I have a Jewish -Canadian friend who has worked for two decades in Israel teaching science to Palestinian and Israeli students for a living and running "peace camps" with that mix of kids during school holidays. She relates that when you are invited into a Palestinian home, you will be offered food and tea and no one will talk, they will just BE with you until time has passed, and their offerings of hospitality have been consumed. Only then will they speak words of welcome and then conversation. It sounds deeply civilized to me, distilled from traditions that go back not hundreds but thousands of years.
When visiting a traditional Palestinian home, silence plays a nuanced and important role in the welcome and hospitality offered to guests. Here are some key aspects:
## Respectful Silence
In Palestinian culture, silence can be a sign of respect and attentiveness toward guests. When visitors first enter the home, there may be moments of quiet as the hosts warmly welcome them through gestures and body language rather than excessive words. This allows guests to feel at ease and settle into the space.
## Listening and Observation
Silence provides an opportunity for hosts to attentively listen to and observe their guests, anticipating their needs without the guests having to verbally express them. This reflects the deep-rooted Palestinian value of generous hospitality.
## Creating a Peaceful Atmosphere
Brief periods of comfortable silence help create a calm, peaceful atmosphere that puts guests at ease. This aligns with the Palestinian tradition of making visitors feel "at home" and completely welcome in the space.
## Nonverbal Communication
Much of the initial welcome may be communicated through nonverbal cues like warm smiles, gestures of greeting, and attentive body language. Silence allows these subtle but meaningful interactions to occur without being overshadowed by conversation.
## Reflection of Dignity
Maintaining some silence, especially early in the visit, can be seen as a reflection of the dignity and poise valued in Palestinian culture. It demonstrates composure and allows for a measured, thoughtful approach to hosting.
While silence plays these important roles, it's important to note that Palestinian hospitality is also characterized by warmth, generosity, and engaging conversation as the visit progresses. The initial moments of quiet help set the stage for the rich social interaction that follows.
Knitting is my jam. Like embroidery does for you, knitting connects me to other people, times, and cultures in a way that feels deeply personal. Intimate. I can’t knit without holding the hands of all the other people who have created fabric from a spun textile and needle. Their patterns get under my skin. I value other cultures in new ways when I learn the intricacies of what they create.
It is a deeply human act to invest beauty into useful things. Beauty that burns even when the utility is lost. Beauty that connects us to one another in indivisible ways.
It is impossible to deny another’s humanity when you see that beauty, even less so when you participate in its creation.
Thank you for affirming the existence and beauty of Palestinian culture.
Thank you! I used to be a big crocheter about a decade ago but knitting came tough for me. I know what you mean about the feeling of connection to the other people participating in the same crafts, especially such a tactile sensation.
I always enjoy your writing, but this particular piece touched something deep inside. I wish I had your way with words.
As far as crafting and needlework, my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was very young, but knitting escaped me until I was in my 50s and something finally clicked (s don’t give up just yet!) I also learned to spin and make my own yarn.
Handwork has helped me through difficult times and helps keep anxiety about the world at bay.
I should've learned by now that everything you write will move me, even when I least expect it.
Your tatreez, like your writing, is so beautiful, profound, and meaningful. Thank you for persisting through this year of death and shattered illusions. Palestine is a clarifying lens, and I am so grateful to see you are indeed the same fully compassionate human I hoped you were.
My wife and I read your work religiously. You make us think deeply. Looking forward to reading your new book. And grieving while we keep living - in MN.
These are wonderful pieces. I am not very knowledgeable about this art and I appreciate your opening my eyes to it; and sad and angry everything and everyone Palestinian is being reduced to insignificance and nothingness. That and your comments about the struggle to keep teaching the truth about history and our treatment of Native Americans hits hard for me as a history instructor and amateur artist. In South Dakota the governor has taken time out from shooting animals on her farm to push to reduce teaching about native cultures and people in that state’s history; and there’s a whole backstory to the creation of Mt. Rushmore as well. And slaves who are buried and forgotten, with maybe only a piece of rock to mark their burial site. We have more than our share in Missouri. It’s just appalling how history illustrates how some people decide other peoples are just less than human.
