January & February 2000
Guest List
I would to link our web-site www.alhaq.org thanks
khader Michael Rantisi <krantisi@alhaq.org>
Ramallah, USA - Monday, February 28, 2000 at 07:19:27 (PST)
HELLO PEOPLE....JUST WANTED TO SAY HEY TO EVERYONE....HOPE
EVERYONE COMES TO THE CONVENTION IN ORLANDO..BE BACK
SOON...ALLDAY
ISSA <ALLDAY048@AOL.COM>
JACKSONVILLE, FL USA - Sunday, February 27, 2000 at 17:38:49
(PST)
Suggestions wanted for Modern Palestinian Rock
musicians.Are there any? If so, can someone spell their name to
me translated in English and tell me how to find their CD'S and
Tapes? I go to a TON of concerts in the states mainly hard rock,
and alternative rock and I would like to hear the Palestinian
equivalent of this type of music. The music in Arabic is OK
too.Now that I have Arabic friends to translate for me. I
especially like to hear steel guitars. But, I am interested to
hear different types of instruments particular to different
regions of countries around the world as well. Thanks, Jan
JAN NORMAN
ARLINGTON, VA USA - Saturday, February 26, 2000 at 11:57:25 (PST)
=)=) How's it going guys.? It's been like forever sinced I
even opened this website. =) Just checking up. =) **Hey to all my
'long lost cousins' that I never talk with** Love you guys.. Keep
in touch Arabs =) Looking forward to Orlando BABY!
Jehann Zayed <PrincessJehann@aol.com>
Houston, TX USA - Monday, February 21, 2000 at 22:11:56 (PST)
I would just like to inform everyone that the government is
holding alot of money that people have forgotten about such as
old bank acounts and old refunds and such. a few weeks ago i
found my aunts name on the list and even though it was only 80
dollars it was still her money and i was able to get it for her.
there is alot of arabic names on this list so please everyone go
to the site and see if your name or family's name is on it and
spread the word. just go to this site and click on your state and
type in your last name and it will bring up every listing with
the last name. and if its not you then tell whoever it is if you
know them. like i said my aunt had 80 dollars in a forgotten
account and it has been sent to her. have fun with this!!
http://www.freewebcentral.com/_hidden/frameunclaimedfunds.htm
Howaida Mousa <weedda@aol.com>
jax, fl USA - Saturday, February 19, 2000 at 20:10:50 (PST)
Assalamu'alaykum Please can u mail me some addresses from
your country to me, so that we can get the youth from South
Africa to communicate with the youth in your country. Thanking
You in anticipation Assalamu'alaykum Your brother in Islam
Brother Rafeek Hassen
Muslim Youth Academy <senseless@millionaireintraiing.com>
Durban, South Africa - Friday, February 18, 2000 at 12:11:38
(PST)
Long live the great courageous people of Palestine and
Iraq. They have stood up to so much and they are still fighting
for what is right and just; and the majority of the world knows
it!
j s
washington, DC USA - Thursday, February 17, 2000 at 21:23:22
(PST)
WORD harb ahwal. you speak the truth sista. post messages
immediately
shamika ristawi <shamika@yahoo.com>
chicago, il USA - Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 20:04:28 (PST)
I agree that this site needs a change to reflect the
changes in our communities through out this country and the world
at large. I would like to see the entries posted immediately and
I do know and understand why the AFRP started filtering and
screening entries, I believe a lot of people have a lot of things
to say weather political social or others, the guest book is the
only avenue where they can express their feelings, views and
thoughts, some used it for all kinds of subjects and
inappropriately at times. The solution for this is not
censorship, the solution is accommodation of your people your
extended families. I think a political forum should be created
for people who wants to discuss politics. A forum should be
created for people who want to place a personal ads, a forum
should be created for other things as deemed necessary, you may
not like every post and every person behind the post but this is
the price we pay for democracy one thing good about this country
is, it has a bill of rights to protect the individual rights,
people don’t go to prison for expressing their views. I do
relies that these changes require a lot of work and participation
by members, I put my money where my mouth is and I’m wiling
to help maintain this site if I’m asked to. The person
doesn’t have to be living in the same city where the site
was created, collaboration and work on the site can be done from
anywhere throughout the world. Harb Ahwal
Harb Ahwal <harba2@ca.freei.net>
Tracy, CA USA - Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 22:16:47 (PST)
Hey everyone. The mid-year convention is this weekend. Its
here in Michigan. You should all come. There is gonna be one
happenin party on saturday. And for those of you who live in MI,
its gonna be at St. Mary's at 6:30. Be there so we can get out
arabic grooves on. Alright just fillin everyone in. bye
Patrick J. Qatsha <tubyullah@aol.com>
MI USA - Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 09:27:53 (PST)
I just want to say that all of you have really humored me!
This is great- finally we are getting some heat going on in the
guestbook. For awhile it was dead- but all of you have proved
that you really have it in you to fire things up a bit. And just
to add my two cents in- Not all arabs hate Yahood. And another
thing- i was so amused at the fact that all that ruckus was
started over 2 single ads- and one of them- the girl who was
lovin the humus- was FAKE! Its so funny how it all started over
nothing. Keep it up!!
Deena <sharaka@aol.com>
jax, fl USA - Monday, February 14, 2000 at 20:48:20 (PST)
Hey Patrick...its gonna be alright bro!..take it easy =)
Samantha A
USA - Monday, February 14, 2000 at 11:47:26 (PST)
This is in response to the entry made by Samara A. saying
that my previous entry was "uncalled for." Frankly,
there was absolutely nothing wrong with what I said. Besides the
fact that it was said with an air of humor, most of it is TRUE!!!
And whose to say that is bad. It is just one of the many element
of a large, close knit, arab community. So the next time you dont
agree with what I said, perhaps next time you should state WHY!!!
and also e-mail directly, so that I may have a chance to justify
my statement. Otherwise, you have no right to scold others. Did
you notice that you were the ONLY one who said anything. Maybe
you need to lighten up a bit, but then again I dont know you and
dont have the right to say that. THANKS!!! and have a great day.
