Palestine

     We read two stories on individuals in Palestine and learned of their hardships. The first, Ibtisam, was diagnosed with Polio at the age of two and has always felt different. It wasn't until grade school where she was praised for her paper; from then on she loved to learn. She went to college and eventually worked in a cultural center where she helped kids. These kids had a safe place to play and learn about Palestinian culture since it wasn't taught in school's. However, going back and forth from her home and work, Ibtisam, had to pass through checkpoints. Checkpoints are awful as they stop and examine each person before letting them through; the Israelis are especially mean to the Palestinians. One particular soldier verbally harassed Ibtisam every time she passed a checkpoint. The next story is about Jamal, who came from a long line of fisherman. The Israelis limited the ocean bounds in which the Palestinian fisherman could fish. However, there is barely any fish within the boundary and most fisherman are now left super poor. The Israelis will sometimes harass the fisherman and blow up their boats. Jamal never knows if he will make it home alive each day.
     It was interesting to read about the Palestinians because I have no idea on what is going on over there. Actually, I have no idea what goes on anywhere! Stories like these, make me realize how lucky we are to live in a free country! Our hardships seem so little compared to their everyday life. I mean, imagine if we had checkpoints that took hours on end to pass through!