Democracy for Some, Apartheid for Others
The Israeli army closed the city of Jericho on one of the busiest tourist days of the year. We spent hours waiting outside the checkpoint. “Do you go to the…
In Loving Memory of Tally Kritzman-Amir (May 7, 1979 – May 14, 2022)
Under different circumstances, I would have asked my wise friend Tally for advice on how to be a good friend to someone who is dying.Since I began writing this blog,…
Winning a Literary Prize, Reclaiming the Hebrew Language
The Israeli Minister of Culture gave me a Hebrew literature prize. I’m grateful. And trying to reclaim Hebrew from those who use it to oppress. Hebrew is not the private…
After two years of evasion, COVID caught up with our family
We turned our lives upside down trying to evade the coronavirus. It finally arrived in a weakened form, leaving us in maddening, beautiful isolation together. A sick day Osama…
Intimate Acquaintance with Terrorism
In addition to the six Palestinian NGOs, Israeli officials branded my neighbor, my life partner and an ice cream company as terrorists. No evidence needed. Job Interview In 2017, a…
Trying to Leave the West Bank
I wrote another letter asking for the travel permit, because it was my turn to make a move in this sadistic game of occupation bureaucracy. Waiting “When are you traveling?”…
A Visit From Gaza, Also Known As the Other Side of the Moon
Opportunities for relatives to visit from Gaza are the rarest of pleasures – even if they’re often shrouded in sorrow. My kids met their aunt. In 2012, the Israeli restrictions…
For Palestinian Kids, the Occupation Childhood Becomes a Pandemic Childhood, Too
Kids from east Jerusalem take on their parents’ fears of losing their residency rights. The stress of the corona virus pandemic doesn’t make things easier. Three-year old Adam was screaming.…
Umm Forat
“I had to come a long way to be happy to meet you.”
Omar asked simply and directly about the Hebrew I spoke with my kids, saying that it’s not the fault of the language, but it’s associated with the occupation
My Son Looks Beautiful in His Sister’s Dresses
How can we teach our children to resist what is wrong in society - while still protecting them? Boys in dresses and girls at demonstrations.Two and a half-year old Adam…