Patrick J. Qatsha <tubyullah@aol.com>
MI USA - Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 23:32:22 (PST)
I profoundly disagree with consensus opinion that this site
should not be used as a "singles site". I would if
anything thank the individuals who placed the ads. They revealed
in no uncertain terms the need to change the site to make it more
responsive to its constituents. The demographics of the Ramallah
Federation in America are changing quickly. If the federation is
to continue into this century, It will have to appeal to the
younger, better educated, more affluent potential members. It as
well must wake up to the fact that we are more geographically
dispersed and can't make the convention on a regular basis. It
will as well have to make this site more
interesting/informative/interactive. This is not going to happen
unless we make it happen. I would invite others to continue the
call to change this site quickly because our attention spans are
short and we will soon lose interest. Enough criticism.
ED OMRON <edofiron@hotmail.com>
MD USA - Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 20:53:53 (PST)
How good it is to have a net like this so all arabs and
friends could get in touch with each other,but please do not get
mad at each other,everyone has his or her opinion.It is nice to
shat,I enjoy reading the net so please smile when you write your
comments.Soon we will meet at the convention in Orlando and I am
sure we will have fun God bless.
Anton Zarour <lzarour@sunline.net>
fl USA - Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 19:33:52 (PST)
Id like to second the comments made by my buddy Issa in the
previous entry. All arabs are pretty much the same....we all
cannot stand yahood. Telling it how it is....the arabcountryboy
of North Central Florida.
Mike Mousa <Moose1128@aol.com>
Gainesville, Fl USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 12:49:41 (PST)
To John looking for family roots/history: According to a
friend, the last name you are looking for is located in NY,MD,VA.
whether they are related I don't know. Good luck. Searching for
family history is fascinating.
JAN NORMAN
on her way to California for vacation away from East coast snow,
USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 12:47:40 (PST)
Are there any Palestinian Bahai folks reading this site?If
so, please let me know. For those not aware: Bahai is a faith.
JAN NORMAN
ARLINGTON, VA USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 12:38:44 (PST)
For Sam from Ohio--You mention every Israelite is an Arab.
I am asking to educate myself on the terms. Aren't both Semetic?
That is their common ground?Or one of them. Since they come from
the same area of the world?
JAN NORMAN
Arlington, Va. USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 12:34:46 (PST)
HELLO PEOPLE...FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO SAY...ARABS ARE
ARABS...ALL MAKES AND MODELS... WE STICK TOGETHER....ANYWAY...I
WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO BIG-O FOR THE RAMALLAH
CONVENTION....WE ARE GONNA HAVE SOME FUN....IM 24...SO IM NOT
TALKING TO THE OLDER FOLKS...HAHA...SEE YALL SOON....ALLDAY
ISSA <ALLDAY048@AOL.COM>
JACKSONVILLE, FL USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 18:36:09
(PST)
I would like to let all of you know , on the mid year hafla
on FEB.19th. someone made a typo error the hafla dinner ticket is
not $35 its $40 and registration is correct its $85 for the 2
days.so come on down to the mid year party and dance the night
away. hope to see everyone there.
CRYSTAL <CRYSTALX6@AOL.COM>
w.Bloomfield, mi USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 16:14:09
(PST)
For Rose who is in Multicultural education--I have an idea
for you The Southern Poverty Law Center in Alabama offers a
project for schools that are trying to teach their children not
to be hateful and to deal with hatred against all kinds of
people. TEACHING TOLERANCE is a project that is funded to
overcome racial and ethnic prejudice. They also have a magazine
which shows what their schools across the country are doing to
overcome prejudice and they offer grant money to schools who want
to be innovative in teaching the lessons of tolerance. Good luck
on your paper on Arab-Americans.
JAN NORMAN
Arlington, VA USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 15:20:35 (PST)
Well, I think a separate link should be created...I think
that it is a good idea..like some people said it is hard for all
the youth to meet. And the magazine is not a bad idea...I'm a
teenager and I prefer reading the Hathithe Ramallah than any
other magazine...but then again I'm not the majority. Well I hope
to see you all in Orlando...it's going to be HOT.
Jennifer <Shelibe@aol.com>
FL USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 13:22:23 (PST)
Okay, so I guess the Hathihe Ramallah wasn't a good idea.
I'm young and I read it, but thats not the point. This is only my
opinion, but I wouldn't like seeing ads on this website. I
believe this site is viewed by many people, young and old, arab
and non-arab and I don' think having a youth singles area would
be a good addition. The singles area is a good idea, I would
visit it myself, but I feel that it should be kept seperate from
the federation site.
Jamie <Jamlieh@yahoo.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 12:58:36
(PST)
Can someone spark a new topic on the website? These
personal ads that everyone is so disgusted or enthused about is
really old. Who cares if someone wants to post information about
himself...that's his business, not everyone in the Ramallah
community's business to slam or back him up! Just let it be &
chill!
Miranda Bateh <Shuggah427@aol.com>
Jax, Fla USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 12:09:51 (PST)
Alright , guys there has been only two Ads. now if there
were about 10..then ya its a problem. and Patrick..that was
uncalled for !. yall take care now...Salam .
Samara A.
usa - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 11:17:42 (PST)
Hi I am interested in Arab #1 Anthropology #2 Political
issues of the middle east Helping Arabs in the middle east stop
the persecution against them, by those who think they are helping
"God's chosen" #3 To show according to anthropology and
their bible, that every Israelite in the bible is an Arab. I will
be starting this topic on our free list in about a week.
arabisrael-subscribe@onelist.com will get you on the list if you
know of anyone interested. #4 Finding an internet radio station
where they speak Arabic and English, so I can try to pick up on
some of the Arabic language. #5 Arab music #6 Searching from some
old friends in Egypt. A free list for your own groups: If you
don't have a newslist and would like to start a FREE list,
OneList is a great provider. arabisrael@crosswinds.net
Sam <arabisrael@crosswinds.net>
oh USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 10:14:06 (PST)
I’m the last person who want’s to start a debate
or a controversy but reading your post Jamie I couldn’t help
but respond to it, don’t get me wrong I do respect your
views, however the trend now a days is the internet! it’s
Where every thing is happening from communication
to……Z. That’s where a lot of young adults and all
kinds of people do now a days. Who reads Hatheh Ramallah? I would
think mostly older people who are all ready married and perhaps
not interested in this sort of thing in the first place. I
don’t have any data to back up my claim, just an educated
guess. No offense older people just being realistic. I’m
happily married and not looking for a mate. I just know some
educated people well to do in their careers, willing to commit to
a relation ship similar to their background and education, and
yet their choices are limited. Wouldn’t be a wonderful idea
where these people have a place where they can find a potential
friend or more to meet. I f you want the maximum exposure and the
widest possible people to meet, the Internet is the plat form for
you. Hatheh Ramallah is a good small circulation magazine and it
serves a different purpose. Most of the people are adults and
I’m sure they are intelligent enough to know what to post
and how much information to reveal about them selves, I
don’t think any body needs a chaperon or a big brother to
watch over their shoulders. It’s the 21st century now
it’s different now then when my parents met and got married
it just doesn’t happen like that any more.
