Gaza Needs You! Refugees and Mental Health: Gauging the Impact of Detention september 2014 september The Palestinian Spirit

My Journey to Zaytuna College The State of Portable Technology The Hikam of Ibn ‘Ata’illah youthink | september 2014

editorial

operation protective edge and the palestinian spirit

In the name of God, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate. As-salam ‘alaykum: Peace be with you. Welcome to youthink; a voluntarily-led work in progress run by young and expands upon a previous incarnation in web-format of the same name. Based in Sydney, this initiative aims to facilitate discussion amongst young Muslims across Australia, generally, and Sydney specifically. The topics we explore are wide in scope; ranging from global events and their impact upon Muslims, to local projects and those behind them. While we hope to engage our readers in intellectual pursuits, we also aim to indulge in the latest urban fashion and technological trends.

Whilst modern in outlook, we aim to cast light on our religious, intellectual and spiritual legacy, something which we feel is often “lost in translation.” We hope this magazine serves as a positive reflection on our community, not shying away from critically tackling issues with comportment and in good measure.

While working on this first edition, on 8 July 2014, launched operation Protective Edge, which has resulted in over 2,000 Palestinian deaths so far; the vast majority of which were civilians. The cover story chosen, thus reflects what many were following as the daily tragedy unfolded.

We are keen to promote the work of aspiring writers who have some insight, analysis and contemplative thoughts to share, so, do get in touch. Hope you guys enjoy the first edition of the magazine and thank you for your support.

For any thoughts, comments and feedback, please feel free to email me on: [email protected].

Khodr Ghantous Editor

2 3 EDITOR: MANAGING DIRECTOR: Khodr Ghantous Ammar Jamal-Eddine

DEPUTY EDITOR: EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: Fariza Fatima Mostafa Rachwani write for us Send your submissions or pitches

PUBLISHER to [email protected]

contributors

Eda Yasemin Akin May Fahmi Anika Moeen

Dyala Aljabi Zayn Al-Abideen Gregory Zac Rea

Suleiman Samir Arabiat Abdul Lazki Yousaf Seyal

Reuben Brand Aftab Malik Rarbie Taha

Tasneem Chopra Yusra Metwally

Cover image: Copyright Imad Abu Shtayyah. More about this artist is found on the inside back cover.

Design and layout provided by TIM Consulting, timconsulting.org.

Every care has been taken in compiling the contents of this magazine. Thanks to Maha Najjarine for alerting us to the cover image. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

© Copyright 2014 Youthink, LMA, 71-75 Wangee Road, Lakemba, Sydney, NSW, 2195 Tel: (02) 9750 6833

4 5 lightkey/iStockPhoto 2014.08 table of contents

55 35 58 43

community matters meanwhile, elsewhere

32 Our Business 43 World Cup and World War – Schizophrenia from the Middle East Suleiman Samir Arabiat 26 book reviews

33 Constructive Critics life down under

Gaza Needs You! Refugees and Mental Health: Gauging the Impact of Detention Aftab A Malik

FASHION AND FAITH: september 2014 september 46 35 The Crusades through Arab Eyes ModestT: Hijabistas or Hoopla? Zayn Gregory on the cover Tasneem Chopra

36 The Decision Book: Fifty Models for Operation Protective Edge and the 49 THE GREEN DIN: Emotional eating 20 Strategic Thinking Palestinian Spirit Dyala Aljabi Eda Yasemin Akin Anika Moeen 52 GADGETS AND TECHNOLOGY: 37 Islam: Religion of Life Gaza Needs You! The state of portable technology 26 By Zac Rea Yusra Metwally Abdul Lazki

The Palestinian Spirit Palestinian The 55 MOVIE REVIEW: Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) Hikam of Ibn ‘Ata’illah reflections My Journey to Zaytuna College The State of Portable Technology The May Fahmi

38 My Journey to Zaytuna College 58 FOODIES: Let the coffee journey begin Yousaf Seyal Rarbie Taha 8 Responding on the Back-foot 14 Refugees and Mental Health: Anonymous Gauging the Impact of Detention 59 THE SAGE, SAINT, AND THE SCHOLAR: Eda Yasemin Akin The Hikam of Ibn ‘Ata’illah

6 7 youthink | september 2014 icon Responding on the back-footAnonymous

Every time a crisis unfolds relating to Muslims globally, it sends ripples through the Sydney Muslim community.

With this, we enter a state I like to refer to has killed more than 2,000 and as the ‘Scurry phase.’ This phase consists 60 , the Sydney Muslim community of our brightest, most articulate community has yet again descended into a frenzy of advocates (in more recent history being trying to respond to media requests. Given females) go through a period of no sleep, the well-documented concerns around media endless media interviews, contributing representation of Muslims, it should come articles to national newspapers, TV as no surprise that Muslims and in particular appearances, radio interviews and the Muslim women in Australia have been active odd talk back radio segment or two. Yes, media advocates, working for change and I’m referring to the never-ending cycle of improvement in media coverage of Muslims responding to community crisis through the especially when it comes to global issues, media without the assistance and privilege including the plight of Palestinians. In a that some of our counterparts in the U.S. climate of moral panic and public backlash and U.K. have: an already existing, well- established media organisation. on the issue of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, the demand for Muslim media With Israel’s latest assault on Gaza, which spokespeople only grows.

8 9 Kreatiw and nullplus/iStockPhoto youthink | september 2014 Responding on the Back-Foot

Traditionally, this work has been undertaken by efforts are often met with severe opposition a handful of Muslim community members on a and when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian volunteer basis. However, the tireless years of conflict, the opposition is lethal. They have media advocacy have taken a serious toll and been slandered, abused and humiliated in manifested itself into precarious challenges the public sphere, from being called ‘anti- that Muslims, and in particular Muslim Semites’, ‘stupid’ and ‘Muslim Trash’. women advocates, have faced and continue to face. Notwithstanding theses challenges, Emotional exhaustion and distress Muslim women media advocates have also experienced coupled with lack of time reached various milestones, producing notable available is part and parcel of the limited achievements at the least expected times, but infrastructure and resources available to the struggle continues. the Muslim community in dealing with the media, including the fact that most media The demanding schedule and exhausting advocacy work undertaken is unpaid. Aida, hours of being a media advocate produce a long-term media advocate said, “…this is a stress, anxiety and exhaustion. Coupled with full-time job and we are all doing it and what community politics and abuse, the perfect happens is that we all get burnt out.” formula for serious psychological impacts is fermented. Some Muslim women media The media has left media advocates advocates interviewed spoke about the desperately trying to balance their ‘urgency’: an urgency to discuss one theme professional jobs, the media and family. in particular. Advocates spoke passionately Karima, who has been advocating for the about the impact their work has had on their Muslim community for almost 20 years, psyche, the abuse received and the forced re- revealed, “Being able to balance everything evaluation of their media advocacy. is so hard. On the one hand this is a huge responsibility to carry and we’ve taken it With no assigned or established organisation on, we have voluntarily taken it on. But also that deals specifically with public relations or keeping the balance with family and keeping the media, media advocates have been forced all of these balls juggling in the air without to adopt the role and responsibility of being dropping one of them is really demanding spokespeople on behalf of the community. The on so many levels.” Consequently, the line Muslim community is fractured and diverse between their private and professional life is on multiple levels including: ethnicity, Islamic blurred, leaving media advocates vulnerable sects, geographic divides and ideological to exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed with beliefs. Such fragmentation makes it difficult the demands imposed upon them, from the to support individuals who the community media’s endless hours of interviewing, to the can collectively agree on to specifically deal expectations from within the community. with media issues or become the media spokespeople. Despite their hard work, their From the challenges observed and discussed

10 11 ozgurdonmaz/iStockPhoto youthink | september 2014 Responding on the Back-Foot

