May 12

May 12 Palestinian Moms Speak

The Coalition for Ethical Reporting in Palestine organized today’s Mother’s Day rally at Chicago’s Jane Byrne Park, the site of Chicago’s historic Water Tower. Hard to say for sure, but somewhere between 50 and 100 people showed up.

As a rally, it was a textbook example of how to effectively communicate a message. I don’t recall hearing any angry chants for speakers during the hour that I was present. Instead, I listened to four women offer their unique perspectives on the tragedy that has unfolded in Gaza over the last eight months.

I should apologize to the women, who all were excellent speakers: I didn’t take notes so I don’t recall all that was said. This was my third demonstration since yesterday, so I feeling a bit overwhelmed, particularly with two more to go today and one scheduled for Tuesday morning.

The first to speak was Jameeleh Shelo, who also served as the MC. She brought an impressive background with her. She wrote the children’s book Laith the Lion because she wanted her son to have a positive perspective on Palestinian culture. Shelo must also have a great sense of humor because she interned for Conan O’Brien and worked for Stephen Colbert and Cedric the Entertainer. She also once served as the executive director for the Chicago Palestine Film Festival.

Quite frankly, I don’t recall how she connected her pregnancy to the war in Gaza, but she devoted a significant portion of her speech describing the birth to her son, who popped out weighing over 10 pounds. More than a few times she used a punch line that got plenty of laughs—”Where’s my Epidural?”

Noor Shadid, a spoken-word artist, followed Shelo. Shadid recited a lengthy poem about life in Gaza from the Palestinian viewpoint. The one constant phrase was, “I am sorry.”

Shadid was followed by Fidaa Elaydi, who wore what looked to me to be an elegant hijab. Turns out, it would be ordinary ware in Gaza. Elaydi’s central point was that the women of Gaza all where similar garments while in what is left of their homes because at a moment’s notice, they may have to flee into the streets without otherwise having the opportunity to change into appropriate public attire. The women and their children are living under the sword of Damocles.

I did not catch the name of the last speaker I heard before I departed for the DePaul University Gaza Solidarity encampment. She had great difficulty speaking because she was frequently overcome with emotion as she described what is happening in Gaza. Those in the audience were very supportive.

Together, the four speakers humanized the plight of the Palestinians. Their collective effort was far more effective than another round of “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Shall Be Free.”

Like the Ukrainian women did yesterday, several women carried baskets filled with white roses. They circulated through the park, handing out roses to mothers.

Once again, the kids added their own humanity to the mix. The mothers designated an area just north of the water tower where the children drew images in chalk, chased soap bubbles, and interacted with each other.

Without taking sides on the substantive issues dividing Palestinians and Israelis, I offer my kudos to the women who planned and participated in today’s celebration of Mother’s Day. It exuded just the right vibe. Those staging the weekly Saturday pro-Palestinian rallies and marches should take note.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]