Harb <harb.ahwal@intel.com>
Santa Clara, CA USA - Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 21:11:14
(PST)
OK people, do you know what your saying? First of all, by
putting these, "singles," ads up, everyone is already
going to know exactly who each person is, simply for that fact
that there are no secrets in this community. And if anyone DOES
want to know who a person is, any random Tata is gonna know the
entire geneology of each person based on some random thing like
how they wrote the word "hello." HAHA They are like the
FBI of the Ramallah community. There will be absolutely no
anonymity. And if someone e-mails someone in response to their
ad, the next afternoon everyone is gonna think they are engaged.
It's the tata network my friends. Word spreads like wildfire. Now
contrary to what you all my think, i DO think it is a good idea
that would be fun for a lot of people. It will be like an online
convention...haha. Anyway that is my two dimes and a nickel.Hope
you didnt waste too much time reading it.
Patrick Qatsha <tubyullah@aol.com>
MI USA - Tuesday, February 08, 2000 at 21:57:37 (PST)
I understand it being hard to meet people. What about a
singles section in the Hathihe Ramallah? That way, it goes to
peoples homes instead of being posted all over the net.
Jamie <Jamlieh@yahoo.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Sunday, February 06, 2000 at 20:20:30
(PST)
Guys ..Guys..Guys...come on now .Can't we be at
peace?...there is nothing wrong with having "personal
Ads".???...people just want to get to know others thats
all!!....=)
Salma B.
USA - Sunday, February 06, 2000 at 13:00:42 (PST)
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH JAMIE....THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR IT
IN MY OPINION.
M.K.
USA - Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 22:40:58 (PST)
Hello!!! I would just like to say hello to everyone out
there and I hope you see you all at the convention is sunny
Florida.
Darlene Faris <darla9023@aol.com>
Livonia, Mi USA - Saturday, February 05, 2000 at 17:52:22 (PST)
I think it's a wonderful idea for the AFRP to create a link
where single people or interested ones can go and post info.
about themselves, it's very large country and there are very few
opportunities where young people can meet each other.
Harb <harb.ahwal@intel.com>
Santa Clara, CA USA - Friday, February 04, 2000 at 23:05:35 (PST)
I THINK THE GUESTBOOK IS GREAT, BUT I HAVE TO AGREE WITH
JAMIE. IT'S NOT A WEBSITE TO FIND A MATE, IT'S A WAY FOR ARAB'S
TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THINGS. I DON'T MIND IT, BUT I JUST
DON'T THINK THIS IS THE WEBSITE FOR IT. WHY DON'T THE PEOPLE WHO
ARE LOOKING FOR MATES E MAIL THE FEDERATION AND ASK THEM TO MAKE
A WEBSITE FOR ARABS WHERE THEY COULD MEET PEOPLE.
MAHA FARIS <ARBPRINCESS529@AOL.COM>
HOCKEYTOWN, MI USA - Friday, February 04, 2000 at 20:27:59 (PST)
Ok.Now, I've seen it get bad in this guestbook, but this
"personal ads" thing that just started -- it is
definetly upsetting.
Salwa A. <Shazarr79@aol.com>
Houston, TX USA - Friday, February 04, 2000 at 08:04:20 (PST)
Recently there have been some comments that equate to,
quite simply, personal ads. I sincerely hope that this trent will
not continue. I am all for people expressing their views,
concerns and comments on the guestbook; however, I must draw the
line at advertising yourself to find a mate.
Jamie <Jamlieh@yahoo.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 19:57:59
(PST)
Hi everyone! I think it's wonderful that the guestbook is
being used as a platform for many things like educating one
another, providing information on many topics and events, and
most recently being used as an opportunity meet new people by
providing personal information about oneself. As a single female
in my mid-20's, it's great to know that this could be another
avenue in which to get to know Palestinian men from all over the
country. I have found it bit frustrating to meet new people of my
cultural background when the only opportunities I have are at
arabic weddings and annual Ramallah conventions. Neither of these
avenues really lend themselves to getting to know someone better
b/c the events are for a very short timeframe. Although I believe
this has the potential to be of interest to many individuals, I
don't believe that the guestbook itself should be the home of
"personal ads." What I recommend to the creators of the
afrp website is to create a new area where people could post
information about themselves. I do strongly encourage that if
this were to happen that the individuals monitoring the guestbook
also monitor this new area to ensure the legitimacy of the
messages and its owner. I welcome any comments whether or not you
may agree with me on this. Thanks!
Janet Tawil <jtawil@idfa.org>
Centreville, VA USA - Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 19:01:20
(PST)
AFRP Web Site January 2000 statistics. (Total
hits: 29,601; Total unique hosts:
1,131; Total kilobytes transferred: 636,475)
AFRP January Stats <afrp@afrp.org>
USA - Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 16:45:18 (PST)
Hello My Friends! I was wondering if anyone knows the dates
for the San Francisco Convention in 2001? Thanks!!
Marlane Faris <QueenMolly126>
Canton, MI USA - Monday, January 31, 2000 at 17:29:44 (PST)
Hi, id just like to say that i love the turn this website
has taken. Now that im aware of the change id like to post a
message to all u fine guys. First off lemme give u my credentials
im 24, female-obviously, and on a hunt. I suppose u can call it a
man hunt. Let me tell u a bit more about myself: i love to cook,
i can keep house, annnnnnd i even have my MBA. I love humus, and
i make it just about every morning-its my favorite all time food.
I need a man with the same preferances as mine, because i simply
cant be bothered in the morning to make anything besides humus.Im
not much of a morning person as u can tell, someone who lives for
the night is a plus. Im really into arabi music so being able to
play the tubleh would be swell, and knowing the debka is gonna
earn u more points. All in all u need to have charm and goodness
in you, style, quality and of course patience. Patience becuase
well ull find out. These virtues and hair, glorious fabulous
hair. I love it, Im loven this. This is truly wonderful...plz if
ive caught ur attention direct any questions or comments to my
email address. Id be more then happy to talk to anyone. Thank
you.