it is evident that there has been no platform Arab and Muslim hostility post September 11, significant issues still confronting the Muslim which has at the very least counteracted the for Muslim women media advocates to the ISMA Report, stated that, “Participants community like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. mainstream media representation of the come together and discuss their challenges felt that bias and inaccurate reporting of The organisation will encourage unity when conflict. The stories told, the difficulties faced and achievements, preventing them from issues relating to Arabs and Muslims is responding to the media on issues that truly and the successes enjoyed are not exclusive reflecting and evaluating their roles. Media commonplace among some sections of the unite us like we see today with the plight of to Muslim media advocates, but rather are advocates are agents of change in the media media and is extremely damaging.” (ISMA, Palestinians. However, it would not bring the common themes for minorities struggling and in Australian society and it is therefore 2004, p 8). Karima echoed the report’s expectation of having the community uniform to gain appropriate media representation of paramount importance that this space for findings, arguing that the development on other issues. and support for a worthy cause. Media reflection is developed and sustained before of a media organisation was pivotal: “We advocacy has the potential to counter Media monitoring exists within the community, the next crisis comes. Sandra, who was desperately, desperately need an organisation inaccurate mainstream media representation however due to limited resources and one of the key players in responding to the that is fully funded that employs people who through alternative narratives, direct media underfunding, it occurs intermittently and small 2012 Sydney protests addressed the need do this on a full-time basis or even a part-time participation and indirect media projects. organisations run by volunteers are unable for such a space, “We need to have a space basis. We’ve been talking about it for years.” These media strategies and initiatives can to keep up with the workload. The media internally, constructively to sit and criticise consequently penetrate some of the media’s Based on the research undertaken and advocates underlined the need to move beyond ourselves. We haven’t had the leisure to be pro-Zionist representation of the conflict and observations made, the media organisation reactive responses and establish a long-term able to do that; to do that we need to start begin honest public discourse that takes the would consist of three sections which have sustainable unit. Here in Sydney, we could learn engaging with each other, restoring what we voices of those suffering seriously. been identified as focus areas by Muslim media a lot from our counterparts in the US. Eight left behind and overcome doing things in advocates: training, media monitoring and a years ago CAIR was established in the US as an Slowly but surely, our media advocates are such an ad hoc way.” response unit. The media organisation would organisation that “challenges the stereotypes shifting the public’s discourse. With time, However, one of the most important aspects include a coordinated reactive and proactive of Islam and Muslims.” (CAIR, online). CAIR sophisticated media experience, collaboration of media response for the Muslim community, infrastructure. The media organisation’s has since become a Muslim advocacy group and fortitude, our media advocates will arguably the most important, is the aim is not to persuade or force the Muslim committed to offering an Islamic perspective inevitably gain higher status in mainstream on issues of importance to the American Australian media and not in spite of their establishment of a legitimate full time media community to agree on issues that often public including global issues that affect local support for Palestine, but because of their organisation. The Human Rights and Equal produce differences of opinion, rather its communities. Relying on donations, CAIR unwavering stance for humanity. However, Opportunity Commission report on increased purpose is to streamline the work that already exists and form an alliance when combating deals with issues which include: anti-terrorism without the establishment of a media campaigns, press conferences, publication of organisation, full-time employment and news articles, reports and surveys, information complete community support for media packs on Islam and the community and advocates as professionals, those voices, civil rights of American Muslim citizens. which time and time again are raised when More importantly, and what was specifically defending Palestinians and their right to exist referenced by the interviewees, is the CAIR and flourish, will one day be strained and ‘Press Centre’ which proactively engages and eventually silenced. If this time comes, then responds to media. the Palestinian cause will truly be lost.

Despite various challenges, media advocates Note: All names in this article are have undoubtedly reached milestones when pseudonyms at the request of those giving a voice to the Palestinian cause, interviewed. l

12 13 passigatti/iStockPhoto youthink | september 2014

Refugees and Mental Health: Gauging the IMPACT of DETENTION

By Eda Yasemin Akin

14 bibikoff/iStockPhoto youthink | september 2014 Refugees and Mental Health: Gauging the Impact of Detention

Australia is recognised as a multicultural asylum seekers in jail-like conditions for concern is the stress caused by an uncertain abuse. Trauma related syndromes include country; a home for people of different months and sometimes more than a year future; refugees and asylum seekers held in significant distress or impaired functioning ethnicities from around the globe. at a time, while necessary background detention are unable to make future plans that often involves intrusive thoughts and and security checks are being completed. and can feel stressed and powerless. This emotions about the traumatic events, For nearly two centuries, the majority of The Commonwealth Government has been population suffers from high rates of post- avoidance, emotional numbing and/or hyper- settlers and immigrants came from the condemned internationally, particularly for traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression arousal. There have been several studies British Isles. Australia currently recognises holding people on offshore islands such and anxiety. Even once a claim is processed that show that there are consistent and the right of asylum and is a signatory to strong links made between pre-migration as Christmas Island and Nauru. Whilst it can still be weeks or months before the the Convention relating to the Status of trauma and mental health in resettlement. the situation in is more individual is released into the community Refugees (CRSR), which is a humane; the Royal Australian and New multilateral treaty that defines a ‘refugee’. and when they are, they still have no access Research into the relation between pre- Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) It also sets out the rights of individuals who to government financial assistance. Persons immigration trauma and post-migration has ongoing concerns about the mental are granted asylum and the responsibilities experiencing the psychological effects of mental health suggests a dose-response health of asylum seekers and refugees in of countries that grant asylum. According to trauma may report feelings of fear, sadness, association where the severity of PTSD both countries. Asylum seekers are often the United Nations 1951 Convention on the guilt and anger. Psychological sequelae symptoms increases as refugees’ exposure without status and have little access to status of refugees, a refugee is: a person include depression, anxiety and substance to traumatic experiences increase. There necessary supports and services. The who is outside his/her country of nationality situation remains critical and the provision or habitual residence; has a well-founded of appropriate mental health services for fear of persecution because of his/her asylum seekers is pertinent to their quality race, religion, nationality, membership in a of life and mental health wellbeing. It is vital particular social group or political opinion; that more humane, efficient procedures are and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/ implemented with regard to the treatment herself of the protection of that country, or and detention of asylum seeker and return there, for fear of persecution. refugees. Statistics from the United Nations High The detention of asylum seekers is, with no Chaulking a Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show message - doubt, highly likely to have a negative impact that in 2013 alone, there was a combined Refugee Rights on their mental health. A comprehensive number of 357,100 registered asylum Protest at inquiry undertaken by the Human Rights and claims. In the top ten receiving countries, Broadmeadows, Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) in Australia was positioned as the eighth Melbourne largest recipient of new asylum seekers in 1998 found that mental distress in varying 2013, with 24,300 claims made; an increase degrees was a common manifestation in of 54 per cent in comparison to 2012. detained asylum seekers. Factors increasing the risk of mental distress include prior Australia has one of the strictest asylum experiences of torture or other forms of seeker and refugee policies in the world persecution in the country of origin and allowing for continued long-term mandatory the stresses created by the length and detention. It is the only country to detain conditions of detention. Of particular Takver/Flickr

16 17 youthink | september 2014 Refugees and Mental Health: Gauging the Impact of Detention

are different sorts of traumatic experiences, backgrounds where isolation is accentuated of education in their home country or who more similar to norms that apply within such as human rights violations, threats due to an absence of compatriots are had a decrease in their socioeconomic mainstream Australian culture. This may to life, traumatic loss, dispossession and at greater risk of mental and emotional status in resettlement are seen to have cause tension and conflict within families, eviction. These experiences have been problems. For asylum seekers and refugees worse outcomes. Similarly, those who report communities and service providers. Families found to have differential impacts on who face an uncertain future as well as a loss of significant social roles and loss of also have to reconstruct themselves, mental health. Momartin and his associates social and professional isolation, this risk important life projects report lower levels of just like individuals, taking on new social conducted a study on a group of refugees, is particularly heightened. Appropriate daily activity; they are either unemployed, roles and responsibilities. As children and they found that threat to life coupled with treatment requires an understanding of facing financial difficulty and/or report as adolescents advance much more rapidly traumatic loss contributed to symptom an individual’s cultural background and being socially isolated— all are at risk of severity and disability associated with experiences. For example, the meaning worse outcomes in resettlement. Of course, with their English skills than adults, they PTSD (Momartin, Silove, Manicavasagar, one gives to violence and trauma can vary post-migration difficulties may also be a then become the English broker for the & Steel, 2003). Long-term detainees are depending on culture. result of the individual’s compatibility of family. Parental roles change and cultural particularly affected in the long run, while the Australian culture and nature of the differences in family structure and discipline It appears that the resettlement period resettlement program. more transparency and faster processing of may be at odds with Australian norms. Due is a powerful healer for refugees, as the asylum seekers and refugees to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems drops An adjustment to geographical and cultural to their experience of forced migration and negative impact on their mental wellbeing significantly over the course or resettlement. relocation requires substantial attention and differences in behaviour, some refugee would be ideal. Unaccompanied minors This however, does not eliminate the energy from refugees in the beginning stages families may be at risk of domestic violence— and families with children are particularly heightened feeling of post-migration of resettlement. In a very short amount of culturally appropriate interventions are a vulnerable and should not be kept in trauma as sufferers still remain at high time, individuals find themselves confronted necessity in these situations. detention. risk throughout the course of resettlement. by a new language, cultural values, A population based study of a group of worldviews, food, traditions, paperwork Refugees frequently struggle to overcome Refugees residing in the community whilst Vietnamese refugees in New South Wales, and systems of business and currency. their applications are processed are not the psychological impacts of personal safety showed that individuals who were exposed In the recent changes in the countries of immune from negative mental health threats and of social and cultural dislocation. to higher levels of trauma remained at great origin for refugees entering Australia’s impacts as prolonged asylum seeker status Furthermore, they face additional social, risk of mental illness after 10 years, in humanitarian program, the ‘cultural gap’ can have an effect on wellbeing. Insecurity linguistic, educational and vocational comparison to Vietnamese with no history of between Australian society and refugees has of tenure and living with the fear of forced challenges throughout their attempts to seek trauma exposure (Steel et. al., 2002). grown solidly. That is, refugees now entering removal from Australia has been found to Australia tend to be more disparate in asylum and following resettlement. In order have significantly affected and dangerously Nevertheless, there are difficulties that cultural norms and lifestyle when compared to assist refugees in effectively responding compromised the wellbeing of refugees. appear during resettlement and post- to earlier waves of refugees. to these traumas and stresses, psychologists While residing in the community, refugee migration stressors are evident in recent require adequate therapeutic interventions access to adequate supports, services, and research. These are factors that can be Adapting to the Australian culture, refugees that respond holistically to the unique avenues for social inclusion are essential addressed and changed via individual and learn to live with a sudden loss of identity experiences of individuals and families. First and should be available immediately. community interventions in the resettlement and subsequent demands to reconstruct Discrimination and stigmatisation are environs. Refugees may experience loss themselves within the new context. and foremost, we should assist refugees in major factors that lead to adversity for during the resettlement period, which then Individuals, family members and cultural developing a sense of stability, safety and asylum seekers and refugees living in affect the mental health outcomes where groups vary in the rate and degree to trust, as well as to regain a sense of control the community. All migrants from cultural as individuals who have had higher levels which the new identity changes to become over their lives. l

18 19 KeithBishop/iStockPhoto coveryouthink | september 2014

A crowd gathered on the hilltop, clapping and cheering as they watched the night Operation Protective Edge sky, as it lit up with explosions from a and the Palestinian Spirit distance. By Anika Moeen

This was not the joyous occasion of New Year’s Eve; rather, it was the perverse celebration of 1,000-pound fragmentation bombs that were being dropped on the civilians of Gaza. While Gazan men, women and children fled (to no-where) for cover, these Israelis whooped and whistled. Welcome to “ Cinema,” where you can grab front-row seats to the barbaric killing of people.

