One People, One Voice

One of the most beautiful moments from today's Rally in Solidarity with ‪#‎Aleppo‬. We began marching and by the time we got to the Trump tower we found ourselves merging with rallies against deportation, against unfair wages, against discrimination and hate. One moment in the microphone was our classic Arabic chants against Assad, the next moment we joined those from the other rally in yelling 'Sí se puede'. Eventually we were all one loud voice in unison--"The people United will never be defeated". They tied the flags together and we chanted side by side. Truth is on the side of the oppressed and we are one people who stand for justice, no matter who or where.

Words & Numbers

I like words a lot more than numbers. 

I feel at home in words.

I can taste, smell, and feel words. 

Numbers, they never tell me the whole story.

4.6 million Syrian refugees 

11.3% of the world's population hungry 

244 schools damaged in Palestine 

38.8% -Trumps wins primary in Illinois 

2 am. 3 am. 

See, Only words can capture infinity. 

Only words can explain fear.

Only words can pronounce hope.

Only words can be powerful, even when they're not there. 

Numbers they, tell of what's present.

Of what meets the eye. Of what can be multiplied. And subtracted. 

Of what can be defined.

Numbers, they label. 

Blood pressure 120/80

Heart rate 95

But he feels dead, inside.

7 doctor visits. 12 stitches. 

But she's grateful, for another day. 

Words, they have this ability. 

To capture what's on the mind. 

To release what's in the heart.

To enrich what's in the soul.  

They tell of stories untold. 

And of generations long ago.

They turn on candles in the dark.

They form prayers out of tears.

Numbers and words they, work together sometimes. 

They paint with different strokes. And speak different tales.

But words, they remain permanent. 

Even after numbers lose their count. 

And if you were to count God's favors, you would never be able to number them.

For numbers cannot grasp, the amount of blessings that, pour and pour into our lives. 

The amount of times we are given second chances. 

The amount of times that we breathe.

Inhales. Exhales. Sighs and Reliefs.

Numbers will tell you how many. Words will tell you who. Numbers will tell you if you passed. Words will remind you, you are more than that. 

Numbers will say it's 5 words total.

Words will say: You Can Change The World

Numbers will say, that's not accurate.

Words will say, read between the lines. 

Love & Hate

Love & Hate 

They never talked.
Hate hated love.
But love never understood why.
Hate used to love, until he lost his way.
He had friends like Fear and War. He felt safe behind their walls.
In fact, Hate wanted to build an even bigger wall.
Hate loved to put on masks.
Love hated masking her heart.
Hate was popular. He got support from many.
Love was quiet, but she spread like perfume in the air.
Hate was strong, a jumper. Straight to conclusions.
Love was soft, a breeze. Patiently listening.
Love wanted to meet Hate. Love wanted a date.
And so they stumbled upon one another one night.
Hate could barely look Love in the eyes.
Because Love Was like a Poem.
But not your ordinary one.
She didn't rhyme or repeat
But she flowed.
Love was a poem.
Filled with similes and metaphors.
She is like and she is not like.
She spoke as if an allusion. Reminding Hate of a time and place he may have seen. Or dreamed.
Love was a poem.
She pronounced his heart beats clearly.
She paused at just the right times.
Sometimes a hyperbole. Exaggerating thoughts.
Sometimes a paradox. Confusing. Reassuring.
A comma, waiting to say something more.
A fragment, not afraid to stand alone.
A period.
Knowing one day she would also end.
Love was a poem, and Love did not hesitate to embrace Hate as he was.
And she changed him in an instant.
Love taught Hate to open his clenched fists.
To take off his mask.
To open his eyes.
Love taught Hate that it was ok not to understand.
Love taught Hate her peaceful ways and Hate remembered his way back home again. 
Love was a poem.
Love was a teacher.
And she taught Hate to Love again.

Our Forgotten Brothers and Sisters

We hear the name once or twice and we see one or two images on Facebook, but do we really understand the unspeakable tragedy that the Rohingya Muslims are facing in Burma? It seems however, finding information about the crisis is very difficult as there is a flagrant inattention by many news media outlets to the heartbreaking tragedy occurring in this region. Without a doubt however, and as the UN claims, the Rohingya Muslims are the most persecuted group of people in the world today. But how did this happen, and what exactly do the Muslims in Burma face on a daily basis?

To start, Burma (or Myanmar), is located between South Asia and South East Asia bordering India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. The population is about 52 million people with the predominant ethnic group being the Buddhist Burmese followed by those of the Islamic faith which number about 10 million people. The country achieved its independence from Britain in 1948 but power was then transferred to the Burma Socialist Programme Party. Eventually this party was replaced by two councils the most recent being the SPDC or “State Peace and Development Council” which ironically was not very successful in restoring the peace and easing the already growing tensions between many ethnic groups. This regime, the SPDC, is widely accused for its human rights abuses against many of these groups specifically those living in Rakhine State—the state in western Burma with the largest population of Muslims.

Now that you understand a little bit of the history, it’s important to visualize and comprehend what exactly the Muslims are facing in Burma as a result of laws set by Burmese Buddhists. The Muslims in Burma are denied identity cards; this means they are not considered citizens. Despite the fact that their forefathers have lived there for centuries, the Muslims in Burma are constantly faced with intimidation, abuse, interrogation, and military violence. Imagine that–living in country that not only does not recognize you as a citizen, but also constantly terrorizes your land and your family. Hundreds of villages have been destroyed and burned and over 90,000 people have been displaced from their homes. The Rohingya are banned from traveling freely, marrying freely, practicing religion freely, having healthcare, obtaining jobs, pursuing higher education, obtaining motor vehicles, and even using a mobile phone! It’s safe to say they are being stripped away from their freedom and are placed in a state of constant oppression.

There is still hope.

Many have attempted fleeing to Bangladesh, but it seems they are being rejected there as well. Countless families have taken leaking boats to sea in an attempt to travel across the border, but are ultimately turned around by the military and forced to return where they are not welcome. Several families have told stories of even being attacked at sea without even making it back. All this has been happening while the international community remains silent to the atrocities. Burma won’t let in independent observers and information is scarce about the situation, but that does mean we should turn our backs to the most forgotten and persecuted people on the planet.

Although a new government took over under Mr. Thein Sein in March 2011, the Parliament is still largely controlled by the military-backed ruling party. At this point, dialogue, generosity, and prayer are of the few ways we can help those fighting for their rights in Burma. First and foremost, spread awareness. Tweet about the cause, share videos, and inform those that are unaware. Knowledge is the first step to action. Secondly, donate. Visit RescueRohingya.com and contribute what you can, any amount can make a difference. Lastly, pray. Pray for all those oppressed to gain their freedom and live in a state of peace and equality. Pray for the truth to prevail and remember to never ignore injustice, wherever it may be.