Penelope Awad (my friends call me Peney ;) ) <BintArabiaLuvsU@aol.com>
Chicago, IL USA - Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 22:09:22 (PST)
God bless the family and friend of the two brothers killed
in the train addident this past week in Detriot MI.. My prays are
with them and anyone that knows them. Always, Jennifer Mashni
Jennifer Mashni <heliwa70@aol.com>
USA - Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 19:49:17 (PST)
Hello, Interesting site. Keep up the good work! I am 36,
single and have a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. I currently
work in the extreme west of Austria on the Austrian - German -
Swiss borders. Before coming to Austria, I worked in Norway for 3
years. I got my M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the USA. My father is from
Ramleh, my mother is from Haifa and I was born in Jordan. I am a
Christian. I am looking for an educated, open-minded and grand
lady (26-31) as my future wife. The intention is to establish
contact and know each other through email. The plan is then to
get married (in Jordan, Palestine, Europe or USA) if there is
chemistry and things go fine. Please email me or forward my
message if you know somebody who might be interested. Thanks and
all my best wishes. George J. Wakileh george.wakileh@excite.com
George J. Wakileh <george.wakileh@excite.com>
Austria - Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 04:37:37 (PST)
PLEASE READ, RESPOND AND FORWARD Dear friends, In just one
week, thousands of Palestinians and their supporters from all
over the globe have signed the online petition at
http://rightofreturn.org/be-active/petition/ sponsored by The
Council for Palestinian Restitution and Repatriation (CPRR) whose
website is at http://rightofreturn.org. The petition affirms that
"every Palestinian has a legitimate, individual right to
absolute restitution of all of his or her property and the right
to return to his or her original home." If you have not done
so, please take a moment to add your signature to the petition.
We need all Palestinians and their supporters to sign and we are
seeking your help in achieving this goal. A paper version of the
petition is available at
http://rightofreturn.org/tell-others/materials/petition.html. We
kindly ask you to print, collect signatures, and return completed
forms to CPRR, P. O. Box 21520, Washington D.C. 20009, USA.
Organizations and/or their chapters wishing to affiliate with
this campaign may do so directly at
http://rightofreturn.org/tell-others/affiliateregister/. Implied
is support for CPRR's mission statement and the text of the
petition. Should you or your organization have a website, we ask
that you make a link the petition in order to further publicize
the petition. Please help this campaign by encouraging as many
people as you can to sign the petition. The world needs to know
that Palestinians are determined to preserve their legitimate
rights and that their friends stand by them. CPRR is a
non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to providing
legal aid to Palestinians and their heirs to achieve their
legitimate rights. CPRR's Advisory Board members include Haidar
Abdul Shafi, Ibrahim Abu Lughod, Salman Abu Sittah, Basel Aql,
Naseer Aruri, Hanan Ashrawi, Noam Chomsky, Burhan Dajani,
Abulhuda Farouki, Norman Finkelstein, Shafiq al-Hout, Said
Khoury, Fouad Moughrabi, and Hasib Sabbagh. Organizations and/or
their chapters that have so far affiliated with CPRR include
ADC-University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Chapter; ADC-Central
Pennsylvania Chapter; Deir Yassin Remembered; Hanthala,
Palestine; LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of
Human Rights and the Environment; MIFTAH - The Palestinian
Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy;
National Lawyers Guild (USA), Palestine Solidarity Committee at
the University of Texas at Austin; The Arab Student Organization
at Michigan State; The Palestine Chronicle; The Palestine
Committee at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and The
Quaker Palestinian Youth Program. For more information visit
http://rightofreturn.org or write to CPRR, P.O. Box 21520,
Washington D.C. 20009, USA, fax (1) (775) 418-5980, e-mail:
info@rightofreturn.org. This action-alert is signed by: Sawsan
Abdulrahim Zahi Damuni Arjan El Fassed Hanan Elmasu Maysam Faruqi
Adam Hanieh Nancy Mahmoud Mary Nazzal Nigel Parry Mazin Qumsieh
CPRR
<info@rightofreturn.org>
USA - Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 20:41:43 (PST)
GREETINGS
joseph khawaja <cawash@argolink.net>
houston, tx USA - Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 09:10:14 (PST)
Hi I am a student at Radford University my major is
elemetary education. As part of my curriculum I am attending a
multicultural education class. Fot this class I have to do a
presentation. I choose Arab American because this is a subject I
know nothing about. I feel that inorder to be an effective
teacher I need to know about all cultures. I feel that the only
way to understand different cultures is through education. I need
to find info on the Arab American culture to help me in the
classroom. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank
you
Rose <rmullins@runet.edu>
USA - Friday, January 28, 2000 at 06:39:12 (PST)
Greetings, My grandfather was Elias Saah from Ramallah. He
came to the US in the early 1900's and settled in the
Lewes/Rehobeth, Delaware area. He was a rug and lace merchant.
Other details on him are rather sketchy. I am trying to contact
other Saahs with a Ramallah heritage to see if they can help shed
some light on my family history. Any help would be greatly
appreciated, thanks, John Elias
John Elias <sea354@aol.com>
Coopersburg, PA USA - Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 19:53:25
(PST)
people.i am shocked about all of this talk about who is
from ramallah and who isnt. check the history books people, first
of all ramallah was a part of jordan before being taken away by
the yahood.secondly i really dont think that it matters who is
from where as far as the clubs are concerned. I speak from first
hand experience, my father is jordanian and my mother is from
ramallah,so by tradition i am considered jordanian and proud of
it.this being a fact however i have served as secretary to the
ramallah ladies club for three terms. not only did i have a vote
(gasp), i was on the board for maybe two years also, several
years ago i was asked to be president for the ladies club.
imagine that. we are all one family and this should not even be a
topic. if this habal is enforced then eventually the clubs will
die off and shut down because of the percentages of people not
marrying ramallites. see you all at the convention in orlando.
Howaida Mousa <weedda@aol.com>
jax, fl USA - Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 18:47:07 (PST)
Hello Ramallah!!! I just wanted to advise that everyone
attend the mid year...it'll be worthwhile. Shoutouts to JuJu,
Jen, Sophia, Miranda, Issa, Theresa, Johnny and all the rest of
my cousins. JuJu & Johnny Hawillll
Lora <LoLaLooLa>
Cleveland, Oh USA - Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 13:07:35 (PST)
http://www.miftah.org/ramallahclubjax/ This is the Ramallah
Club of Jacksonville website. You all might find this site
useful, anyone looking for information about convention updates
and things, people to email, numbers to call, it will all be on
this site. Take care..Much Love to Budta, LoLa, Sophia, and Tina!
yall are my girls!
