That feeling of proudness overwhelmed me when I looked around me and saw elderlies and young teens working hand in hand; giving Christmas chocolate of different shapes and flavors to the drivers and the passengers passing by, saying congratulations and blessings and drawing smiles on the many faces. My friends wore Santa’s outfit ringing and jingling the bill, the kids fluttering around them like bees hovering around flowers and roses. It was a sensational night. It was the first night in history of Arrabah that a Christmas tree is erected on the monumental square of the martyrs of the First of October. Usually a tree would be positioned in the Christian neighborhood near the church. This time however, the thing was major and overall for the whole people of the town. Yesterday, there were more Muslims than Christians. I felt really good to participate on such event where no prejudice, bias or hate has place. Only love, religious tolerance, unity and patriotism could be found.
The event was the outcome of an initiative suggested by teens and young activists in town. The lights, the tree, the music, the chocolate, the outfit and the presents were all gathered and bought by the money that the generous people of Arrabah donated.
We sang the Christmas odes along with the Palestinian anthem. We danced Dabkeh. And we took many photographs (luckily I didn’t forget to bring my Nikon d3100 this time).
This night would be tattooed in my memory and little smile will be a cross my face every time I talk about it.
AICHA BINT YUSIF 