Students For Justice In Palestine, University of Washington, USA

students.washington.edu/sjpal

Students for Justice in Palestine, University of Washington is a group of students dedicated to promoting the principles of justice, human rights, liberation, and self-determination for the Palestinian people. Our dedication to the rights of the Palestinian people stems from our belief of the equality of all people. We do not endorse any specific plan or solution to the problems of the area, including the Israeli occupation and apartheid system that has managed to dominate the region. We condemn the racism and discrimination underlying the policies and laws of the state of Israel, as we reject any form of hatred or discrimination against any religious, racial, or ethnic group. We work to and educate the public through non-violent events, and we may co-sponsor any other event that is in accordance with our principles.

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Record!

I am an Arab

And my identity card is number fifty thousand

I have eight children

And the nineth is coming after a summer

Will you be angry?

Record!

I am an Arab

Employed with fellow workers at a quarry

I have eight children

I get them bread

Garments and books

from the rocks..

I do not supplicate charity at your doors

Nor do I belittle myself at the footsteps of your chamber

So will you be angry?

Record!

I am an Arab

I have a name without a title

Patient in a country

Where people are enraged

My roots

Were entrenched before the birth of time

And before the opening of the eras

Before the pines, and the olive trees

And before the grass grew

My father.. descends from the family of the plow

Not from a privileged class

And my grandfather..was a farmer

Neither well-bred, nor well-born!

Teaches me the pride of the sun

Before teaching me how to read

And my house is like a watchman’s hut

Made of branches and cane

Are you satisfied with my status?

I have a name without a title!

Record!

I am an Arab

You have stolen the orchards of my ancestors

And the land which I cultivated

Along with my children

And you left nothing for us

Except for these rocks..

So will the State take them

As it has been said?!

Therefore!

Record on the top of the first page:

I do not hate poeple

Nor do I encroach

But if I become hungry

The usurper’s flesh will be my food

Beware..

Beware..

Of my hunger

And my anger!