Think of Others

As you prepare your breakfast, think of others
(do not forget the pigeon’s food).
As you conduct your wars, think of others
(do not forget those who seek peace).
As you pay your water bill, think of others
(those who are nursed by clouds).
As you return home, to your home, think of others
(do not forget the people of the camps).
As you sleep and count the stars, think of others
(those who have nowhere to sleep).
As you liberate yourself in metaphor, think of others
(those who have lost the right to speak).
As you think of others far away, think of yourself
(say: “If only I were a candle in the dark”).

--Mahmoud Darwish, trans. Mohammed Shaheen

This May, I'm running the 5K during Cleveland Marathon weekend with Team Palestine. Our team is raising funds to build a sensory room for neurodivergent children in refugee camps in the West Bank. As my brother, Jafar, who convinced me to do this with him and Team Palestine, has put it, this cause is especially meaningful to us for personal reasons far beyond the scope of these fundraising pages. Displaced refugee children living in camps are no less deserving of resources than children anywhere else in the world. We have a modest goal this year, and every dollar donated makes a huge difference. PCRF is one of the most decorated and celebrated charities, consistently recognized as excellent stewards of the money they raise and the programs they fund. Please consider helping us reach our goal! The children rely on us.