Miranda Bateh <Shuggah427>
Jax, Fla USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 19:57:31 (PST)
Hey Everyone. I just wanted to let all of you know that the
Ramallah American Club does have an e-mail address and a website
to which you can go to and get convention information as it
becomes available. Here are one of many e-mails to get ahold of
us: randye@fcol.com - randye@newmail.net - RACofJax@yahoo.com.
Here is our website address in case you have trouble with the
link posted below: http://www.miftah.org/ramallahclubjax/ There
will be more information coming by Friday of this week regarding
the convention. If you have any other questions, please don't
hesitate to e-mail us.
Randy Elias
<randye@fcol.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 16:14:29 (PST)
A POAM ---The Story Kamal Nassir (1961) I will tell you a
story .. A story that lived in the dreams of people .. A story
that comes out of the world of tents .. Was made by hunger, and
decorated by the dark nights In my country, and my country is a
handfull of refugees .. Every twenty of them have a pound of
flour .. And promises of a relief .. gifts and parcels It is the
story of the suffering group Who stood for ten years in hunger In
tears and agony .. In hardship and yearning .. * * * It is a
story of a people who were misled Who were thrown into the mazes
of years But they defied and stood Disrobed and united And went
to light, from the tents, The revolution of return in the world
of darkness ------------
crystal <crystalx6@aol.com>
w.bloomfield, mi USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 06:13:27 (PST)
you may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted
lies,you may trod me in the very dirt but still, like dust,i'll
rise. does my sassiness upset you? why are you beset with gloom?
casue i walk like i've got oil wells pumping in my living room.
just like moons and like suns,with the certainty of tides, just
like hopes springing high,still i'll rise.did you want to see me
broken? bowed head and lowred eyes? shoulders falling down like
teardrops, weakened by my soulful cries. does my haughtiness
offend you? dont take it awful hard 'cause i laugh like i've got
gold mines digging' in my own bckyard. you may shoot me with
words, you may cut me with your eyes.you may kill me with
hatefulness, but still, like air, i 'll rise. does my sexiness
upset you? does it come as a surpise that i dance like i;ve got
diamonds at the metting of my thighs? out of the huts of
history's shame i rise up from a past that's rooted in pain i
rise im an arabian woman, leaping and wide , welling and swelling
i bear in the tide. leaving behind nights of terror and scarzim
and fear i rise into a daybreak that's wondrously clear i rise
bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, im the dream and the
hope of an arabs man hopes, i rise i rise i rise i rise.
crystal <crystalx6@aol.com>
w.bloomfield, mi USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 06:01:44 (PST)
hello everyone im one of the board members on the detroit
ramallah club, and just want every one to please come to our mid
year party, we need everyones suport, and ill see everyone at the
Orlando conv. love to all my people. crystal
crystal <crystalx6@aol.com>
w.bloomfield, mi USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 05:56:35 (PST)
Marhubba!!!!
Jason Misleh <jdm1983@yahoo.com>
LIVONIA, MI USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 04:23:44 (PST)
To Issa Kash from Cleveland, Your Uncle Marwan Kash is one
of the Hathihe Ramallah magazine's correspondents here in
Cleveland, along with Ragda Harb. U can contact one of them in
regards to your Grandmother. Couple of shout outs to a few of my
favorite people here.. Jen,Lora,Kathy ( we miss u in cleveland
)Johnny ( hawill) Sliceeeeee ( ya ibin khalee wain inta?) Much
love to u all.
JoAnn
cleveland, oh USA - Friday, January 21, 2000 at 20:16:38 (PST)
Hello everyone. Just wanna say HI to all my cousin's all
around town and my Ramallah friends in Detroit. Hope to you see
you guys at the Mid Year Party, if not see ya in Orlando.
Maha Faris
Detroit, MI USA - Friday, January 21, 2000 at 13:57:32 (PST)
Dear friends,
Please take a moment to sign the online petition at http://rightofreturn.org/petition/index.html. The petition reaffirms the inalienable right of every Palestinian to individual and absolute restitution of his/her property, and the right to return to their original home. The petition is sponsored by The Council for Palestinian Restitution and Repatriation (CPRR), an organization recently established to provide legal aid to Palestinians and their heirs to achieve their legitimate rights.
The inalienable rights of Palestinians to restitution and repatriation are solidly anchored in a wide range of international resolutions and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous UN resolutions, and apply equally to past, current and future generations. As such, they can neither be granted nor abrogated by others.
At this time, it is urgent that all people of conscience stand together to counter the escalating pressure on Palestinians to surrender their rights and to remind all of the inalienable nature of these rights.
CPRR's work is an essential part of the Palestinian people's struggle or justice. But its success depends on your support. We invite you to become a member of CPRR to help Palestinians secure their rights. By becoming a member of CPRR you will automatically add your name to the Right to Return Campaign. For more information visit http://rightofreturn.org or write to CPRR, P.O. Box 21520, Washington D.C. 20009, USA, fax (1) (775) 418-5980, e-mail: info@rightofreturn.org
In solidarity,
Sawsan Abdulrahim
Zahi Damuni
Arjan El Fassed
Maysam Faruqi
Sam Husseini
Nigel Parry
The Council for Palestinian
Restitution and Repatriation (CPRR) <info@rightofreturn.org>
- Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 18:02:28 (PST)
I'll see you in Orlando ,meantime anyone wanting to chat
email me.
Charlie Shunnarah <cshunna@aol.com>
Louisville, ky USA - Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 14:39:36 (PST)
HEY WHATS UP EVERYONE! JUST WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO ALL
MY PEEPS ALL OVER THE USA! THE CLEVELAND CONVENTION WAS A BLAST,
AND I KNOW THAT THE ORLANDO CONVENTION IS GOING TO BE EVEN
BETTER! BUT I HAVE TO SAY THAT NOTHING COMPARES TO THE 1997
DETROIT CONVENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HEY, FOR ANYONE
THAT IS GOING OR THINKING ABOUT GOING TO THE MID-YEAR CONVENTION
BETTER GO, CUZ WE, THE DETROIT DEBKAH TROOP, WILL BE PREFORMING
AT THE BANQUET ON SATURDAY THE 19TH. HOPE TO SEE U ALL
THERE!!!!!! BEFORE I GO I WANT TO SAY WHAT UP TO MY GIRL
CHRSITINA, AND HER SISTER JENNINFER,DEANNA, ALL MY BOYZ IN
CHICAGO, MY PPL IN FLORIDA, CALI, OHIO, AND INDIANA! I LUV U
ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
heather
detroit, mi USA - Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 20:41:35 (PST)
To all my frrendz in Texas- HEY!!!!!!
