Brooklyn, Inshallah

When I was new to the USA, I had to cope with the normal phases of cultural estrangement and confusion. I was warmly accepted, even adopted by American and American/Australian families, and then, in other circles, been called a terrorist and told to go home. The candidate Rev. El-Yateem has helped me make sense of this paradox of America and NYC, one that welcomes me with the Statue of Liberty and at the same time, enforces a Muslim ban.

I feel I am walking the same path as my candidate and his family walked decades ago. Rev. El-Yateem has been an inspiration to me through his work and his life. Three years ago, I lived as a member of a nation under siege, in Gaza Strip, strangled for food and life’s necessities in a 10 yearlong Israeli enforced blockade.

The culture shock of arriving in Manhattan was not about American but largely because I was never exposed to such diversity. I never even imagined such a city could exist. Championing El-Yateem’s story helps me broadcast the lessons I have learned about the inestimable value of liberal democracy and how it embraces diversity.

My experience and my passion for film and documentary make me feel compelled to tell this story. This was one chance that my Candidate decided to take, with all its risks, and I had this one chance to be there, to document this defining moment in the history of a community.