The murder of three Israeli teenagers triggered Israel’s recent attack on Gaza, so we were told. Without any shred of evidence, the Israeli government blamed and proceeded to bomb Gaza, relentlessly. It later transpired, that Hamas did not murder the three teenagers, but the bombing continued. At the time of writing, “Operation Protective Edge” has resulted in the deaths of more than 2,000 Palestinians. Estimates indicate that at least 80 per cent are civilians. Let’s not forget that Gaza is one of the most densely inhabited cities in the world. At 360 square kilometres, it has a population of more than 1.5 million people, of which 1.1 million are actually refugees in their own homeland. Gaza’s borders are closed. It has no control as to who or what can leave or enter. As with its borders, its airspace and water are controlled by Israel. Coupled with seven years of sanctions, Gaza’s economy lays in ruins.

Israelis stand on a hill at the Israeli town of Sderot, overlooking the , as they wait to watch Israeli forces’ bombardment and rockets fired by Palestinian militants from inside Gaza towards Israel, Thursday, July 10, 2014. 20 21 Lefteris Pitarakis/AP Photo youthink | september 2014 The deplorable COVER: Operation Protective Edge and the Palestinian Spirit situation in Gaza is The deplorable situation in Gaza, is but a backdrop to After 66 years of occupation, Hamas was suffer what is effectively a life sentence of a much larger story of tragedy, death and despair to but a backdrop to a democratically elected in 2006 by the occupation. Children aged 5 and over have which I shall highlight only some aspects. much larger story Palestinians. Seen by the outside world lived through three wars. In the recent war as a terrorist organisation, many see the against the Palestinians of Gaza, children In 1896, long before the Holocaust, self-proclaimed of tragedy, death hopes of resistance within it. In 2009, were killed while they slept, while they played atheist and the founder of the Zionist movement, and despair. President Clinton noted that the people football on the beach and even while they Theodor Herzl had called for a Jewish-only state did not vote Hamas for wanting “terrorist sought sanctuary in UN refugee sites. in the territory defined as‘The land of Israel’. He tactics,” but rather, they had hoped that believed in the self-determination of the Jewish Hamas would offer “better service, better Even those defending the rights of people who should have the right and ability to government.” Palestinians have been killed. govern themselves, in their own country. frequently condemned by the UN. Oddly, Israel has always insisted The greatest victims in this occupation have With Herzl having laid the foundations of the Zionist that it only wants peace with the been children. They movement, it wasn’t until 1917 that the Balfour Palestinians, yet, how can peace Declaration materialised the British intention to be fostered by a country that create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. In the has been condemned by the UN process of making this new homeland for the Jews, Human Rights Commission for some 750,000 Palestinians were made refugees by the “systematic killing of civilians either being expelled or fleeing conflict that arose. and children,” and for “gross Commonly known as “the day of catastrophe,” the violations” of humanitarian law? al-Nakba marked the start of a long process of the plight of the Palestinians and the erosion of their Israel brings to memory, thoughts of most basic human rights. Yet, Palestinians were not apartheid South Africa. The massive only driven out from their homes, but also attacked West Bank Wall has divided where they sought refuge. Palestinian villages and separated families from one another. While In 1982, Christian militias were guided by the Israeli Jewish Settlers have access to military to surround a Palestinian refugee camp Jewish-only roads in the West Bank, in and proceeded with the massacre of Palestinians face innumerable 3,500 men, women and children. Despite the horrific checkpoints. The injured and the magnitude of such a crime, to this day, many have sick are often unable to seek been charged for the mass murder in Sabra and medical attention, due to the Shatila. Presiding over this massacre, Defence stringent and often very humiliating Minister (who later became Prime rrodrickbeiler/iStockPhoto ways in which commuters are Minister) was dubbed ‘The Butcher of ’. “processed.” There have been The massive West Bank Wall has divided Palestinian villages Since its establishment, Israel has remained in cases of women who have given and separated families from one another. violation of numerous United Nations Resolutions. birth at checkpoints without proper In fact, no other country in the world has been so medical care.

22 23 Palestinians search through the rubble of their destroyed homes hit youthink | september 2014 by Israeli strikes in the northern Gaza Strip. icon

Yielding a megaphone in her hand, her blonde UN High Commissioner for Human Rights hair and bright orange fluorescent jacket with , who also condemned the reflective stripes made 23-year old Rachel operation emphasised that this was a Corrie clearly identifiable as an international “disproportionate use of force, resulting in activist. In 2003, she tried to prevent an the killing and wounding of so many people advancing military bulldozer from demolishing attempting to bring much-needed aid to the a Palestinian home in the Rafah refugee camp, people of Gaza…” close to the border between Gaza and . Today, we see the descendants of the Crushing her to death, the bulldozer showed Palestinians, who number in their millions, no sign of slowing down. One decade later, still being denied their right to return to Corrie’s death was ruled an accident. their homeland. Even until this day, many Palestinians still hold the keys to their old One month following Corrie’s death, British homes in the hope that they may one day activist Tim Hurndall was shot by an Israeli return to the land they were so callously sniper while protecting Palestinian children evicted from. from a line of fire. Hurndall died nine-months later in January, 2004, after falling into a The rockets over Gaza will eventually stop falling but the blockade will continue. Shareef Sarhan/UN Photo coma. Israeli bulldozers will continue to destroy Scenes from Gaza Crisis 2014 The was a military operation Palestinian homes. The settlements will by Israel against six civilian ships of the continue to expand. The West Bank Wall will “” on 31 May 2010 continue to separate villages. Palestinians which was in international waters. Ten will continue to be denied of their own activists who were on board the Mavi resources. All the while, Israel will expand Marmara were killed when Israeli military its military occupation. This is not a conflict. officials had intercepted the flotilla headed This is the oppressor against the oppressed. for Gaza to deliver aid and building material. The coloniser against the colonised. The murderer against the murdered. This is The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon genocide. condemned the violence stating how Despite the trials, tribulations, the death, the shocked he was by the deadly raid. mayhem and destruction, the Palestinians “It is vital that there is a full investigation to move on. Life continues. No matter what determine exactly how this bloodshed took their circumstances, they always move on. place,” he said. In that, we can take hope, that no matter how fierce their challenges, no matter how “I believe Israel must urgently provide a full inhumane their conditions may be, their explanation.” spirit is never broken. l

Palestinians search through the rubble of their destroyed 24 25 homes hit by Israeli strikes in the northern Gaza Strip. Shareef Sarhan/UN Photo The civilian death toll continues to rise and the nature of atrocities being committed more gruesome and disturbing images are against innocent civilians and the being shared on the Internet. As I watch numerous breaches of this conflict continue, I sense a weight of in Israel’s of the responsibility on my shoulders to work Palestinian people. towards a situation that will ensure that Gaza the latest attack on Gaza will be the last. In an age of information overload, the As Martin Luther King once said, “a time conflict can be grossly misrepresented; this comes when silence is betrayal.” The current does nothing for the innocent lives being lost grossly unjust situation in Gaza demands to this senseless conflict. our advocacy in any form possible. To remain needs The public relations war is evidently neutral in the face of injustice is to take the side of the oppressor. playing out in the Australian media scene. Most recently, the Australian Palestinian Call me an idealist if you will, but I am a Advocacy Network has slammed a cartoon you! published in The Australian that depicts firm believer in people power, particularly the power of youth working in unity. It is a Palestinian militant with a hooded face By Yusra Metwally a sad state of affairs when even those bending down to pat his young child on the who seek to advocate for the Palestinian head, telling the boy to “go out to play and cause by attending rallies, writing to win the PR war for daddy.” politicians or writing letters to the editor are often faced with a swath of opposition, Sadly, the cartoon highlights a prime questioning the effectiveness of their example of the manner in which the As another advocacy. At times, we can be our own narrative of the conflict works to hold worst enemy in the face of hopelessness Palestinians ultimately responsible for attack on Gaza against the backdrop of the sheer their own children’s death. Indeed, it is of strength of the Israeli military force, the immense concern when the arguments Israeli propaganda machine and decades about the responsible party to the conflict unfolds, young of failed peace talks. But as the shifts to the victims – who are at this stage, proverb goes, “iid waHda matsa’’afš”— largely represented by innocent civilians Australians remain One hand doesn’t clap on its own. and children. As an advocate, it is easy to fall in the As the conflict intensifies, so too does dumbfounded by trap of questioning the effectiveness of the battle being waged online. What advocacy. We should be mindful that as distinguishes the current onslaught of Gaza Australians, we possess power by virtue from previous phases of the Palestinian- Israel’s actions. Protest against Israel’s Gaza Blockade and attack on of Australia’s temporary position on the Israeli conflict over the past few decades is humanitarian flotilla - Melbourne 5 June 2010. United Nation Security Council. As young the fact that it is currently under immense Takver/Flickr advocates, we can raise awareness of scrutiny from social media on a global

