This is an extraordinary piece to writing that frankly should have been picked up by a Sunday Supplement. Such an important reminder that at the heart of the Palestine dispute there are everyday families cooking food for their children and every night they go to bed dreaming of obtaining the most basic human rights like running water or electricity. The best they can dream of is not to be woken by people demolishing their homes in the night by the name of another God.
Interesting and excellent article. I also spent time in the Westbank about 15 or 16 years ago. Originally went with a group and toured the Westbank with some young musicians. Our theme was music for peace. It was a heart wrenching experience to see the occupation of the warm and welcoming people. I later returned the next year and worked in Bethlehem with some visiting nurses, making home visits to patients with diabetes. All patients were extremely welcoming, offering us, tea or coffee and some sort of snack. One woman spoke of her son who was in the United States. Of course she was unable to leave to visit him, and he was unable to return. She said to me, all we want is our freedom. Very very sad situation. And now the genocide of these lovely people who simply want their freedom.
It’s horrific - I’ve stayed on touch with some people I met in Bethlehem and their lives are decimated, not least by the destruct of the tourist industry.
Thank you - it was a profound experience visiting the West Bank. Obviously we had no idea what was to come, but it makes me appreciate even more my memories of this extraordinary trip. XX
These are the real food stories! Beautiful, heartwarming, tragic, thank you for sharing, and what a shame that the big newspapers lack the courage for these important stories.
Thank you for sharing this I’m annoyed no outlet had the balls to publish this. As well as beautifully written, the food lens is the perfect way to share the plight of everyday people - like everyone they have hopes and dreams and long for a better life. Thanks again for writing and sharing this. ❤️
As a Palestinian Australian, I’m so very grateful to come across this story while looking for a recipe. You made me weep for the plight of the people. You reminded me.
I wish more western journalists or storytellers would have the courage and heart to write the truth. We Palestinians are not a shadow of what is depicted in western media.
Good on you for highlighting the the inhumane treatment of Palestinians. They endure it, we only have to read about it. How fortunate we are. Thank you for this x
This is an extraordinary piece to writing that frankly should have been picked up by a Sunday Supplement. Such an important reminder that at the heart of the Palestine dispute there are everyday families cooking food for their children and every night they go to bed dreaming of obtaining the most basic human rights like running water or electricity. The best they can dream of is not to be woken by people demolishing their homes in the night by the name of another God.
Thank you for writing this.
Aww thanks Tony. I’m so glad I found a forum to put it out there. The next newsletter will be much lighter.
Interesting and excellent article. I also spent time in the Westbank about 15 or 16 years ago. Originally went with a group and toured the Westbank with some young musicians. Our theme was music for peace. It was a heart wrenching experience to see the occupation of the warm and welcoming people. I later returned the next year and worked in Bethlehem with some visiting nurses, making home visits to patients with diabetes. All patients were extremely welcoming, offering us, tea or coffee and some sort of snack. One woman spoke of her son who was in the United States. Of course she was unable to leave to visit him, and he was unable to return. She said to me, all we want is our freedom. Very very sad situation. And now the genocide of these lovely people who simply want their freedom.
It’s horrific - I’ve stayed on touch with some people I met in Bethlehem and their lives are decimated, not least by the destruct of the tourist industry.
Thank you for ‘seeing’ us.
As an Australian with Palestinian heritage, you made we weep reading your beautiful article.
I was searching for a recipe to recreate something for my Mama!
We Palestinians are not a shadow of how we are portrayed in western media.
Resilient and ever hopeful of freedom in the daily face of oppression.
Stories such as yours make our hearts beat with pride. God bless you!
Khristina x
Thank you - it was a profound experience visiting the West Bank. Obviously we had no idea what was to come, but it makes me appreciate even more my memories of this extraordinary trip. XX
These are the real food stories! Beautiful, heartwarming, tragic, thank you for sharing, and what a shame that the big newspapers lack the courage for these important stories.
Thank you Alice, I’m very grateful for the feedback xx
Fascinating and disturbing in equal measure. Welcome to Substack, Sue.
Thanks Matt - the next won’t be so dark!!
So interesting! Lovely read xx
Great Sue. It brings it all back.
Thanks Pat - it was great to reflect on it all again.
Thank you for sharing this I’m annoyed no outlet had the balls to publish this. As well as beautifully written, the food lens is the perfect way to share the plight of everyday people - like everyone they have hopes and dreams and long for a better life. Thanks again for writing and sharing this. ❤️
As a Palestinian Australian, I’m so very grateful to come across this story while looking for a recipe. You made me weep for the plight of the people. You reminded me.
I wish more western journalists or storytellers would have the courage and heart to write the truth. We Palestinians are not a shadow of what is depicted in western media.
Thank you for seeing us.
Powerfull writing, I'm sure Palestinians feel seen because of your post. We know so little about the situation there and what we see is always biased.
Good on you for highlighting the the inhumane treatment of Palestinians. They endure it, we only have to read about it. How fortunate we are. Thank you for this x
Thanks for reading it Nic. So many people just don't want to know. Lighter subject matter next week!
Great article Sue - was also naive but liked the food and very thought provoking trip
thanks you for your lovely words. It's a trip I'll never forget.