Kasia/Poland

I decided to make a journey to Palestine in order to touch, to feel and to learn about this land and its people. I am, and always remain, a distant observer, timidly peering through my European sunglasses, and yet the two intense weeks of the Zajel camp let me look at the West Bank reality from close up. I feel privileged that my Palestinian friends let me see everything around from inside, from their point of view. What I saw and experienced will never let me be indifferent again.

I saw the wall that divides peoples, which separates their conceptions, dreams and hopes. I touched the wires that separate their children and deprive both of them of the careless laughs of their childhood.

Every morning I savored the aroma of black, strong Arabic coffee, I smelled the most incredibly aromatic spices. I tasted the sweetest pride of Nablus- kanafa (goat’s cheese dressed with the sugary surrounding). I have been waking up early mornings to listen to the most mystical sound of the call for prayer.

I felt ashamed when I saw children’s smiles in Askar Refugee Camp. I realized that the last thing they need is a pity on them. I saw their energetic moves while playing, running and dancing Dabka. I laughed serenely with them, but I also noticed in the corner of their eyes the reflection of longing for the lost land, their frustration and uncertainty of tomorrow.

Children from Aksar have challenged me many times. They thought me about my own ego, my weaknesses as much as my strengths. They reminded me the very truth about human communication- the super flounces of any words. They made me realize that the future of the Palestinian land is in their hands…in our hands.