A cry from the heart for the New Year 2026

Dear God:  As 0ne the most distressing years in my life  is coming to an end today, I thought I would sit at my computer and have a chat  with you. To start with,  I want you to know that despite all what we have gone through starting with the Nakba of 1948, the military occupation of our Palestinian territories as well as the genocide in the Gaza Strip, over and above the  personal experience of my grandson Shadi,  we have  never lost our faith in you. The word “Inshallah”(God willing) is the most common word used in our language, whether we are Christians or Muslims, because we literally believe that “your will be done.”  When we see our  families  off to work or the children off to school we are bound to say to each one of them  “Allah Maak “  (God be with you. “) Inshallah” (God willing)  you will have a good day. And when they all get back home safely we welcome them back with  “El hamdulilah ala el Salameh” (Thank God for your  getting  back home safely.) And when things get tough we plead “Allah yefrijha” (May God solve the problem)   Even if somebody passes away, and as sad as we maybe  we accept the fact that it is God’s will “Mashe’et Allah.” These are just a few examples to assure  you  of how strongly we believe in you and that you will never abandon us no matter how bad the situation gets. So whatever good or bad that comes our way we are always  thankful  “Al hamdulilah” (Thanks be to God).

Sadly however, and  after those long years of one Nakba after the other, one genocide after the other, and now all this stormy weather that left the homeless in the Gaza Strip drowning in their flimsy tents, while more restrictions are putting on aid organizations, I could not help but cry out “Where are you Dear God when we need you Most?  Should you by any chance have lost or misplaced  your hearing aids or your contact lenses, “La Samah Allah” (God forbid).

However you do not need  experts to help you retrieve those abilities.. You are the master healer.  I lost my eye sight after a big fall a few years ago, but with your blessings and mercy, and the healing hands  of Dr. Jaouni  “Alhamdulilah” I can now read and write you this letter.  I  can also read the scriptures every night and continue to be fascinated by the sacrifice of your beloved Son.  

We need HIM now  more than ever as we are tired, drained, and unable to cope  any more with this  grave injustice that has been lingering in our region for the last Hundred years. We have had enough false promises for peace, when in reality we see more aggression and more loss of lives, and more young and old people languishing in  Israeli jails. “JUSTICE AND ONLY JUSTICE” can bring about the peace that is meant to make our Land Holy again. But we need your help right now Dear God.  We need you to see, and to hear our stories so that you can grant us justice. We will not bother you anymore, but we will keep pleading our case just like the widow did until the judge granted her justice,  but after all you are the most gracious  (Allah Kareem).