Beautifully, truthfully written. Why can’t we understand that protecting justice for Palestinians is not being anti-Semitic? I remain horrified by atrocities against Jewish people across the ages and will not stand for it. At the same time, I abhor some of Israel’s tactics. Save humans🙏🏻
Sarah you help bring me back to reality. The election cycle is so crazy and I find myself swept into the idea that Harris will save us from Trumpism. The scary thing is that while she is much better than him it’s not going to fix everything. I want to believe in the myth and I want to pretend it will all be better and that there is hope for a better world. The problem is that rich oligarchs don’t want that for us. They want the power and they want the money. Greed continues to consume the world.
The tunic shaped garment worn by Mayan women to cover the upper part of their bodies is called a huipil. These are woven by hand and are often further elaborately embroidered. The patterns of these textiles can be traced back thousands of years. There are no references to the modern world - no trucks or buses; rather the designs refer to sacred events of the natural world. Whole communities wear similar patterns; women weave them for their children and they are passed on within the family and community. I used to show my students a video of an archeologist uncovering for the first time in 2500 years the contents of a rediscovered Mayan temple. On the wall was a pattern echoed in contemporary huipiles.
Our country has sponsored a genocide against these people as well.
Thank you for feeling out loud and bearing witness to this insanity. It makes me feel more rooted that our perceptions are accurate - in a world where inconvenient truths and innocent helpless victims can be so easily disregarded.
finding the path by Ariadne's thread." -- Ovid, Metamorphoses, Bk. VIII
My Halloween-loving much better half works cross-stitch patterns every night, filling up our home with happy witches, lovingly spooky ghosts, and clever ravens, often in old, beautifully broken down graveyards that evoke the New England heritage she shares with you. Once or twice, I've gone with her to her favorite specialty thread and fabric shops in the St. Louis area -- not because she couldn't get comparable items somewhere on-line, but because she enjoys talking to the women who run these shops, connecting to a long shared past of handwork that is real to the touch and beautiful to the smiling eye.
Thank you, Sarah, for once again offering us such firm threads to find our way out of the labyrinth with. Ariadne never really needed faithless Theseus, of course; she had everything she needed to take down the dreadfully voracious Minotaur all by her artful self.
I often am envious of stupid people. I sometimes wish I 1) was dumb and/or 2) apathetic .
Being empathetic and Intelligent is a blessing and a curse, at the same time.
It’s hard to know , and hard to care. I can’t imagine not being able to do both. But life would be simpler.
I feel the dumbing down of America has created an aura of selfish apathy. It’s nice to know there are brilliant minds that still exist. And share with us
This piece wove together words into tapestry. I could see the Palestinian needlepoint through your words. Thank you for sharing images of your needlepoint! Just breathtaking. And heartbreaking because genocide is loss of people, culture, and the disintegration of our shared human tapestry. We all lose!
To borrow from Danielle Moodie, another day on the hamster wheel of destruction.
Thank you for sharing the tidbit about the paint by number of alien landing at Roswell. That brought me joy! I think the paint by number is transcendent!
Thank you for being a voice of clarity and hope. I find hope in dark times when I have a context and broader understanding. Knowing that there’s still the ability to deepen my humanity is powerful.
I have a Jewish -Canadian friend who has worked for two decades in Israel teaching science to Palestinian and Israeli students for a living and running "peace camps" with that mix of kids during school holidays. She relates that when you are invited into a Palestinian home, you will be offered food and tea and no one will talk, they will just BE with you until time has passed, and their offerings of hospitality have been consumed. Only then will they speak words of welcome and then conversation. It sounds deeply civilized to me, distilled from traditions that go back not hundreds but thousands of years.
It appears that Perplexity.ai agrees with me.
When visiting a traditional Palestinian home, silence plays a nuanced and important role in the welcome and hospitality offered to guests. Here are some key aspects:
## Respectful Silence
In Palestinian culture, silence can be a sign of respect and attentiveness toward guests. When visitors first enter the home, there may be moments of quiet as the hosts warmly welcome them through gestures and body language rather than excessive words. This allows guests to feel at ease and settle into the space.
