One in the same
A startling observation I have made since traveling through a host of middle eastern countries is that America and Israel are viewed as one in the same. In one mosque we entered in Damascus, Syria, two metal flags laid of the floor for visitors to trample. One for Israel, one for America. I politely stepped around my own countries flag.
Almost two weeks ago now, we stumbled upon a protest in support of Gaza in Palmyra, Syria. Hundreds of people, mainly children, had taken to the streets waving Hamas flags and shouting. Though I was intimidated, the journalist in both Shawna and I forced us into the thick of the rally, where we found ourselves surrounded by young boys and girls eager to talk to us. These same children who wanted to take photos with us, also told us, “Palestine is destroyed because of America.” (I have video and photos of the rally that I hope to post soon)
Being two obviously American girls (think: white, blue eyes and Shawna’s bright blond hair) in the middle east is an interesting experience. We get stared at everywhere we go. We have even invented jokes to make the awkwardness of getting constantly stared at more humorous. Shawna’s favorite is “Don’t tap the glass.” Mine is “Dance monkey, dance.”
Everyone wants to know where we are from. Turns out, saying “I am from America” is a political statement. Everyone wants to tell you what they think. We always hear something to the effect of: “We love Americans, we hate your government.” Followed by a gleeful thumbs up for Obama. They, like many Americans, have a lot of hope. One man in Syria told me, “the peace of the world lies in Obama’s hands.”
See this post on the Global Obama: New Year, New President, New Perspectives blog.
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