Jan Norman
Arlington, Va USA - Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 18:42:56 (PST)
Excellent page and source of information on Ramallah and
Palestine. Many of my relatives are Ramallahites! Thanks Ray
Hanania http://www.hanania.com
Ray Hanania <rayhanania@aol.com>
Orland Park, IL USA - Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 08:33:42
(PST)
Hello everyone. Im writing on here in regards to some
information i need on how i can have my grandmother put into
Hathihe Ramallah. She passed away in November so if anyone can
please email me and let me know the best way of accomplishing
this task. I would grately appreciate it.
issa kash <ikash@hotmail.com>
cleveland, oh USA - Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 22:38:12 (PST)
Hey everyone! In regards to the emailing of the Jax
Ramallah club...the reason why your letters aren't going through
is because there is no email address for the club. I dont know
who put that link in there, but as far as my father's concern
(the president of the club) he was not even aware of any email
address being put on the website. So I'm sorry to inform everyone
but if you try to email the club, it won't work. Thanks, Miranda
Miranda Bateh <Shuggah427>
Jax, FL USA - Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 07:56:59 (PST)
Hi everyone, I have the same comment Susan Ayoub had. I've
been trying to E-mail the convention comittee but I can't seem to
get through. I also have bascially the same question Susan had
concerning Disney and the rates that are going to be charged. If
you have this information can u please post it or e-mail me and
let me know. I would very much appreciate this. Shouts out to all
my peeps, Shuggah, Lola, Pay, JuJ, my sister Cmazrak and Ammura,
Arabgirl, Cuzunothis, Toonie, NJR, Aham, Mstar and Fuss, Hope to
see everyone at the Midyear in Mich. It's gonna be so much fun
inshallah, If not hope to see u in Orlando. Love always Butta
Jennifer <PLObudta>
Detroit, MI USA - Saturday, January 15, 2000 at 20:23:05 (PST)
I just tried emailing the Jacksonville club, the email was
undilverable. I would like to know what arrangement are being
made with DISNEY if any? Does anyone know the rates we will be
charged? Thank you, Susan Ayoub.
Susan Ayoub <ayoubes@aol.com>
Canton, Mi USA - Thursday, January 13, 2000 at 15:58:07 (PST)
For President of AFRP homepage- Thanxs for not printing
that one long e-mail I sent in. I am glad you are the editor. I
am happy to see you have printed my other e-mails. It was just a
difficult day that day and I should have stayed in bed! Thanks
again. I was even dreading reading it the next day! Without
personal faces in front of you it is easy to say what comes to
mind instead of what comes to the heart at times. Peace, Jan
JAN NORMAN
Arlington, Va USA - Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 11:42:22 (PST)
SENDING MY LOVE TO MY COUSINS AND FRIENDS, AUNTS AND
UNCLES, MY SISTERS LINA, JENNIFER AND TAMARA, TO MY MOM, BY
BROTHER IN LAW JOHNNY AND TO MY FIANCE ZIAD!
Christina Azrak <cmazrak@aol.com>
Detroit, MI USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at 12:59:41 (PST)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. This being the
2000th year since the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we the
Christians of Palestine have a lot to celebrate. After all, it
was on our land the Jesus Christ was born, were he preached and
were he was crucified, buried and later accended into Heaven. So,
KUUL AAM WA ANTUM BE ALFAIN (2000) KHAIR!!! In the summer of
1998, shortly after my high school graduation, I went to the
Middle East for the first time ever with Project Hope. It didn't
make any more an Arab than what I was before I left but it taught
me a lot about our land and the places that me parents have been
telling me about my whole life. I loved the trip and it's title
was very suitable for what we did while we were there. We left
around the 15th of June and returned 2 weeks or so later. Project
Hope was designed for the youth and professional who don't know
too much about there homeland and would like to contribute some
of their skill to Ramallah and Palestine as a whole. I wouldn't
be wise for every trip that is scheduled through the Federation
to be called or referred to as Project Hope. A trip to Palestine
during Easter is the most spirtual or religious trip that a
Christian can make during their lifetime and for a trip like that
to be called PROJECT HOPE is just not fitting. Paul, you and the
lady from VA need to just discuss the issues and try not to point
too many fingers, even though they may be in their place. We must
remeber that we are one community and we elected our leaders and
it their is something that they do that we disagree with we
should discuss it in a general manner. We were together on that
trip and we had an excellent time. Let's try to keep this flowing
so that future generations can have as much fun as we did. HAPPY
NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!! ME REGARDS TO MY COUSINS AND FRIENDS HERE
IN MICHIGAN..THE KASH FAMILY,,THE FAKHOURY'S, THE CADOURA'S, THE
ENTIRE DETROIT CLUB AND THE DETROIT DEBKE
TROUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christina Azrak <cmazrak@aol.com>
Detroit, MI USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at 12:56:32 (PST)
I WANT TO SEND OUT A FEW SHOUT OUTS...FIRST TO ALL OF THE
SHAYEB, ABUHADEED, KASH, EADEH, AND SHAMALY COUSINS WORLD
WIDE.... HEY LORA, JOHNNY, TERESA, GLORIA, GEORGE KASH, JOHNNY
KASH,DEANNA KASH, EDDIE SHAYEB, JEB, SAM, AND SANDY. I SEE YA ALL
SOMETIME....PEACE OUT
Layla Shayeb <Lshayeb@yahoo.com>
Cleveland, OH USA - Saturday, January 08, 2000 at 16:52:29 (PST)
WHAT UP TO ALL MY COUSINS WORLD WIDE. SEE YA SOON. PEACE
OUT!!!
Leila Shayeb <Lshayeb@yahoo.com>
Cleveland, OH USA - Saturday, January 08, 2000 at 09:51:34 (PST)
HELLO TO ALL OF MY COUSINS AROUND THE WORLD. HAPPY NEW YEAR
TO EVERYONE!!!