27 youthink | september 2014 COVER: Gaza needs you!

arena. Real-time reporting on social media she sees performing arts as a “non- “When the conflict commenced, I was seeing websites such as Twitter and Facebook are confrontational way to raise awareness”. horrific images of maimed bodies, especially providing instant access to online images and of young children,” she said. information, which helps shape a global reaction “Through classical music, you can reach to the events as they unfold. Social media works a demographic that you cannot otherwise “As a new mother, my helplessness was to remove intermediaries such as media outlets access in term of advocating a cause,” intensified. from the equation to present events to the globe Asye said. “Social media has always been an at large as they unfold. Notably, doctors in Gaza “Music is a universal language and this effective advocacy tool and I wanted are saving lives and tweeting their personal common ground I find is very effective to provide a forum for the community experiences with the bloody conflict between in engaging with audience and opening in which they could transform their shifts. The use of statistics in the reporting of dialogue.” frustration and anger into action to casualties can be dangerous in their use. The excess of their use can lead to “shock value”, positively improve the situation, even if it Ayse is organising a fundraising concert in that the more they are used, the more was just in a minuscule way.” on September 5, 2014 that revolves casualties can be simply objectified. Suddenly, around themes of loss, sacrifice, grief and Mariam will be working with activists like human suffering and loss is transformed into a suffering— important human emotions Ahmad, Ibrahim and Ayse to campaign in mere statistic. appropriately conveyed in the art form that unison. In a society attracted to visuals, art is a potent Ayse is involved in. As young Australian advocates, we possess tool, which holds the ability to effectively share Ibrahim Abdo, a local activist, has the power to make a change. Each and the impact of the horrors of war. Through art, loss launched a Facebook page called The every one of us has a unique set of talents. becomes about a person and their story. Gaza Times because he felt there wasn’t Whether it be performing arts, fine art, Spoken word poet and local community activist, enough representation for Palestinians graphics, photography, IT skills, writing Ahmad Al-Rady has sought to humanise the in Australia. Through the page, he has or event management, whatever your conflict through his spoken word piece ‘I beg collected more than $10,000. Now, talents are, lend them to the cause. To act of you’. Recorded as a video, his piece aims Ibrahim is on a mission to raise $90,900 effectively, we ought to work together to to “raise awareness on the injustices currently for a fully equipped ambulance by ensure that the sacred human rights of occurring around our planet and to try and give a organising various fundraising events. “It Palestinians are protected. In a globalised voice to the voiceless” so that they may have an is a mammoth task, but our community is world, we need to think globally and act opportunity to “tell their side of the story”. With generous,” he said. locally. Decades of peace talks have failed; minimal graphic representation and an absence it’s time to do things differently. of maimed corpses, his words are powerful Activist and lawyer, Mariam Veiszadeh is weapons to convey the horrific experiences of two working closely with fellow human rights If you are interested in participating, young children. activists to formulate a thorough campaign volunteers are welcome to join the involving many members of society. Mariam Gaza Advocacy Project by following Musician and human rights advocate, Ayse created a Facebook page immediately us on Facebook or by emailing: Goknur Shanal seeks to use her voice for the alongside other activists called the Gaza [email protected] to express cause—literally. As a seasoned opera performer, Advocacy Project. your interest. l

28 29 youthink | september 2014 icon

30 31 communityyouthink | september 2014 matters book reviews

Our Business Constructive Critics 03rd September 2014 21st September 2014

OVERVIEW OF ISLAM | Purification of the Heart – Essentials of Faith and Ladies ONLY Seminar Practices in Islam Book By Scott Lucas Here you will find Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Islamic Sciences and Reviewed By Aftab A Malik some programs taking Location: Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia. Research Academy of Australia. Level 3, 128-134 South Reading a “Brill” publication, one has many development of scholarship. It should Level 3, 128-134 South place during the Parade, Auburn, New South high expectations. Safe to say, this work by come as no surprise for those familiar with Parade, Auburn, New South Wales 2144 Lucas, not only lives up to the Brill name, the development of hadith scholarship that month of September in Wales 2144 but exceeds it in many instances. In what Dhahabi includes a number of Sufis amongst is a subject that could have easily fallen his list of hadith masters, allocating a number Sydney. If you wish to 23rd September 2014 04th September 2014 into several volumes, Lucas writes in a way of them the honorific title “Shaykh al-Islam” LMA CARE Training advertise your event LMA Father and Son Bonding whereby no words are wasted nor any points (“The Senior of Islam”). Lucas’ exercise in Session Information: overly emphasised. Each chapter closes discussing the hadith masters aims to show for October, please LMA Facebook Page Information: with a review of how it has been relevant in the western audience that Sunni hadith

email us on: info@ LMA Facebook Page gaining a better understanding of the critical scholarship did not end with the compilation role of third century hadith scholars in the of the “six cannonical books” but rather, it 30th September 2014 youthink.com.au, with articulation of . Lucas sets out continued to grow, entering “its richest phases 05th September 2014 LMA Interfaith Initiative: to demonstrate that the discipline of hadith after the compilation” of the six books. Discerning the Sacred in the header: “October Condell Park Masjid Fundraiser narrator criticism (jarh wa ta’dil) had begun the Secular In identifying the major early hadith scholars, Time: 7:00pm prior to Imam al-Shafi’i (d. 204) and to the Event,” with a brief Lucas also extracts a further list consisting Location: The Renaissance, Information: compilation of Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih LMA Facebook Page al-Muslim, being the most regularly cited of hadith narrator-critics, comprising of a description in the main 3 New St East, Lidcombe, New South Wales 2141 authorities for articulating Sunni Islam. “relatively small number of scholars who became recognised as authorities.” Forming body of the e-mail. We 30th September 2014 It is refreshing to see an academic allow the what we could refer to as an elite group are more than happy 07th September 2014 Bankstown Poetry Slam Islamic tradition to speak for itself rather among the hadith scholars, they were able CresWalk, Race for Gaza Time: 7:00pm than being construed to a set of presupposed to critically evaluate the narrators of an to advertise events Time: 8:30am Location: Bankstown assumptions. By drawing heavily on two isnad and thus able to declare them one of Location: Orleigh Park, Arts Centre, 5 Olympic Parade, magestrial works by Hafiz al-Dhahabi (the 31 grades (p. 291). This is no small feat, for taking place across West End, Brisbane, Bankstown, New South Tadkhirat al-huffaz and the Siyar a‘lam al- it meant that these hadith-narrator critics Queensland, Australia 4101 Wales 2200 nubala’) Lucas is able to identify and evaluate were able to exact an “extraordinary [amount Australia. major hadith masters that contributed to the of] knowledge of the approximate birth and

32 33 youthink | september 2014 Book Reviews

exact death dates, [as well as the ability to 256) and Muslim (d. 261) were able to build By systemising a discipline that cite their] teachers and students.” In short, it upon the work of their preceding generation had begun in its infancy with the The Crusades was a lifetimes work and something that not of master hadith-transmitter critics (“some likes of Shu’ba, Malik and Yahya all hadith scholars were equipped to do. of whom were their direct teachers”). So we l-Qattan, Ibn Sa’d, Ibn Ma’in and through find Ibn Sa‘d introducing terms such as “not Ibn Hanbal developed and applied Lucas sets out to demonstrate that because authoritative,” “questionable transmission,” this to an “unprecedented number of the prior work conducted in the area of Arab Eyes and “elevated,” and applying them to of men.” Amongst them, they hadith-narrator criticism, both Bukhari and narrators. Ibn Ma’in, who is regarded amongst were able to come to a consensus Muslim were able to benefit from the grading the most severe hadith-transmitter critics as to the “identities of the most of narrators. This thesis is premised upon the introduces terms such as “wicked man,” “not authoritative hadith transmitters” writings of three hadith scholars in particular: bad,” “nothing” and “worthless.” Interestingly, and thus paved the way for the ReviewedBook By ZaynBy AminGregory Maalouf Ibn Sa’d (d. 230) Ibn Ma’in (d. 233) and Ibn Ibn Ma’in also “identifies experts of particular articulation of Sunni Islam that Hanbal (d. 261). His selection of these hadith bodies of transmissions from prominent early we have come to know vis-à-vis “Not only did our troops not shrink from eating dead scholars (who were also hadith-narrator scholars,” as well as remarkably, ranking the hadith compilers of the third Turks and Saracens; they also ate dogs!” critics) was on the basis that they have left us and rating the “hierarchy of pupils from century. a “significant body of critical opinions” which an individual transmitter,” thus adding a Documentation of rampant cannibalism among the form the earliest instances of the usage of Lucas writes with clarity and more nuanced and precise form of grading Franj comes from the Franks themselves. However, technical terms. He also indicates that these amply demonstrates his mastery than that of Ibn Sa’d. Finally, turning to Ibn the accounts from Arab witnesses are what makes scholars themselves arguably systematised and passion for his subject. By Hanbal, Lucas shows that he differed from this book so enjoyable: the cannibalism, the and expanded upon what had already begun providing a panoramic landscape the previous two scholars in that he actually elective surgery by battle-axe, the trials-by-ordeal— to be articulated (albeit in a limited fashion) by of the major hadith scholars, the all described by genteel observers shocked at the their teachers. Singling out Shu’ba (d. 160), records “the opinions of several of the earliest reader is left with a unique insight Malik (d. 179) and Ibn ‘Uyayna (d. 198), Lucas master [hadith] critics.” By determining a into the development of hadith barbarism of the blond peril. demonstrates that these scholars had already common list of narrators ranked and rated by scholarship, spanning some seven The book covers a long period where many rulers begun to adopt various technical terms (such these three scholars, Lucas is able to identify centuries. Lucas’ work will prove to come and go, but major figures like Nur ad-Din as thiqa [reliable] and da’if [weak]) for grading the least, most favourite and most prestigious be instrumental in understanding hadith narrators and which subsequently their transmitters according to these three third the articulation and development Zangi, Saladin and Baybars are presented in good students adopted and expanded. Indeed, century hadith-narrator critics (pp. 312-314). of this tradition from the masters detail and there are many colourful digressions Lucas shows clearly throughout the book, themselves. An indispensable that fill in a picture of the times among the major The net effect of Lucas’ investigation is that the relationships between major hadith book that is a must for serious battles and changes in leadership. The tone of that the reader recognises how these three scholars in one generation and those in researchers in the area of hadith anthropological distance is delicious, as with Ibn scholars introduced a number of technical another, were connected through the link of a scholarship and criticism. al-Athir upon the unexpected death of Frederick terms that were to become standardised, teacher and student. More than often, major Barbarossa, King of the Germans: “thus did God but more importantly, provided “a vehicle LUCAS, Scott, Constructive hadith masters were either the students or spare the Muslims the maleficence of the Germans, teachers of other masters. by which individual scholars could express Critics, Hadith Literature, and the whom among their predecessors they Articulation of Sunni Islam: The who constitute a particularly numerous and By examining the works of the three scholars considered to be trustworthy authorities of Legacy of the Generation of Ibn tenacious species of Franj.” (Ibn Sa’d, Ibn Ma’in and Ibn Hanbal), Lucas the prophetic teachings that lay at the very Sa‘d, Ibn Ma‘in, and Ibn Hanbal. Zayn Gregory writes about plants, pantuns and the is able to argue that both Imam Bukhari (d. heart of the Sunni articulation of Islam.” (Leiden: Brill, 2004) pp. 423. l Malay archipelago at Bin Gregory Productions (www. bingregory.com) l

