This is the first update that I have been able to write to you my dear friends since my return from Germany where I spent the last three weeks free from the horror and pain of deadly conflict that has existed in my country for over 50 years.
This is the first update that I have been able to write to you my dear friends since my return from Germany where I spent the last three weeks free from the horror and pain of deadly conflict that has existed in my country for over 50 years.
Early this morning, around 5:00 am, I was woken up by the loud speakers from the Israeli troops marching into our city announcing that curfew is imposed and no one is allowed to leave their homes from now until an unknown date. We try to make light of the situation while we are forced to stay as prisoners in our own homes. We all joke and say that we believe the soldiers do not want us to go out due to the cold weather and rain. It is funny how we accept what is being forcibly imposed upon us, but really we have no choice.
I am not very optimistic about the situation, on the contrary; I am so horrified of what is going to happen here. While the world is watching for the next step to be taken by the United States against Iraq. Israel will use more aggressive and brutal measures against us while the eyes of the world are elsewhere.
Since I have been back, I thought maybe things had changed, and I looked forward to coming home, hoping to hear some good news but sadly the situation has only worsened. I have learned that many families from Bait Sahour have already fled the country seeking a safer home where they can feed their families, live in freedom and have some hope for their future. The citizens of Beit Sahour are suffering economic hardship more than ever; many of the families are only managing to survive from the humanitarian aid that we have received from Red Cross and other international institutions.
Now, more than ever, the citizens of the world who believe in freedom and justice need to stand against their governments and demand that they do not forge forward with the war. Those who have the power to stop this cycle of violence, to stop the bloodshed where only the innocent on both sides loose their lives, must act responsibly and with caution. We are humans who want to live in peace, we love life, and we deserve to live with dignity in a world that respects all human beings regardless of their nationality. I am appealing in the name of the citizens of Palestine; please do something to stop this ugly war. You can make a difference if you want, and in particular I mean those in the United States whose government is so intent on war.
I am sorry to start this year with such depressing thoughts and feelings, but this is the reality we are living under. I, along with my family, have already forgotten the wonderful three weeks we spent tasting freedom. We are now back, joining all in Palestine, returning to our prison (home) that we left three weeks ago.
Despite the uncertain times we are now living in, I would like to pass on my sincerest thanks to all our friends and supporters for your continued solidarity. Your communications are the light that breaks through the darkness around us and you give me the strength to continue. I have thought about not coming back to live in Beit Sahour and to remain in Germany for the sake of my family, but I couldn’t, not come home. Despite the fear, the horror and the hardship this is my country and I will always remain here, no matter what the Israeli try to do to force us out.
As always, I will try my best to keep you up to date about the situation in Beit Sahour.
Yours faithfully
Suzan Sahori
