th 2007.
I really really want you to watch it:
After I had watched this video, I got depressed for the rest of the day. Plus, two of my friends in Kuwait and Egypt were having difficulties in their lives.
Before I went to bed, I had some few lines and were coming deeply from my heart. Here’s the outcome:
Dreams imprisoned in minds
eyes blinded by sight
darkness obscures the light
time flies by
where are you from all this?
How do you fight a world that complex?
It’s said
life is easy with eyes closed
You can’t just live for you own
You can save a prayer to the world.Children hurt
innocence is burnt
misery, wars
where am I from all this?
sleeping to run away?
ashamed to admit
I can’t do anything
For a moment I did forget
that I should not live for my own
And I can save a prayer to the world.
Let’s raise our hands to the sky
pray for a world we wanna live in
trust The Creator from within
the world will be saved by then
Finally, today Palestinians all over the world are commemorating the 61st anniversary of Al Nakba or catastrophe. Again Never forget, Never forgive.
Salamz all,
I’m a huge fan of the band Outlandish. I’ve been one since 2005. And I think people who know me in person and those who check my blog already know how much I love this band.
Anyhow, after 4 years the Outlandmoros are back with a brand new album. The moros around the world already have enjoyed “Rock all day” as a 1st single.And OL’s followers on Facebook, may have read that a music video of the song is in the make.
“Sound of a rebel”, which is topping the Itunes sells in Denmark, is definitely an album you want to buy.
I, personally, have the album illegally, but I live in Gaza, so I think I’ve no option. Bas, In sha Allah, I’ll try someway, somehow to purchase a copy.I may not get it soon, but I’ll try!!
Anyhow, here’s a little review of what I think about the tracks:
1-“Rock all day”-Outlandish sampled a very well known song called “AbedlKader” by the algerian trio ChebFudil and Rashid Taha, the song was released in late 90s ,and it was a huge hit in the middle east andKhalid, other parts of the world. Outlandish added some rock which makes the song really rocking! An excellent summer song!
2-“Feels like saving the world” A very beautiful song. Very catchy beats and nice lyrics (even I’m still waiting for OL to get us the lyrics)
3-“Levanta” Latin beats, a very different style of music. However, I consider one of the best songs in the album.
4-”Keep the record on play”this song is cool and not cool in the same time. How?!! well Arab listeners will the think they turned the wrong record!! at the very beginning of the verse, the song starts with an arabic song called “Tetraga fiya” by Egyptian singer Ihab Tawfiq, released i think in early 2000. The thing with this song is that the song itself is really good! Very upbeat! However, “Tetraga fiya” is a whole different theme.It mainly talks about someone whose loved person is begging him/her and cry over him/her to go back together but he refuses because he will never forgive her. I know!! LOL! So I don’t know if OL know about it or not. Someday somebody ask them for me
5-”Always remember” has the theme of Sakeena. Personal to the guys but many people can relate to it. It talks about their wives and how they miss them when they are away. SO SO SO SO SWEET!! Def! one of my favorite song.
6-”The emperor’s new beat” honestly, I think I will wait till i read its lyrics. Right now, it’s not my type of songs.
7-”Let off some steam” this song is so remarkable for two reasons. 1st Waqas sings the verse and it’s sooooooooooo awesome!! 2nd- it’s very latin!! Very Lenny!! Very coooool! You feel so relaxed when you listen to it!
So much like you just want a sun glasses and an orange t-shirt and sea!! That would complete the theme!
8-”Amen” I think the lyrics is good, but I’m not a fan of the type of music used in the song.
9-”Someday” is my favorite song in this album. Deep, emotional and has the most expressive chorus ever!!! It’s officially in my top 10 all time songs by Outlandish.
10-”Crash n Burn” Outlandish slam their critics with very powerful lyrics. I think the music is little bit Asian.It’s a nice song, will be better when the whole lyrics is out.
11-”Dale duro” LOOOL! well you 1st listen to this song you will say “it’s noise!” and to me it’s noise! but cool noise!! I like some parts of it. Eventually, you can say it’s cooool!!!
12-”Sound of a rebel” won’t be saying too much! It’s a very very beautiful song! One of favorite songs in the album.
Finally, Outlandish do it again! An album that you will listen and enjoy. And it’s so addictive!! for real! I almost listen to it everyday!!!
So people, BUY A COPY IT”S TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
My own unofficial promotional picture for OL's concert in RamAllah!
Remember moros in the West Bank, Outlandish will be in RamAllah on July the 1st!!
Salamz all,
On the 15th of May, Palestinians all over the world will be commemorating the 61st anniversary of The Nakba or the catastrophy. As I don’t have much to do to change things, but I’ve not forgotten or forgiven the past which is shaping our present and will determin our future as we struggle. In the past few day, I’ve been thinking of ideas for artworks that will bring back the images of the catastrophy. And here’s the outcome:
Salamz, peace, pas and fred,
Yesterday, me and my best friend went to exhibition organized by the deposed government in Gaza to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba or (catastrophe), where hundred thounsands of Palestinians were expelled by the Israeli mercenary groups and replaced us and had their “state”.
The open air event was highly oragnized, and we had good time there. I’m not good at describing things by words, so I took this video