34 35 youthink | september 2014 Book Reviews

The Decision Book: Islam: Religion of Life Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking

By Abdul Wadod Shalabi Book By Mikael Krogerus and Translated by Abdal Hakim Murad

Roman Tschäppeler By Zac Rea

Reviewed By Eda Yasemin Akin Abdul Wadod Shalabi is evidently a man of (pbuh) and events from his noble life. piercing intellect, erudition and articulation Krogerus and Tschäppeler are well find a strategy that will stimulate as reflected in this fine work titledIslam: The third and final chapter consists of a renowned authors for their series your mind, provoke your process Religion of Life. presentation of the remaining pillars of faith, of three books: The Decision Book, of thought and exercise your brain later to conclude with an epilogue describing The Change Book, and The Question just that little bit. This brief introduction to the religion covers its the importance of religion; both its outward salient features. The book commences with a Book. and inward aspects. The book is distributed neatly into prolegomenon on the lamentable perception In this issue, we will be reviewing four chapters that cover: of Islam within the Western mindset. Shalabi I am yet to find another text that is as The Decision Book; an international rhetorically asks, “Why Islam?” if the faith exceptional as it is succinct. A sincere 1. How to improve yourself. verifies previous truths, as it claims. best-seller that has been translated recommendation to anyone who wishes to into 25 languages to provide you with 2. How to understand yourself Chapter one of the book explores the reality introduce Islam to an educated readership. intense, strategic and direct models better. of the Shahadatayn. to assist you, with your decisions 3. How to understand others. All thanks must go to the anonymous step-by-step. 4. How to improve others. Chapter two features an examination of individual that lent this book to me. May Allah, the Qur’an, with some carefully selected the most Glorified and Exalted, continue to Every day, many people face the Most of the models presented in passages, before surveying the Prophet bless and favour both her and her family. l same questions: What do I want? the book are simple and easy to How do I get it? How do I work more understand in comparison to a few effectively to achieve it? that are arguably not as versatile.

Whether they be short term A good read for anyone who seeks personal goals or long term further personal development and business goals, you will definitely understanding of others. l review some books?

WantEmail usto at [email protected]

36 37 reflectionsyouthink | september 2014 My Journey to Zaytuna College My Journey to Zaytuna College

Sharing my Zaytuna experience with people and beloved mother. She has always is always a joy. wanted good for her children and she was the reason why I took an interest in This is especially because I am honoured studying religion. Not only did she take us to be growing with America’s first Muslim out of a public school and place us in an liberal Arts college. In fact, I am evermore Islamic one, but she then took us out of privileged to be a part of the fourth class of Islamic school and moved us to a Muslim the college— the class that made it possible country: . Memorising the was for the first class to graduate. not enough for her. My mother wanted us to learn Arabic so that we could also Excuse my biases - I love class of 2017 understand it. In 2005, my mother travelled - but on a more serious note, I am ever to Syria along with her mother and a Syrian thankful to God for placing me in a college friend of hers to explore school options. surrounded by great scholars and among a On February 12, 2006, my mother took us unique selection of students (I’d like to think to , Syria’s capital—a city that that we’re divergents). changed my life.

I’ve just completed my first year at Zaytuna I began my Arabic studies at Abu Nour, College. Some of my Australian friends a university founded by the previous think that I have matured, which I believe , Shaykh Ahmed Kuftaro, where I is a good sign, although, I still have a lot nearly completed five out of six levels of of room for improvement. Zaytuna has not the Arabic language. After living among only helped me grow academically, but also students of sacred knowledge, I was spiritually and emotionally. It challenges inspired to pursue it myself. I decided to my mind to think, my body to eat well and enrol at Ma’had al-Fatih; a well-known my heart to stay content with God. For me, institute with a six-year course that Zaytuna is a holistic lifestyle; it is the micro focused highly on Islamic studies. It was world that is preparing me to challenge the there where I was able to complete four macro world that I will be facing one day. years before leaving the school due to the My Journey to However, talking about graduation already is Syrian uprising. a little saddening, so allow me to step back a bit and narrate my Zaytuna story to you I left Damascus in 2011, but I did not return starting from my studies in Damascus, to to the immediately. I had Zaytuna College signed up for the Rihla; a three-week deep- Rihla 2011 in Bursa and finishing off my first year as an Arabic teaching assistant–it has intensive course in English, focusing on the By Yousaf Seyal been quite a journey. fundamentals of Islam. My intention was to meet its teachers in order to establish I always like to start with acknowledging my a connection with some of the scholars of patient, dedicated, independent, strong, the West to work under them someday. The

38 39 youthink | september 2014 My Journey to Zaytuna College

program was one of the most eye-opening I responded: “Yes, your Zaytuna.” walk out, but I was wrong. my first semester. From learning Hadith, experiences of my life, but I would need to with Imam , Theology with write a separate paper on that! In any case, “Khalas, you are accepted, by God’s will,” he Shaykh Hamza began his class by talking Shaykh Faraz Khan, Logic with Dr. Mark said. I began to establish connections with some to every student. After I introduced Delp, Hanafi with Imam Tahir, Arabic of the teachers. I was particularly amazed myself, he encouraged me to opt out with Dr. Fadi Elhin, English Grammar For the first few months, I started to prepare of my Arabic class and to join one of with Dr. Shirin Maskatia, and Vocabulary by Imam Zaid Shakir, who was one of the myself mentally for school. I began to read the higher levels. Interestingly enough, with Sr. Mariam Jukaku. In just a short three co-founders of Zaytuna College and the Trivium and talk to a few friends about he later approached me and put the period of time, I can honestly say that Imam Tahir Anwar, an adjunct Professor at the Californian life. Soon after, I was on my ‘Frequency Dictionary of Arabic’ in front the college. way to Berkeley, California. I have grown morally and intellectually. of me and told me that he had selected My greatest fear was to come to To return to Syria was difficult, so I began to It was August 31st of 2013 when I finally this book for the Zaytuna curriculum for Zaytuna feeling that I would perhaps be ask the teachers about studying at Zaytuna. arrived at the Zaytuna dormitory and was me. Point being, Shaykh Hamza is a very “intellectually behind,” since I had not I would often sit with Imam Zaid for advice. welcomed by Ali Kirat. He assigned me to sincere, interactive and engaging teacher. been in school for several years. I had not He would offer his insight, but would always my room where I met my first roommate, He actually makes an effort to get to been reading in English for some time, end it by telling me to do istikharah—the Rohban Zahid from Springfield. (No, not know his students. nor was I acquainted with the Western prayer of guidance. I left the program with the same Springfield from the Simpsons.) world after having been overseas for five an uncertain decision but I was left with an He took me out for my first meal in There is so much that can be said about option that I continued to explore after my California to a place called Blondie’s return to the United States. After two years Pizza. Later on, I met my other roommate, of consulting with teachers and exhausting Ibrahim Naqeeb; a permaculture “vert” schooling options, I decided to apply at who nearly turned me green every time Zaytuna. It was the only college I applied to he spoke about greens (Pun intended!). because I did not want to study Islam at any Anyway, we all came from very different other American college. backgrounds. As roommates, we probably were not the best together but at least the By God’s grace, I was accepted at Zaytuna classroom united us as freshmen. Our first in 2012. That winter, I attended the days of school were spent in exploration, ‘Reviving the Islamic Spirit’ conference in orientation, and shinning through the Toronto, Canada. Excited to inform Imam halls of Le Conte, Zaytuna’s new location Zaid of the good news, I stood in his book at convocation. However, it was soon signing line without a book, eagerly waiting time to buckle down and start studying, to tell him. Upon approaching him he asked the moment we attended the Freshman Seminar with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, the me in Arabic: “O Yousaf, what has God done President of Zaytuna College. I had never of you?” seen Shaykh Hamza in a classroom setting I replied: “I applied for Zaytuna College.” before, so I did not know what to expect from him as a teacher. I thought that he “Our Zaytuna?” he asked. would come in, deliver his lecture and

