by Wasan Abu Baker
I am a Palestinian American who now lives in the USA, times have changed, and Jerusalem has changed, especially since Trump’s announcement. This week the U.S. officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem as dozens of Palestinian protesters were killed in Gaza.
by Wasan Abu Baker
Anisa A. Abeytia is a writer and researcher with an interest in Syria, the Middle East, and the Refugee crises. Her work is featured in the Hill, New Arab, Orient, Net English, Middle East Monitor Fremmed, Brunei Times, and the Middle East Observer.
by Wasan Abu Baker
Muslims are well known for their warm hospitality. Our prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that whoever believes in God and the Day of Judgement, let him honor his neighbor, whoever believes in God and the Last Day, let him honor his guest as he is entitled.
by Wasan Abu Baker
In celebration of Women’s International Day that took place on March 8, I am unveiling the stories of five Palestinian women scattered around the world, from Ramallah to Tulkarem to Jalil to Lebanon.
by Wasan Abu Baker
Celebrating Black History Month is a great opportunity to learn about the struggles and importance of the achievements of African Americans in the US.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
I grew up in a Muslim home in Palestine. My father was a dentist, politician, community leader, and civil rights activist. My mother was a Liberal Arts professor who taught poetry and Arabic language in An Najah University.
When I was a young girl in Palestine, I grew up embracing the three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
Whether it be wildfires, floods, or hurricanes, the road to recovery is long, and there are many ways people can help the thousands whose lives have been devastated. It’s been three months since Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the coast of Texas, leaving many evacuees displaced due to flooding. This disaster has been the source of a lot of pain, but it has also been the source of many heartwarming stories.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
During my experience as a teacher, I have found that when working with English as a Second Language (ESL) learners it is important to understand the diversity of native languages spoken at home and the cultural background of each student. This background is an important part of the student’s work ethic and shapes the challenges he or she may face in school.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
A few days before Hurricane Harvey made landfall, my husband left to perform the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. As the Hurricane approached and in the days before it, my phone was ringing like crazy with weather warnings and cautions to leave South Padre Island. With my experience from growing up in a war zone, I quickly began to think about the safety of my children, and my husband and I thought it would be best for us to leave the island for safety.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
Malak is a five-year-old girl who was born in Aleppo in Syria in 2010. A few months before the war in Syria started, her mom Iman and dad Saeed had a big celebration when she was born. Malak means ‘Angel’ in Arabic. Iman named her Malak after her aunt Malak because she wanted her to carry her name and be as her aunt.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
New stories will begin, new futures will start, new hopes will appear, fears will be overcome, challenges will melt away; this is what newcomers face when they begin their path in the United States.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
The Celebration of Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Greater Eid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Muslim Festival observing Prophet Abraham’s (Peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael (Peace be upon him). Allah appeared to Abraham in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son to show his devotion.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
Every child has the right to a healthy and peaceful future. Wars damage the dreams for those children who suffer hunger, poverty, pain, and trauma. They have seen their friends and families die, and their schools, houses, and hospitals destroyed. This pain will last a lifetime and will have an impact on the children that is hard to predict.
by Wasan Abu-Baker
Eid al-Fitr is a three-day holiday that all Muslims celebrate at the end of fasting the month of Ramadan; it is a wonderful and fun holiday for everyone. The Eid is a reward for all Muslims who fast during the month of Ramadan and is celebrated on the first of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.