Zain Mohammed Almasri – Jordan

I close my eyes, and I see the last three weeks of my life like an old silent movie before me. I see pictures of Nablus, my home that I was not fortunate enough to be raised in, among its warm infinitely struggling hills and mountains. A warm feeling imprisons me as I remember that sacred odor; Nablus’s odor that will stay with me for the rest of my life, even if I am destined to leave Nablus this time.

Pictures from this great city have conquered my mind. Now I see myself standing in front of the compound Building which was completely destroyed by Israeli soldiers last week. The looks on the Palestinians faces and the unexplainable strength in their eyes, that increases as time goes by, has always captured my heart, and formed important lessons that are not to fade, for this time dust is too heavy for wind to blow away.

I am leaving but my soul and deepest sentiments will stay with the Old City clinging to its long standing walls in the face of occupation. I am coming back, Inshallah, with the desire to make a change and help out. So this is not really a goodbye, it is just a temporary farewell to those who I truly admire and love.