40 41 youthink | september 2014 World Cup Schizophrenia from years; I was academically challenged. But dispute—our respect towards one another the Middle East these teachers made my first semester a was tainted. Days went by without talking, success. however, we could not escape each other’s By Suleiman Samir Arabiat company because it was a friendship that AND World War Another void I felt was also beginning to was built upon the love of God. Therefore, refill: friendship. I became friends with my friends and I were able to resolve our some amazing individuals. We were of issues through discussion as they were mutual benefit to each other in not only in Palestinian children there to put me back inline, which resulted our studies but also in our personal lives march through in my second semester being as fruitful as and struggles. As for my second semester, downtown Ramallah my first. I was comfortable with the academic to protest the targeted atmosphere. I was, however, confronted I can continue to talk about my Zaytuna killing of three children with a new struggle: relationships. experience, but I will stop here. I didn’t even Something I like to remind people about in Gaza two days earlier. touch upon how my friends came together is my humanness. Yes, I am a Zaytuna to fund my first year, the honours program student. I did not walk into the college or my summer teaching assistant position at perfect, nor will I walk out perfect, but I the Arabic Intensive. aspire to strive for excellence everyday. I was struggling emotionally as my My journey to Zaytuna College has been a friends and I were being tested in some long one, but my first year there has truly difficult ways. From my younger brother been an eye-opening experience. To me, struggling to get married, to the death of Zaytuna reflects the Prophet’s teaching of my friend’s brother and the hospitalisation a believer striving to be a better believer of another friend’s mother, I really took everyday, as his next day should be better their problems to heart as if they were my than his first. Not a day goes by where I own. I tried to be there for them whenever am not either challenged academically, I could, even when I was sick in bed with emotionally, or spiritually. I am truly the flu but I prioritised them over my own problems. At some point, I distracted blessed to be walking through the Zaytuna myself from my studies and started to hallways, to engage with scholars and to think about work and marriage. Although benefit from fellow seekers— seekers who still very beneficial, I noticed that these aspire to be lifelong learners. I pray that things began to affect the purpose of my my Zaytuna experience will inspire me to attendance at Zaytuna. I was not thinking be a leader who is grounded in the Islamic about my studies nor did my conversations scholarly tradition and conversant with the revolve around them, which began to cultural currents and critical ideas shaping annoy my friends. As tension began to modern society, to serve an American rise among us, the more we started to Islam someday. God willing. la

meanwhile, elsewhere My Journey to Zaytuna College 42 43 jcarillet/iStockPhoto youthink | september 2014 World Cup and World War – Schizophrenia from the Middle East

Being a Middle Easterner during current the war started as the least effort in support of the matches. They helped to consider such committing oneself to the ongoing struggles world events begs you to be schizophrenic. our brethren in Gaza. questions as: and the amount of active supportive work it demands?” Torn between the questions of identity: I cannot see a better schizophrenia inducing How do we bring back our Arab and Muslim to whom, to what and where do I belong or manifesting environment. identity to a level that allows a street We can all point fingers of blame towards to? Tradition and religion: is this halal or demonstration for Gaza to involve more than governments, imperialists, preachers, During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a German haram? Is it virtuous or shameful? Also, one hundred protestors, while the big World scholars, and uncontrolled over-zealous friend of mine was visiting . He was the magnetically charming pull of being a Cup screens that have been erected in every youth, but until we manage to address the stunned at how many young Jordanians ‘Global Youth’ in a ‘Global Village’ – which Café in attract thousands to cheer root problem of identity, this schizophrenic stood up at the entrance of the German the aura of the first two questions cast with for non-regional teams? manifestation could create a ripple effect the judgmental label of ‘A Consumerist team, singing the German national anthem that may rattle our communities with more (in German), along with him and the team Materialist’. Why are our youth finding more comfort in a problems and weaknesses. For that, the members. Another crowd did the same ten-minute half-time chat about Gaza than in aforementioned entities are responsible – The recent war on Gaza is just one of many for the Spanish team, all in the middle a Taraweeh prayer at the mosque dedicated some more than others, to bringing back tribulations of schizophrenia for Middle of Amman. His face showed unspoken to our brethren as the least means to a strong identity that creates a firm sense Eastern youth. For this time, it coincided bewilderment. Another friend who was support them? of self among the youth, allowing them to with the FIFA World Cup, where teams accompanying us was more vocal and actively engage in confronting the challenges included Germany, Italy, , , and commented: “I wonder if the German And finally, “where is the balance between of the region as well as being part of the Latin America engaged the multitudes of kings who fought tooth and nail against living a so-called normal life under the global global youth community working towards a loyal young Arab supporters, enticing their the Ottomans and the Arabs over the human ideals and the Muslim/Arab ideals in better life for all. l emotions to a level that reached fanaticism centuries would have ever dreamed of such amongst some. Under the aforementioned a moment.” This situation and many others questions, guilt spreads among the team such as what’s going on nowadays helped supporters for watching the matches. me understand that the problem is not in Ironically, supporting Algeria against their cheering for a football team or in being a beloved German team eases this. fan of this or that, but the problem lies deep within. An identity crisis of immeasurable As Gazans were being slaughtered, half-time depth is shaking our youth, inflicting match break conversations are infused with: schizophrenic behaviour within them in the “So, what’s new on Facebook about Gaza?” face of the regional crises in Gaza, Syria, Or, with: “Did you see how far the rockets of Iraq, etc. the resistance are reaching this time?” Social Media campaigns and debates erupt from As Social Media (the battlefield of our arguments for and against topics like boycotting helpless Middle Eastern youth) is filled the FIFA World Cup and replace watching the with boycott campaigns and black-and- matches with prolonged ‘Taraweeh’ prayers white judgmental attitude between friends, at the mosque. Some Imams have modified bloggers, independent journalists and public its time to fit between the World Cup match figures, the half-time chats eased the weight Randy Bish/Politicalcartoons.com schedules to attract worshippers, even before of guilt one may have felt while watching

44 45 lifeyouthink down | september under: 2014 fashion and faith ModesT: Hijabistas or Hoopla? icon

ModesT: Hijabistas or Hoopla? By Tasneem Chopra For Australian Muslim women Lah’za Photography ‘Hijabis’, notional references In this bold crepe More often than not, surrounding conversations have to “that thing on your head” and chiffon two- stemmed from an analysis of Islamic dress code as if it have long been the hallmark piece ensemble, were an archaic and punitive set of injunctions devoid thehijabstylist has of headlines, sound bites and of any personable expression. It is for this reason in created her version particular that the emergence of the modest fashion of a cape that is both conference titles. movement burgeoning across the globe has made us stop elegant and practical. and take notice. The emphasis of graceful lines is a Much can be said of this movement that has engendered signature of Zulfiye’s supporters and critics from within and outside the Muslim designs as is her community. While opinions have been divergent, what passion to modify cannot be diminished is the fact that it’s a hot topic of existing design styles conversation. Terminology beyond fashionistas now co- in season and ‘hijabify’ them to her standards. opts words like, Hijabistasts and Turbanistas into modest This ensemble while fashion parlance in recognition that this trend is driven striking is actually largely by Muslim women and, to a lesser extent, men. minimal in its components, which In Sydney and Melbourne, landmark events signifying is another trademark our association with modest fashion occurred with the of Zulfiye’s style that highly acclaimed ‘Faith Fashion Fusion: Australian Muslim aides in functionality. Women’s Style and Identity’ exhibition running in Sydney and Melbourne. This year, we have also been privy to To view more of inclusion in the Australian tour of internationally renowned Zulfiye’s work, visit: thehijabstylist photographer Langston Hues undertaking his ‘Modest www.facebook.com/ Street Fashion’ project. hijabstylist

46 47 youthink | september 2014 life down under: the green din

The explosion in the number of bloggers on the social media scene based here and abroad has placed Australia’s modest fashion scene squarely in the conversation concerning women who take pride in dressing with style whilst maintaining their faith principles.