Susie Shayeb <sshayeb@worldnet.att.com>
Cleveland, OH USA - Saturday, January 08, 2000 at 07:57:36 (PST)
I know friends that are from Ramallah. Mohammad Aziz Othman
Marie A Augimeri <MarieDream@AOL.com>
Downey, Ca USA - Thursday, January 06, 2000 at 16:11:25 (PST)
Hello and Marhaba to all Ramallah people and Arabs in
general. I am very interested in being involved in Project Hope
this year. Can someone please send me detailed information about
what needs to be done on my part in order to be part of the team
that goes? I would really appreciate it. The Ramallah Federation
sometimes can be very beaurocratic when it comes to events like
Project Hope and at other times rather private and low-profile,
especially when it comes to decision making. There needs to be
some kind of balance in my opinion, but alot of good has been
accomplished already so don't take my constructive criticism the
wrong way. Well, thanx alot and I hope to hear from someone in
reference to signing up. Long live Palestine and all those who
fight daily for the Arab Cause!
John <jasaahae@hotmail.com>
Washington, DC USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 20:37:29 (PST)
It is important for us all to realize that the word HOPE is
not relegated to just the youth. Hope comes from many sources and
hope comes in many different ways. I agree that the time
scheduled for this year's Project Hope is not really a good time
for those of us who are in school. This time is feasible,
however, for those who can take the time off of work and join in
on the trip. These adults-whether young or old-can provide hope
just as we of the younger generation can. We cannot lose sight of
this. Just because the trip scheduled for the spring does not
conform to your traditional Project Hope criteria does not mean
that it cannot accomplish honorable goals. CONTINUED...
Ronya Misleh <rmisleh@richmond.edu>
Richmond, Va USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 20:35:27 (PST)
CONTINUED... I think saying that it is a fact that most of
the Ramallah youth of today are "white" or consider
themselves to be "American" is a fallacy. First of all,
so what if they are? They live in America, do they not? There is
some value to the way of life and customs of this country. If
there were not, our families would not have chosen to settle
here. Regardless...let's say being "white" or being
"American" is, in fact, a bad thing. By disrespecting
the Federation you say you are so proud to be a part of, you are
promoting those same values that you are criticizing. By publicly
ridiculing the President of the Federation, by not addressing him
as such (by not even addressing him as Umo or even Mr.) you, my
friend, are succumbing to the tendencies and atrocities you are
criticizing your very own cousins of having adopted. Telling
people that the next President is going to do things your way
(which I can infer you think is the right way) is blatantly
disrespectful of the current President and of the Federation that
elected him. It is my understanding that Project Hope would have
happened last August had it not been for the inability of the
travel agent to secure timely flights back to the US. Had flights
been arranged, the mission would have occurred as planned and as
you would have liked. You would have even been able to take part.
But things happened that were beyond the control of the
President. That is why he is doing all that is in his power to
make a trip this spring. Do not even begin to believe that I am
on this campaign because the President happens to be my uncle. I
am smarter than that. I am taking this stand because I think that
you and many others are losing sight of the real issue here.
Project Hope is not supposed to bring out selfish tendencies. It
is not meant to give you a reason to get on your well-worn
soapbox. The goal of Project Hope--as I've said before--is to
bring hope to our homeland and bring us all closer to each other,
here and in Ramallah. How hope gets there or who brings it is
irrelevant and not important.
Ronya Misleh <rmisleh@richmond.edu>
Richmond, Va USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 20:34:22 (PST)
Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!!! Hope to see
everyone at the Mid Year Party here in Detroit, if not see you at
the convention!!!
Maha <aham529@aol.com>
Hockeytown, MI USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 19:23:20 (PST)
Several years ago, a group of young people traveled to
Ramallah. During their visit, they cleaned the streets of their
homeland and planted flowers. This trip came to be known as
Project Hope. Since then, Project Hope has evolved into much
more, but the intention of stewardship and encouragement of hope
has remained constant throughout the years. Last year, under the
leadership of President Farhat, several young adults accompanied
a group of their elders on a trip to Palestine and Jordan. When I
became President in July, it was part of my agenda to make such a
trip during my tenure. I hoped to take a group to Ramallah last
August. The purpose of that trip was to get the youth involved
with the Boy Scouts of Ramallah. Unfortunately, it was not
possible to get flights out of the region in time for the
students to return to school before the fall semester began.
Thus, the trip was cancelled. Since then, I have been planning
another trip to the region; it is my hope that young business
people and professionals can make the trip to their homeland and
subsequently create valuable economic and commercial ties.
Because my term as President ends at the Orlando convention this
July, the only feasible time that I could lead a trip is the time
that I have scheduled to be taken. My own children will be in
school during this time and will be unable to attend. For those
of you in the same situation, please do not despair. Another trip
is being planned for August, under the direction of the Deputy
President. It is the intention of this great Federation to
accommodate and work with all of our members and not just one
segment. It is important for us all to understand that there are
many ways in which we can--as individuals and groups--help
Ramallah. For those of you who have careers, and who are working
and who would like to go to Ramallah in order to see the
situation for yourself and make an assessment on what can be done
to improve life in Palestine as well as benefit your business or
profession. Please join us. For those who just want to go visit
the Holyland and have a good time, you also are welcome. For
those of you who are in school in April ---or who for any other
reason cannot make the April trip---August is only a few months
away. Furthermore, I am very happy to see so much interest from
our youth regarding Project Hope. However, you must understand
that Project Hope can take on several different faces and this
one is for the business and professionals, who also have a great
deal to learn and contribute to Palestine. Although, the school
aged youth are a very important part of our future, so are those
who are in the working world. There is no reason to deprive them
of a wonderful experience or deprive Ramallah of their
contribution. Have a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Husam Misleh <hmisleh@aol.com>
Vienna, VA USA - Monday, January 03, 2000 at 09:08:15 (PST)
Dear Paul, In reading your last comment in the guestbook i
became a little aggrivated. For one thing the guesbook is for
lovely comments and not belittling ones. It doesnt matter what
time of day it was you wrote that letter to President Misleh. You
are addressing the president of the federatation, and if you
expect changes, you must ask for them in a gentleman like
fashion. Im sure they teach that up there in Ann Arbor. Secondly,
mabrook on your aunt becoming the next federation president next
year, but we dont need to hear how she will do better than the
current one. That prophecy is for time to decide and not nephews.
