Hassan El-Nabih<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was fortunate to live for about six years in Britain, the USA, and Canada. My visits to these western countries were mainly for academic purposes, but I had excellent opportunities to communicate with westerners on a daily basis: in the university, at the market, on the bus, etc. I noticed that many westerners have distorted images and fabricated views of Palestinians, which can largely be attributed to the Israeli\/Jewish propaganda machine. Nevertheless, I also noticed that the westerners in general are open-minded and willing to listen and get at the truth. In this regard, I would like to share a special experience I had with one of my American professors in 2009 while I was studying for my doctorate program in Boston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the professor\u2019s course, my classmates and I had to individually meet with her in her office in order to discuss the development of our course projects. On my first visit, I talked about my experience as a Palestinian teacher of English for more than twenty years in Gaza. The professor referred to her teaching philosophy posted on the back of her office door. It included nine characteristics: knowledge of the subject, course preparation and organization, clarity and understandability, enthusiasm for teaching, concern with students\u2019 learning progress, availability and helpfulness, quality of examinations, impartiality in evaluating students, and overall fairness to students. I expressed my appreciation of these characteristics and highlighted the importance of having some fun in the classroom, as I believe in edutainment (blend of \u2018education\u2019 and \u2018entertainment\u2019). With a big smile lighting up her face, the professor got up immediately and wrote this characteristic at the top of the philosophy list with my name next to it \u2014 Fun! (Hassan).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A week later, when I arrived at the professor\u2019s office for my second visit, I saw on the door a letter-size poster with the title \u201cWhat if Hamas was in your neighborhood?\u201d followed by two paragraphs referring to Israel\u2019s war on the Gaza Strip which had ended a few weeks earlier (January 2009). Skimming the poster, I was shocked by the myths the poster included. I entered the office, and more shockingly, I saw a copy of the same poster on the wall. I greeted the professor and asked why she had the poster in and outside her office. She answered, \u201cI\u2019d like to balance out what I feel has been a one-sided presentation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\u201d I turned my laptop on and showed her a two-minute clip entitled \u201cBehind the Scenes\u2013Closed Zone<\/em>.\u201d The animation was made by Gisha<\/a>, an Israeli (not Palestinian) organization, depicting the relentless, inhumane siege on Gaza. I told the professor that I had a traumatic experience during this [2009] war on Gaza; I was away from my family in Gaza, and the horrible news about the casualties and destruction there haunted my nightmares. I also showed the professor a photo of my mother, who was just nine years old in 1948, when she and her family escaped with their lives to Gaza after Israeli troops brutally attacked their village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n United Nations premises and shelters, were severely attacked. The message of your poster is a call for more killing and more destruction. IS THIS FAIR?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As one of your students, I have been hurt very much by this poster. My children in Gaza will not be happy to know that one of my professors supports the war on Gaza. I don\u2019t think that this fits into your good teaching philosophy characteristic \u201cFairness to Students.\u201d The concept of \u2018students\u2019 here applies to your actual university students as well as to those who approach you as a great scholar who has enriched knowledge for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I do agree that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is very complicated; however, I still believe that there can be a solution if the international community makes reasonable efforts towards putting an end to the Palestinian suffering over the past seven decades. By doing so, there will be a lasting peace for all nations in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, I hope when I visit your office next time, I can see informative, interesting, and peaceful stuff posted on your office door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I wish you peace, love, and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hassan El-Nabih<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, my message achieved the desired effect on the professor\u2019s attitude. When I visited her the following week, she thoughtfully welcomed me, and I was really thrilled to see some beautiful flowers in place of the poster! Later, our communication developed into a strong friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As highlighted above, my professor in Boston represents many westerners who do not have enough information about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Others, however, are unfortunately under the illusion that they know the truth. I would like to conclude my article with some important informative points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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