The strategic pairing of contemporary trends in fashion aligned to adhere to modest dress codes has become Emotional eating By Dyala Aljabi* order of the day for Hijabistas. Creating designs, adapting lengths, volumes and accessories to create a specific style, whilst not compromising an individual’s spiritual belief can take work. But given the fun element Samuel Howat in this experience, it is little wonder that this nations top Hijabista bloggers are gaining momentum with followers Wiwid’s style sense has in their tens of thousands. a definitive quirky vibe evidenced in the often Social media traction is occurring at an exponential playful accents she rate. In fact, you could watch a video tutorial on a new redvikingphoto/iStockPhoto adorns. In this ensemble, way to style your hijab daily. Assuredly, you will never Wiwid appears both casual wear the same look twice. but stylish. The unique flair with which Wiwid Whether or not this aspect attracts criticism or punctuates her outfit is enthusiasm, what is clear is that many hijabi women enabled with a careful selection of accessories, in particular admit to finally being enthusiastic about layering and textures. Here, donning the hijab. As role models on social media, her neutral top and casual Hijabistas are demonstrating how to dress with

jeans are interrupted with modest confidence. JoeGough/iStockPhoto a tutu style midi skirt and contrasting red sling bag. Two prominent Australian fashionistas/Hijabistas Together, these elements in Australia are Zulfiye Tufa and Wiwid Howat from create a street style fusing Melbourne and Sydney. Respectively, each blogger western and Muslim extensively utilises social media platforms via Facebook, principles with modest effect. YouTube and Instagram to advertise their styles and educate followers about fashion tips and personal To see more of Wiwid’s inspirations.

vibrant style, visit: PicLeidenschaft/iStockPhoto Edster1980/iStockPhoto www.facebook.com/ Zulfiye Tufa, identifies as thehijabstylist and Wiwid wi2dHowatBoutique Howat under her own name. l *Dietician at Bankstown Physiotherapy

48 49 youthink | september 2014 Emotional eating

Healthy eating and regular exercise play a vital role in maintaining mental health as well as physical health. If you have ever made room for dessert even though you may already feel full or dove into a pint of ice cream when you’re feeling miserable, this is for you!

Stress is a common feeling in our day-to- importance of paying attention to our body In the meantime, here are a few specific nutritional strategies that can help improve mood day lives. Exposure to prolonged stress can and our eating habits. and maintain healthy brain functioning: adversely affect our health. Emotional eating “It’s about pausing to really taste your food occurs when we don’t eat to satisfy hunger but Dietary guidelines Health benefit unfortunately to satisfy our emotional needs. and listen to your body’s cues. We should all eat whenever we’re hungry and stop as soon EAT THREE REGULAR MEALS AND SNACKS Eating regularly stops you from becoming too hungry, which Learning to recognise your emotional as we’re full, but instead we get hung-up on can lead to impulsive choices or overeating. eating triggers is the first step to breaking habits and rules.” (Read more: www.smh. EAT PLENTY OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS Green leafy vegetables are good sources of folic acid. free from compulsive over or under-eating. com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/hungry- Mindful eating is a technique whereby the no-i-already-meditate-20130813-2rtqz. EAT PLENTY OF WHOLEGRAIN BREADS AND Wholegrain cereals with intact kernels release sugar into CEREALS the bloodstream slowly. This helps stabilise blood sugars html#ixzz3ALTEefP7) focus is centered on food and the eating and optimise mental and physical performance. experience. It involves paying attention Here are some simple but effective ways to to an eating experience with all of our INCLUDE LEAN MEAT, FISH, POULTRY OR These high protein foods are made up of amino acids. One put an end to your emotional eating: ALTERNATIVES essential amino acid is called tryptophan. A steady supply senses (sight, taste, smell and touch) and of tryptophan to the brain where it is used to produce • Identify your triggers – Keep an being aware of the emotional and physical serotonin. responses that take place before, during emotional eating diary and write down and after the experience. The purpose of what you ate, what happened to upset Oily fish including herring, tuna, mackerel, salmon and sardines are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids that act mindful eating is to shift the focus on the you, how you felt before you ate, what as a good preventative measure for mental health as well you felt as you were eating and how you how and what we eat and less on how much as physical health. we eat. Psychologist and Food Addiction felt afterwards (trust me, it works!) INCLUDE REDUCED FAT MILK, YOGHURT Therapy author, Kellee Waters explains the • Find other ways to feed your feelings – If Dairy products are nutrient-dense foods that can serve as AND CHEESES ideal snacks during the day. you’re feeling depressed or lonely, speak to a friend who makes you feel happy. If Milk is also a good source of tryptophan. you’re anxious, apply your nervous energy DRINK PLENTY OF WATER Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, even mild into squeezing a stress ball, taking a walk dehydration can affect moods, causing irritability and or treating yourself to a hot bath. restlessness. • Pause when cravings hit – take a CONSUME ONLY MODERATE AMOUNTS OF Many high sugar foods are not good sources of essential moment to stop and reflect when you SUGAR AND FOODS CONTAINING SUGAR nutrients. are hit with a craving and give yourself the opportunity to make a different High sugar foods such as cakes, biscuits, soft drinks and pastries cause a surge of sugar into the bloodstream, which decision. wears off quickly, This leaves the person feeling tired and • Support yourself with healthy lifestyle low. habits and get as much physical activity LIMIT CAFFEINE INTAKE Caffeine, especially to those who are sensitive to it, can as possible (cliché but true). increase anxiety and contribute to insomnia. l

50 51 lifeyouthink down | september under: 2014 gadgets and technology The state of portable technology

Statistically speaking, the new titans must You may think that a larger screen only be Apple and Samsung as those little golems means an extra row of applications but like HTC, LG and Nokia continue to make a Samsung is there to prove you wrong with name for themselves. As Apple continues to the trademark S-pen that comes standard stick to its ‘revolutionary’ new design every with the ‘Note’ series. The Galaxy Note 3 two years with an ‘S’ model in the middle, we and S5 provides features such as multi- may finally see a change this year with two window to make the best use of the variants of the iPhone: the iPhone 6 and the display size, and rest assured, it is not a iPhone Air. Sure, these may just be rumoured mere gimmick. During 2014, Samsung products, but this is 2014. For a company introduced the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Alpha as large as Apple, it is extremely difficult to (a metal phone), the Galaxy S5 Mini, the prevent leaks when a new product design is Galaxy Round and we may see the release revealed internally. The introduction of these of the Galaxy Note 4 by the end of the two phones alongside a plethora of others year. A person may realise that Samsung The state of from different manufacturers will certainly bombarding the market with their new Erikona/iStockPhoto prove that smaller is no longer better. products; this indicates that they are not afraid to experiment. After all, it was the late portable technology The theory of one-handed use is no longer Steve Jobs himself who stated during the a priority for consumers. After all, we have launch of the iPhone that the device will be moved on from those 15-inch laptops. As PC ahead of its competitors by five years (years By Abdul Lazki sales decline, we seek an alternative method that have now passed). It is Samsung in the to create our complicated spreadsheets or driver’s seat finding new ways of innovating play our high-end games. For those of us that within this crowded market. However, It’s been quite some time since we argued are stuck with the iPhone 4, we rapidly realise the consumer always benefits from the what a nuisance it turns out to be. Sure, we can competition. always purchase an iPad or a Galaxy Note 10.1 with each other over which laptop out but this is the time of the so-called ‘phablets’ The race between manufacturers like – phones intermediate in size between that of Google, Samsung and Apple to produce a there carried state-of-the-art technology your typical smartphone and a tablet. After all, smartwatch follows in the footsteps of the the (rumoured) iPhone Air (5.5 inches in size), famous Pebble watch. Manufacturers stalled alongside its 4 GB of RAM. LG G3 (5.5 inches), Galaxy Note 3 (5.7 inches) the production in order to perfect the phone and even the Galaxy S5 (5.1 inches) have all that will connect to the very watch itself. made headlines in the technological world. It Samsung has already produced multiple The dominance of both Hewlett-Packard (HP) increasing and improving at an alarming has become a new standard for all new phones types of ‘Galaxy Gear’ products, which in and Dell crept their way into our everyday rate. From enormous desktop computers to be at least five inches, leaving the newly truth, have been extremely boring, reminding conversations as opposed to what they are to chunky laptops, now we all carry slim advertised iPhone 5S to catch up. Why buy a Samsung it sometimes isn’t a good idea today—fallen titans. We can all agree that phones. However, there is a question on tablet and a phone when you could merge the to throw dirt at the wall until, against all over the last decade, technology has been each of our minds: What comes next? two as one device? evidence, something sticks. As much

52 53 youthink | september 2014 life down under: movie review

Current iPhone 5S (right) pictured near the leaked models of the alleged 4.7 inch iPhone 6 (middle) and 5.5 inch iPhone Air (left)

as we may dislike it, the current state of since 2013. But the average selling price has portable technology is moving forward past fallen 6.3 per cent; from $335 to $314 per smartphones and watches. handset and it is set to fall further. Therefore, if you’re asking yourself if the current You may have heard the term ‘4K HD’ in standings of smartphones will wear itself the continuous television advertisements out, with the control Apple has on its own during the 2014 World Cup. This feature software and the control the Android OEM has already made its way to into our has on other manufacturers, smartphones GOOD smartphones, like the LG G3 carrying this aren’t going anywhere, just as the car market type of resolution. But the improvement is has stayed for a long time itself. MORNING, not only under the screen. This year’s iPhone is sure to contain a sapphire crystal display; The state of portable technology is yet to essentially ‘un-scratchable’ and only softer VIETNAM reach its peak. Whilst some may regard than a diamond.. this as a positive aspect, it does seem a (1987) According to the IDC (International Data tad concerning considering the amount of Corporation) there will be an astounding reliability we’ve placed into these five-inch BY MAY FAHMI 1.2 billion smartphones shipped in 2014, devices—which will soon be accompanied which represents a 23.1 per cent increase with mainstream smartwatches. l

Leaked 4.7 inch iPhone 6 sapphire screen being put to the test.

