Chapter 1: A Heartfelt Connection

This piece begins with a dream: that by reading this message, we inch closer to a Free Palestine.

During my time in Palestine, I had the privilege of leading a career development course. While it was officially in English, the reality was that the course was conducted primarily in Arabic, sprinkled with English translations and enriched by cultural exchanges. It was a labor of love that opened my heart to the Palestinian people.

On our first day, I invited everyone to introduce themselves in any manner they wished. This quickly evolved into sharing their names, birthdays, hometowns, and their aspirational careers. When it came time for them to ask about my own dreams, I was struck by their aspirations to become architects, engineers, and professors—all motivated by the desire to support their families and escape the confines of refugee camps.

Each day felt like a blend of practicality and fantasy. Despite their education, commitment, and determination to achieve their dreams, the legal and political obstacles imposed by the occupation severely limited their opportunities.

Weeks later, my birthday arrived, and I had forgotten that it had been mentioned on our first day. I treated it like any other day. During our customary 15-minute break, I headed to the office for tea, only to find my colleagues waiting with a large birthday card and delightful treats.

As I approached my classroom, I was puzzled by the closed door, the darkness, and the silence. Then, I opened the door to a beautiful surprise: a celebration filled with traditional Palestinian treats crafted by my students. Overwhelmed with emotions, I found myself in tears, speechless.

I was astounded that they remembered my birthday and had put this together for me. We spent the rest of the day immersed in celebration, sharing dreams, and deepening our connections. It felt surreal, like a scene from a film, and it became one of the most cherished moments of my life.

For a brief time, we were able to forget the burdens of occupation and simply embrace love, joy, and happiness in their purest forms.

As I hold this memory close to my heart, I urge you to envision Palestinians in this light: vibrant, full of life, possessing a captivating love, unmatched resilience, and an enthusiasm that can uplift any spirit.

Palestinians have taught me the essence of living authentically, regardless of the obstacles we face.

As a birthday gift to me or as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people, I encourage you to explore and invest in their joy. Discover their crafts, histories, stories, leaders, and creators. Advocate for their liberation.

Strive to see Palestinians as more than mere statistics or martyrs. Engage with their humanity. I am confident that once you truly get to know them, you will come to love and support their quest for freedom.

Chapter 2: Ways to Support Palestinian Joy

The video "All I Want for Mothers' Day is a Free Palestine!" explores the dreams and aspirations of Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and understanding.

In support of Palestinian culture, consider purchasing prints that donate 100% of proceeds to trusted organizations in Gaza. Here are some recommendations:

• Books for Children: When Za'atar Met Zeit by Wafa Shami
• Handcrafts: Tatreez & Tea: Embroidery and Tea in the Palestinian Diaspora by Wafa Ghnaim
• Cooking: Zaitoun: Recipes from the Palestinian Kitchen by Yasmin Khan
• Cultural Insights: We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Noha Eilouti

For music, explore 47 Soul or Palestinian sounds on Spotify and celebrate the vibrant tradition of Palestinian Dabke.

Support local shops like Nol Collective, PaliRoots, and Watan Palestine to further engage with Palestinian culture and contribute to their community.