Dear Anja;<\/p>\n
This is what happened when I was planning with Dalia the birthday party of
\nMohammed.<\/p>\n
My son, Mohammed will be 3 years old on October 8, 2004. He learned a new
\nlesson for the third year of his life, this lesson is about all kinds of
\nbreaking news. All day long radios are on everywhere talking about what is
\ngoing on into northern Gaza. Mohammed became an expert in reading all kinds
\nof bulletins at Al Jazeera News Channel and could know when it is breaking
\nnews. Even Mohammed knows very well when its Iraq and when its Gaza. The
\nonly problem that Mohammed has a question that I could not answer which is
\nwhat is the difference between the soldiers in Gaza and the soldiers in
\nIraq.
\nMohammed also knows very well the difference between the helicopter
\nand the civilian airplanes. Even at the moment we heard bombing very near
\nto our house and he escaped to my lap and said its in Iraq so he said that
\nhe should not be afraid. He said turn the TV on we will see it on Al
\nJazeera, I am sure its in Iraq and he was shaking. His concern was tonight
\nthat if he lies to the Israelis and says that he loves them, would they stop
\nbombing and killing. Also, if he stays at home, would he be killed even if
\nhe is at home. Those were his last two questions immediately before going
\nto bed.<\/p>\n
I did not sleep this night because I have to think of the answers to be
\nready for Mohammed. He wants his present for his birthday to be a gun
\nmachine to be safe and defend himself and his little brother. I am thinking
\nof the lesson that he learned and how could I change his perspective. Do
\nyou know how difficult is it to try to change a child’s perspective and get
\nhim away from his daily life. This is the situation for all the parents in
\nGaza. It is an ongoing process and it seems impossible to reach an end.
\nThis discussion is endless like the fight that is also endless. What shall
\nI tell Mohammed next morning. Could I plan for his next birthday? Will I
\nbe there to teach him or will he be there to learn? I don’t know, no one
\nknows. Does anyone in the civilized world know how to solve this dilemma?<\/p>\n
Thanks<\/p>\n
Ramadan<\/p>\n
(Reactions and questions to this track only in English please. Ramadan wants to know what you are saying. Anja) <\/p>\n
_________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dear Anja; This is what happened when I was planning with Dalia the birthday party of Mohammed. My son, Mohammed will be 3 years old on October 8, 2004. He learned a new lesson for the third year of his … Lees verder