Like Ronya Misleh said to you in a previous letter, "last
time I checked, nepotism was not the protocol," so learn by
your mistakes and dont mention nepotistic tendencies again. And
finally, we dont need to hear all of your credentials and all
your debke troupes. Personally i could care less, if you feel a
need to make yourself high and mighty, put all that information
in the Ramallah Magazine, where people can read it at their
discretion. Shukran habibi, ou allah ma'hak. Rommie J. Misleh
Rommie Misleh <mislehrj@jmu.edu>
Fairfax, Va USA - Monday, January 03, 2000 at 08:17:18 (PST)
Hi Everyone. I hope you all had a great holiday. In regards
to the project hope issue: I am not from the Ramallah family, but
I am from a beautiful little town adjacent to Ramallah, so I have
been lucky enough to experience both the country life of my town
Surda and the city life of Ramallah. Before I began to go home to
Palestine to see our beautiful country, my only source of
knowledge about my homeland was from my parents. They taught me
everything they could possibly teach me from the life they lived
back home before they got married and came to the USA.But to tell
you the truth, what they taught me wasn't enough. I had to
experience it myself to know the true meaning and beauty of what
my parents taught me. Yes, I did understand Arabic before, and I
did take Arabic lessons as a child, but it still wasn't enough.
After visiting Palestine and learning for myself our country's
true worth, I got in touch with my Arabic/Palestinian identity
that I was missing when I was living in America. I began
volunteering for Arab organizations and fundraisers, I started a
dabka troupe, and I even went to the Arab Student Conference at
the University of Michigan that Paul mentioned. That's how
motivated I became. Even if it was only for a month or two out of
the year, being in Palestine was the best thing that happened to
me. I agree 110% with Paul. Seems like he and I were both
motivated to be more active in the Arab community after actually
going to Palestine.The Arab youth these days are losing touch
with their Arab identity. I think it's a wonderful idea that the
Ramallah community has project hope. But unfortunately the dates
scheduled for this year's project hope are inappropriate for the
people who really should be going to Ramallah, the youth.
President Misleh, you have stood by me on previous controversial
issues that were in this guestbook, and I thank you for that. My
opinion may not be worth much since I am not from the Ramallah
family, but I ask that you change the dates for project hope, for
the sake of the Ramallah youth. Thanks and God Bless.
Salwa A. <Shazarr79@aol.com>
Houston, TX USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 14:19:08 (PST)
AFRP Web Site December 1999 statistics. (Total
hits: 28,464; Total unique hosts:
958; Total kilobytes transferred: 745,753)
AFRP December Stats <afrp@afrp.org>
USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 11:13:06 (PST)
I disagree with the dates for project hope as well. Since
this program was geared towards the younger generation I hope in
the future suitable dates will be more feasible. It seems as
though its out of everyones control to change the dates this year
which is fine- I hope all who can go will seize the opportunity
to do so. But I definitly agree with Paul and Jennifer- Project
Hope should by all means be an opportunity to not only give back
to our Homeland, but to experience it for ourselves. This, I'm
sure, will bring us all closer to our roots- no matter how we
were raised. Anyways, I really hope in the future this trip will
be planned with who it is intended for in mind.
Deena <sharaka145@aol.com>
Jax., Fl USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 01:23:10 (PST)
Project Hope enabled me to become more involved in my
community than ever before. Even though I was the president of
the detroit ramallah youth group while in high school, and even
though i was in two organized debke troups for the federation
before Project Hope, I used my experience from being in Ramallah
to motivate me to become more active. Since last year, I've
helped organized the first ever Arab-American Student Activism
conference in the nation at the University of Michigan. This year
we're planning the second annual conference, which I highly
reccomend that u attend. the url is:
www.umich.edu/~adcum/conference. Anyway, the point is that my
experience like spraked something inside of me, and I only wish
that all ramallah youth can feel it. That is why i'm such an
advocate for this. Yeah, I agree my letter to Hisam was a little
harsh, but i wrote that at like 3am and i was pretty angry too.
However, I still stand by my viewpoint that Project Hope should
be intended for the youth. That is why when my aunt becomes the
president after hisam, she will lead a true Project Hope in
August 2000. It is too bad that President Misleh can't wait until
August to go. Paul Saba
Paul G. Saba <psaba@umich.edu>
Ann Arbor, Mi USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 00:54:29 (PST)
Dear Ronya, it seems to me as though you totally disregard
the meaning of Project Hope. The trip your uncle is taking
shouldn't be called Project Hope, it should maintain the
"trip to ramallah during easter" meaning. My father is
the one who has been scheduling and running these
"trips" for the past ten or so years. Project Hope
should only pertain to youth and to young adults, so by calling
the April trip "project hope" is simply wrong. I would
have no problem whatsoever with this trip if it just remained a
trip for adults. By continuing "Project Hope," the
federation is not being consistent. Last year, your unlce had to
cancel the third annual Project hope because of difficulty in
scheduling; however, he at least intended that trip for ramallah
youth to partake in it. Now,it just doesn't seem right to exclude
the core people who should go. You mention that the youth should
be in school to better server their community...there is no
arguement there; however, they will be able to serve their
community with not only a high degree of education, but also with
the oppurtunity to actually experience their homeland. By denying
them that chance, all you have are people going for the
"vacation" purposes, instead of the volunteer work. By
being able to connect personally with the land your ancestors
come from, you are able to express yourself more fully. We, at
this age, are learning more than we ever will when we grow
up...therefore, now is the most crucial time for us to go to
Ramallah and Palestine. Although your family may be well cultured
and contain good arab values, the majority of today's teenage
ramallah youth are not. This is not an opinion, it is fact. I can
use the fact that cousins I have from all over the United STates
say that the ramallah youth in their community are so
"white" that they regard themselves as
"american," instead of arab-amercian. However, I will
use the simple fact of evolution: with more and more generations
emerging from Arab-American parents, it is inevitable that future
Ramallah youth will be able to maintain the Arab-American
identity as we know it today. Continued
Paul G. Saba <psaba@umich.edu>
USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 00:52:52 (PST)
You guys can write and talk as much as you want. The bottom
line Project Hope cannot proceed with the April dates. From my
understanding our Board of Dircectors did not agree on these
dates.
Joe
Detroit, MI USA - Saturday, January 01, 2000 at 20:59:54 (PST)
Well I must disagree with the dates of Project Hope...I do
believe going to Ramallah is a vital part of knowing who we are
and where we came from. I know as much as a human brain can
possibly hold about my culture..and still trying to learn
more...but I do not believe that one is culturally complete until
they see where it all began. I am rather disappointed about the
dates...I will be in school. Hopefully next year the dates will
be during the summer...when the youth can go.
Jennifer Farhat <Jenfr18@aol.com>
USA - Saturday, January 01, 2000 at 17:40:22 (PST)