54 55 youthink | september 2014 Movie Review

Directed with pace, Levinson deftly did in the post-Vietnam war era of the 80s. manoeuvres between the comedic antics With the control of information and the white of Cronauer and the growing unease and washing, the conflict is so dubious in its tension on the streets of Saigon. intentions that it has much to say to today’s generation, which has seen numerous One standout moment in the film shows wars waged under questionable terms. The Cronauer entertaining truckloads of fleeting images of a reporter and a protestor American soldiers and it is memorable not shown in the film hints at the groundswell of just for the laughs it delivers, but for the way opposition and protests that occurred in the in which he conveys a brief but palpable US against this war, which in large part lead sense of sadness for young men he will likely to withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam – a never see alive again. At the same time, the first of its kind. The film effectively hints at film tracks Cronauer’s growing rapport with history without being historical. the Vietnamese locals, which becomes just as strong as it is with his fellow American The late Robin Williams, in what was to soldiers. This is turned on its head towards become one of his most remembered roles, It’s the year 1965 and air force officer Adrian of sorts. Cronauer becomes increasingly the climax of the film when he begins to delivers an intuitive and raw performance Cronauer has just landed in tropical Saigon, fond of Tuan and his sister, Trinh (Chintara question who his friends really are, leading with trademark frenetic pace. Ably supported Vietnam. Set against the backdrop of the Sukapatana), for whom he has developed to a pivotal moment in which the face of the by Forrest Whittaker and Bruno Kirby, playing Vietnam War, ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’, a liking. As his attachment to the locals enemy is humanised. A moment which also the painfully unfunny antagonist Lt Steven directed by Barry Levinson, follows the story grows, Cronauer finds himself increasingly leads us, the audience, to question who the Hawk, the film delivers dozens of laughs a of Cronauer (played by Robin Williams), disillusioned with the radio station’s enemy really is, and more importantly, who minute. But it is Williams’ ability to impart who had flown in from the United States censorship of military news. Frustrated defines it. emotion that would set the film apart from on special assignment as a DJ to inject life with the task of delivering vacuous and its peers; an ability that would also become and laughter into “Radio Saigon; a dreary While the film is not excessively littered white washed news in his radio show, characteristic of his later performances and army-run radio station broadcasting to with blood, bombs and gore, there is always Cronauer begins to subvert the status quo for which he will be remembered as much as the thousands of US soldiers stationed the undercurrent of tension. In a brief but the comedy that was so effortless for him. by broadcasting “non-official” news, risking in Vietnam. The irreverent Cronauer hallmark sequence of the film, the silent his job and military career and eventually immediately overhauls the dull and images of bloodshed, fear, explosions, Anyone who remembers this film will most landing himself in hot water. It is his regimented approach of the station, winning poverty, protests and growing unrest are likely remember Robin Williams’ hollering popularity with his listeners, however, that over new fans with his comedic broadcasts played out to the music of ‘What a Wonderful of the now iconic line, “Good morning filled with manic and hilarious one-liners and sees him through the turbulent times. World’. The irony speaks volumes. Vietnam!” Others will remember the witty impressions. He inevitably butts heads with and animated script, much of which was The Vietnamese people seen in the film his superiors who are unhappy with his rise Younger generations who may not be familiar adlibbed by Williams. For the new audiences, are largely depicted through the lens of in popularity and his carefree manner. with ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ will likely relate there is all this to savour and more. Most will the American protagonist. Whilst there is a to its depiction of a young generation lost in agree that the film’s ultimate strength lies in It is while stationed in Saigon that Cronauer somewhat superficial, and almost orientalist political slogans and propaganda. Indeed the its balance between humour and solemnity. meets and befriends young local man Tuan element to their portrayal, the film treats its film’s subtle but evident critique of war has A fitting tribute to Williams’ stellar and varied (Tung Than Tranh), who becomes a guide subject matter with due seriousness. the power to resonate today as much as it career. l

56 57 lifeyouthink down | september under: 2014 foodies life down under: the sage, the saint and the scholar Mrs P’s delivers the Food goods Smoked Salmon and Let the coffee Scrambled Egg Bagel: journey begin Generous portion size with Review an overload of sauce. By Rarbie Taha I stumbled upon this place The eggs were cooked to after hearing positive reviews perfection and tasted divine. The growing food culture from friends. It is a quaint little in Sydney has taken huge café situated along Burwood’s Coffee beans The Hikam of strides in recent times. George Street. Five senses coffee (Single Now, it looks like it will origin or Dark Horse Blend). Ibn ‘Ata’illah make its mark on the Aside from its beautiful décor international coffee scene. and alluring vibe, I would say Coffee it has the best espresso in Dark horse blend displays With more than half of Burwood; it literally smells as a lot of character; it’s rich This extract has been reprinted by permission Australians over the age of amazing as it tastes. in intense flavours and has 18 consuming the magic of the publisher, White Thread Press (2014) a smooth, creamy body. It’s beans, this foodies section On any given weekend, it’s www.whitethreadpress.com marks the first of a series buzzing with activity. Their an exceptional stand-alone as I hunt down Sydney’s breakfast menu is a hit, with coffee. best cafes. the big breakfast dish priced Staff at $10.50 – this is very There is no minor sin when His justice If, on the other hand, His grace is Mrs P’s – George Paspalas owns Mrs popular on weekends. confronts you; and there is no major sin manifested, then our greatest sins wane into Specialty Coffee Burwood P’s and the head barista is when His grace confronts you. [50] oblivion, after becoming insignificant due to 34 George St Burwood 02 All their food is organic and “John.” His magnanimous forgiveness. 9744 0965 free range, as the coffee is Should Allah’s attribute of justice (‘adl) www.mrspscoffee.com.au from Five Senses—a company Along with their friendly that sources seasonal coffee service, they made me feel be manifested on earth, dealing with us from around the world. welcome upon arrival. l according to the strict criteria of such When you commit a sin, let it not be a equity, the smallest of sins (Saghira) reason for your despairing of attaining to Rarbie Taha is an Exercise Physiologist and health enthusiast with a passion for good food and coffee. Check out would be treated as an enormity (Kabira). righteousness before your Lord, for that his @Sydneybrunchcrawler brunch blog on Instagram for his hunt for Sydney’s best cafes. might be the last decreed for you. [148] In truth, a minute action of disobedience

to such a majestic and great Lord and When one commits some sin, as the result Benefactor, whose grandeur is infinite and of human nature, one should never allow bounties are incalculable, justifies the the sin to bring about the slightest change application of complete punishment upon in one’s determination to remain steadfast the disobedient one. upon the religion. Do not permit it to slacken

58 59 youthink | september 2014 youthink | september 2014 About the artist of the cover one’s bond with Allah’s Most High. Do not with the motive of creating an impression Imad Abu Shtayyah be deceived by the thought “I am unable to on others, in order that they consider one a remain steadfast on the religion, hence my pious and saintly person. sinning; therefore I might as well give up!” Never think that steadfastness is impossible If a person commences an act of worship in in the aftermath of committing a sin. Rather, the presence of people, or in the absence Poem about this piece by the artist: one must hope—as the aphorism suggests— of people who later arrive, with the sole From the destruction and hatred you sow that maybe Allah will not destine another sin desire to create the impression of piety— From every inch of our land such as performing the ritual prayer in a for one. That hosted a martyr beautiful manner [which is not one’s normal We shall return… With this hope, one must be very careful to practice]—then this servant has committed not become audacious in sin. Indeed, a sin an act of ostentation [which is clear to Despite of your killing and brutality committed spontaneously due to temporary almost anyone]. and the collaboration of traitors human weakness is not in conflict with who sold out steadfastness upon the religion; however, Sometimes, however, a person renders helping to realize your schemes Imad Abu Shtayyah: an act in private; yet, notwithstanding this persistence in sins without constant in our Palestine. I was born in Jordan in privacy, ostentation enters his heart. This recourse to repentance, whereby one We shall return to our land 1965. My family was engages in a prolonged and deliberate kind of ostentation is very subtle. The sign to the land of our ancestors! forced to emigrate from commission of sins, is a complete negation of this type of ostentation is a man’s desire Palestine in 1948 from of steadfastness. to be honored when he meets others: that What is the story behind When you painted their village Alqebab he be appointed to a position of prominence Youthink asks Imad: this painting? this image and wrote near Alramlah to the and leadership, with others serving him. Jerash refugee Camp Sometimes ostentation penetrates you in When he is honored, he becomes elated. the poem what were such a way that no one notices it. [160] When such honor is not forthcoming from you biggest points of in Jordan. people, he is stung with surprise. This The Palestinian people inspiration? Ostentation is to render an act of worship or attitude indicates that the person’s efforts are struggling but always I hold two diplomas: some other and deeds are motivated by the desire for connected to their land. The one in computer virtuous name and fame, and to gain service from many calamities they faced Most people who were programming and deed people. l will not dissuade them from watching the news one in aeronautical the struggle for the liberation witnessing the destruction engineering. I was not formally trained in the of their land. At the same felt very helpless, sad and arts, but consider myself time, despite the destruction frustrated. But I have the self taught and took of homes, the Palestinian belief that God will help painting on as a hobby them. They are an people will not be deterred to since I was just ten years oppressed people and rebuild what was destroyed. I old. I am now working in deserve a decent life. want to also be sure that the computer graphics those Palestinians insist on I am not even a poet but field in an international getting out of the rubble, so the words just came out company focusing on the idea of this painting was of me. animation, motion 60 motivated by this thought. graphics and video 61 editing.