A family dinner

The Jayyousi and Tulkarem teams were privileged to partake in a night of food and conversation at Abdul Karim and Khulod's residence just outside of Tulkarem. Abdul Karim has been an important contact for the Jayyous team by lending vital support with regards to answering questions that are more detailed in nature.

What was especially nice about such an invitation as this by a professional contact is to see who the lady of his life is and how she partners with him in his work. The wife, Khulod, was most gracious and kind with her presentation of Palestinian cuisine. From her we heard stories about the personal aspects of their family life; how they meet as a couple and the quirks of for example deciding on a name for their children. This all led to smiles and laughter all around. Some time was also spent entertaining and being entertained by the three children who were more than enthusiastic to have guests over.

As often happens in this region, conversation flows in and out of politics, between despair and hope, sadness and happiness. US president Obama's speech was analysed, as well as Secretary of State Clinton and Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu, being scrutinised with old language. Settlers and land confiscation were among some of the other topics. The political lingo boiled down with a common silence of complicit hopelessness for the EAs around the table, but Abdul Karim soon filled us with hope and spirit with a story about his Israeli counterparts and then yet another story of the quirks of family life. We were all smiles again.