a postcard from palestine 💌
& a publication in The Markaz Review
I arrived in Palestine just over 24 hours ago, exhausted and beaming. The layers of familiarity soothe the hazy daze of jet lag. I was picked up by the same taxi driver who dropped me off at the airport two years ago — what a relief after a long journey to be met with the warmth of instant recognition in a crowd of arrivals. I’m back in my former apartment, staying with best friend Matt, and sleeping in a bedroom that was once mine. The neighbor is still hollering after her kids from the balcony, and the bees still flirting with the lavender in our garden.
I spent most of today in recovery sleep, peppered with morning coffee chats with Matt before he took off for his work week in Gaza, hugs and kisses from my landlady who doubles as a doting mother, and enthusiastic banter with my neighborhood falafel guy who refused payment with a hand on his heart.
I am happy. And so grateful for the chance to visit and reconnect with my favorite place on earth. Tensions are higher than usual here, especially in the West Bank, where Israeli military and settler-led violence is emboldened under an extremist government. Even so, the rhythm, textures, and warmth of Palestine persists. I wonder what these next few weeks will hold, personally and politically. I wonder what I’ll notice about Palestine, and myself, through the lens of a fresh return.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to contribute an essay to the March issue of The Markaz Review that has a theme of home – a perfectly timed (and themed) assignment that forced me to carve out time for reflection amidst the whirldwind of preparing for this trip. The issue was published today, and I would love it if you read my piece.
It’s been one year since I launched this newsletter. I don’t think I’ve ever kept up with a personal project for this long and with such consistency. This outlet has been a formative space to wholeheartedly step into myself as a writer. A big thank you for following along with my writing, for being in conversation with me through your comments and emails and text messages, and for giving my thoughts a second home in your hearts.
More to come. 💕
I love that you are loved by so many around the globe, and that feel at home in places which fear has made so distant for many.
May Allah protect you and everyone around you and reward the patience of the wronged with freedom from occupation, lasting peace and blissful prosperity. Inshallah 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Have fun and welcome home!