## Listening and Observation
Silence provides an opportunity for hosts to attentively listen to and observe their guests, anticipating their needs without the guests having to verbally express them. This reflects the deep-rooted Palestinian value of generous hospitality.
## Creating a Peaceful Atmosphere
Brief periods of comfortable silence help create a calm, peaceful atmosphere that puts guests at ease. This aligns with the Palestinian tradition of making visitors feel "at home" and completely welcome in the space.
## Nonverbal Communication
Much of the initial welcome may be communicated through nonverbal cues like warm smiles, gestures of greeting, and attentive body language. Silence allows these subtle but meaningful interactions to occur without being overshadowed by conversation.
## Reflection of Dignity
Maintaining some silence, especially early in the visit, can be seen as a reflection of the dignity and poise valued in Palestinian culture. It demonstrates composure and allows for a measured, thoughtful approach to hosting.
While silence plays these important roles, it's important to note that Palestinian hospitality is also characterized by warmth, generosity, and engaging conversation as the visit progresses. The initial moments of quiet help set the stage for the rich social interaction that follows.
Citations:
[1] https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/03/palestinian-food-diplomacy-gaza/677773/
[2] https://www.hospitality-for-humanity.com/faqs
[3] https://socialtextjournal.org/periscope_article/pedagogy-and-epistemics-of-witness-teaching-palestine-in-a-time-of-genocide/
[4] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/chilling-effect-pro-palestinian-1.7064510
[5] https://uniter.ca/view/silencedeath
[6] https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aman.13925
[7] https://www.eater.com/23942299/hospitality-for-humanity-palestine-israel-hamas-war-interview-reem-assil
[8] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03064220231219875
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks!
You really are good at this. And your writing touches my heart. You're great at that too.
Beautiful, poignant piece.
Thank you!
Knitting is my jam. Like embroidery does for you, knitting connects me to other people, times, and cultures in a way that feels deeply personal. Intimate. I can’t knit without holding the hands of all the other people who have created fabric from a spun textile and needle. Their patterns get under my skin. I value other cultures in new ways when I learn the intricacies of what they create.
It is a deeply human act to invest beauty into useful things. Beauty that burns even when the utility is lost. Beauty that connects us to one another in indivisible ways.
It is impossible to deny another’s humanity when you see that beauty, even less so when you participate in its creation.
Thank you for affirming the existence and beauty of Palestinian culture.
Thank you! I used to be a big crocheter about a decade ago but knitting came tough for me. I know what you mean about the feeling of connection to the other people participating in the same crafts, especially such a tactile sensation.
I always enjoy your writing, but this particular piece touched something deep inside. I wish I had your way with words.
As far as crafting and needlework, my grandmother taught me to crochet when I was very young, but knitting escaped me until I was in my 50s and something finally clicked (s don’t give up just yet!) I also learned to spin and make my own yarn.
Handwork has helped me through difficult times and helps keep anxiety about the world at bay.
Seems like the world is divided into knitters, crocheters, and those rare people who can do both. I can’t crochet to save my life!
I should've learned by now that everything you write will move me, even when I least expect it.
Your tatreez, like your writing, is so beautiful, profound, and meaningful. Thank you for persisting through this year of death and shattered illusions. Palestine is a clarifying lens, and I am so grateful to see you are indeed the same fully compassionate human I hoped you were.
Thank you, I appreciate that
So painfully gorgeous. Thank you
Thank you!
My wife and I read your work religiously. You make us think deeply. Looking forward to reading your new book. And grieving while we keep living - in MN.
These are wonderful pieces. I am not very knowledgeable about this art and I appreciate your opening my eyes to it; and sad and angry everything and everyone Palestinian is being reduced to insignificance and nothingness. That and your comments about the struggle to keep teaching the truth about history and our treatment of Native Americans hits hard for me as a history instructor and amateur artist. In South Dakota the governor has taken time out from shooting animals on her farm to push to reduce teaching about native cultures and people in that state’s history; and there’s a whole backstory to the creation of Mt. Rushmore as well. And slaves who are buried and forgotten, with maybe only a piece of rock to mark their burial site. We have more than our share in Missouri. It’s just appalling how history illustrates how some people decide other peoples are just less than human.
