Dear Friends & Fans
You may have noticed that I have taken a brief break from promoting my new EP.
This is because I have been totally distracted, indeed devastated, by recent developments in Palestine and Syria. Palestinians, Muslim & Christian alike, are being denied access to their respective places of worship, especially to al-Aqsa Mosque and to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Worse, hordes of settlers are being allowed to enter and to desecrate al-Aqsa Mosque, under the protection of Israeli Border Police.
As for Syria, I’m surprised that there has not been greater outrage worldwide as our knowledge grows of the crimes committed by Bashar Assad and his sectarian regime. The latest video which was published by the Guardian this past week shows the cold-blooded massacre of civilians by Syrian Military Intelligence in 2013 in Tadamon, a suburb of Damascus. A number of the victims were Palestinian residents of Yarmouk camp, reminding us of the vulnerability of Palestinians, as refugees, more than 70 years after the wave of ethnic cleansing both before and after the creation of Israel.
Plus the fact that this was the first Ramadan ever, when I’ve managed to fast the whole 30 days. I feel a great sense of achievement, especially given the added difficulties I have had since the deterioration in my lungs on 2014.
I will shortly be returning to the task of promoting my EP which, as usual, has been getting more attention outside the UK than inside it! In the meantime, I want to focus on Palestine and Syria; I don’t feel I can or should be quiet. If you find this too stressful, or if it is against your politics, no offence will be taken if you wish to ignore my posts or choose not to follow me.
With my best wishes to you all.
And to those who celebrate Eid al-Fitr, I hope yours has been blessed with happiness and contentment.
Reem