Reading Response

These stories were very insightful, as they allow the reader to hear and even imagine themselves to be part of a first hand account. Hearing of the life of a Palestinian, living in such hostile land, is really something that is not possible in other places. A few important things that I noticed.

Children. Throughout much of the readings, there are references to children. Whether family or just children in the neighborhood, they are always there. And I think this is important to notice, because so often, we look at a conflict as one between adults. Or maybe between nations or groups, but always fronted by adults. But the children are always there. And while the idea of using references to children is a tactic used in conflict argument (it is always possible to bring the general public to your side by mentioning the "work you are doing to better the lives of children"), it is also important to note that we cannot just treat them as a part of society when debating the future. They are a vital part, an individual part, and any negotiations and actions taken now, by adults, will affect their lives.

I also found it interesting how Saud used such an iconic image as the gas mask right from the start. This imagery brings into focus the reality, the immediate threat that the conflict poses. As the story builds, the image of families in gas masks remains, no matter what they are doing. because of this, the greater image of daily life is altered.

In Saud's preface, an idea is mentioned that I agree with greatly. "I don't think I ever understood or, for that matter, forgave my parents, or the hundred of thousands of Palestinians who fled their homes in 1948, until my husband and I had to flee our home in Ramallah..." This idea is very important. While a huge part of the conflict, and the future of the conflict, is how those outside of it believe to understand it, we never can fully understand it unless we live it. On this thought, I think it is important to remember that a third party (the US, the UN) can play a role in trying to better the situation, but until both sides make great steps towards a solution, nothing will actually change.