What a great way to honor and recognize the humanity of the Palestinians (and calm your soul). I really like that bluebird. Thanks for sharing.
Beautifully, truthfully written. Why can’t we understand that protecting justice for Palestinians is not being anti-Semitic? I remain horrified by atrocities against Jewish people across the ages and will not stand for it. At the same time, I abhor some of Israel’s tactics. Save humans🙏🏻
I'm a painter. Working with my hands is the only thing keeping me semi-sane these days. Thanks for another beautiful essay.
Thank you! I like to paint but I'm not all that good at it. Fun though and definitely a relief on the mind
Sarah you help bring me back to reality. The election cycle is so crazy and I find myself swept into the idea that Harris will save us from Trumpism. The scary thing is that while she is much better than him it’s not going to fix everything. I want to believe in the myth and I want to pretend it will all be better and that there is hope for a better world. The problem is that rich oligarchs don’t want that for us. They want the power and they want the money. Greed continues to consume the world.
The tunic shaped garment worn by Mayan women to cover the upper part of their bodies is called a huipil. These are woven by hand and are often further elaborately embroidered. The patterns of these textiles can be traced back thousands of years. There are no references to the modern world - no trucks or buses; rather the designs refer to sacred events of the natural world. Whole communities wear similar patterns; women weave them for their children and they are passed on within the family and community. I used to show my students a video of an archeologist uncovering for the first time in 2500 years the contents of a rediscovered Mayan temple. On the wall was a pattern echoed in contemporary huipiles.
Our country has sponsored a genocide against these people as well.
Thank you for feeling out loud and bearing witness to this insanity. It makes me feel more rooted that our perceptions are accurate - in a world where inconvenient truths and innocent helpless victims can be so easily disregarded.
"In this the Minotaur was long concealed,
and there devoured Athenian victims sent
three seasons, nine years each, till Theseus, son
of Aegeus, slew him and retraced his way,
finding the path by Ariadne's thread." -- Ovid, Metamorphoses, Bk. VIII
My Halloween-loving much better half works cross-stitch patterns every night, filling up our home with happy witches, lovingly spooky ghosts, and clever ravens, often in old, beautifully broken down graveyards that evoke the New England heritage she shares with you. Once or twice, I've gone with her to her favorite specialty thread and fabric shops in the St. Louis area -- not because she couldn't get comparable items somewhere on-line, but because she enjoys talking to the women who run these shops, connecting to a long shared past of handwork that is real to the touch and beautiful to the smiling eye.
Thank you, Sarah, for once again offering us such firm threads to find our way out of the labyrinth with. Ariadne never really needed faithless Theseus, of course; she had everything she needed to take down the dreadfully voracious Minotaur all by her artful self.
I often am envious of stupid people. I sometimes wish I 1) was dumb and/or 2) apathetic .
Being empathetic and Intelligent is a blessing and a curse, at the same time.
It’s hard to know , and hard to care. I can’t imagine not being able to do both. But life would be simpler.
I feel the dumbing down of America has created an aura of selfish apathy. It’s nice to know there are brilliant minds that still exist. And share with us
Sarah,
This piece wove together words into tapestry. I could see the Palestinian needlepoint through your words. Thank you for sharing images of your needlepoint! Just breathtaking. And heartbreaking because genocide is loss of people, culture, and the disintegration of our shared human tapestry. We all lose!
To borrow from Danielle Moodie, another day on the hamster wheel of destruction.
Thank you for sharing the tidbit about the paint by number of alien landing at Roswell. That brought me joy! I think the paint by number is transcendent!
Thank you for being a voice of clarity and hope. I find hope in dark times when I have a context and broader understanding. Knowing that there’s still the ability to deepen my humanity is powerful.
❤️
Thank you!