Preserved Online For All To See ... a poem by Anne Selden Annab

 in Growing Gardens for Palestine

“My Christian grandmother and my Muslim grandmother in Palestine” - Shared by a Palestinian man on Facebook

       
       The Holy Land

You have bullets, bully brigades,

biblical words & word smiths

all fundraising for more...

More injustice. More suffering.

More homes and gardens usurped,

more children tormented and

families destroyed in what was

(what always will be)

historic Palestine.

 

We have nothing much more

than personal stories,

beloved memories,

and old photographs

preserved online for all to see.

 

We are people, human beings.

Our ancestry reaches back

totally entwined with every

rock and stone, every tree,

every water well, every little flower,

no matter where we are now.

 

Our recipes are of the land

and trade routes, plus trial

and error.  We helped perfect bread

baked in clay ovens, in our own way.

 

Our Zaatar is a scrumptious blend

of herbs  & our olive oil is heavenly gold.

 

We keep keys.

 

Our embroideries are

by hand, with symbols

imagined and taught

mother to daughter for eons,

for longer than thread can last.

 

Our hope is that one day

justice and peace will prevail

for all good people willing to

actively empower fair and just laws

with full and equal rights, respect, 

dignity... and security for all.

 

                                  poem copyright ©2015 Anne Selden Annab     

Experience traditional Palestinian hospitality, culture and cuisine at the Arab Women's Union Guesthouse in the heart of historic Beit Sahour

The Arab Women's Unions - El-Beit Guesthouse

Welcome to the Arab Women's Union Guesthouse! We are excited about your visit and hope you will enjoy your stay with us where you will experience traditional Palestinian hospitality, culture and cuisine. Located in the heart of historic Beit Sahour, our guesthouse has a lobby, air conditioning in every room ( still not installed yet ) , a dining room for visitors and locals to meet and chat, 15 rooms, 33 beds, a full private bathroom in every room, and a beautiful balcony. The only part missing is you!

MISSION

The Arab Women Union was initiated in 1956 by a group of local women. Their main objective was to support the woman role in the community and enrich her position as a lead force. The first building was constructed in the same year and was used as the main centre of the Arab Women Union and also served as a day-care place for children. The project was the Union´s first activity and targeted the working women.

Throughout the years the Women Union´s activities were expanded and besides the day-care they started a rehabilitation centre for disabled “basma Center”, and a Kindergarten, a multipurpose hall for social and educational events and a guesthouse .

Because the vast majority of services offered at the Arab Women's Union are free, the guesthouse's mission is grounded in providing income for the Union as the guesthouse is the main income generator. It is not just an income generator for the Union and its subsequent programs like the childcare program and Al-Basma, but also for the women who work here. All funds generated by the guesthouse are given to the Union as a way to improve the overall economy in Beit Sahour, provide jobs to Palestinian women and support the Union's existing programs.

To read more about who the Arab Women's Unions and who the guesthouse serves, click here.