But He Is Palestinian

Both during my student years in America, where I did odd jobs, and throughout my academic life, I have had the opportunity to meet many Arabs.

I lived in the same apartment building, worked at the same workplace, and participated in the same projects.

So far, not only have I not had any problems, but our relationships have been beyond excellent.

They still are.

We have formed serious friendships.

Upon our first meeting, the fact that my name was not a traditional Arabic name would draw attention, and they would secretly and discreetly ask my Turkish friends named Ahmet or Mehmet whether I was Muslim, so as not to offend me.

May God forgive me, even if I am not a very good believer, they would breathe a sigh of relief once they learned I was Muslim.

We would talk with our Arab friends about their countries and regional dynamics, and examine historical processes.

Some were Jordanian, some Egyptian, and others were from different Arab countries.

There were also those who were Palestinian.

Most Palestinians were citizens of Jordan or Saudi Arabia, which was pointedly emphasized by other Arabs in every conversation we had.

Despite having different passports from different countries, there was no division among them.

They all acted as part of the Arab nation.

Their languages were the same.

Their traditions were the same.

Their cultures were the same.

A very small number were of the community of Moses, some of Jesus, and most of the community of Muhammad.

Despite all of this, he was always Palestinian.