Letter From the Editor

Letter from the Editor Reem Farhat

It is with great excitement that I present to you the last issue of our fourth volume of Falastin. This issue, we asked writers to reflect on their home villages and experiences there. During a time where many of our summer plans to visit Palestine have been put on an indefinite hiatus, these pieces felt like trips themselves. Readers, get ready to immerse yourself in the beautiful villages of Palestine. We hope these pieces inspire you to reflect on your own memories in connection with our homeland and inspire you to submit to our next issue.

In this issue, we also had the honor of interviewing Demetrius Johnson, a Red Nation member, on the way COVID-19 has affected the Navajo Nation and on the importance of solidarity, particularly in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. In these times of uncertainty, the importance of standing up for justice is more pressing than ever as this pandemic has truly laid bare existing injustices. Therefore, we at Falastin urge you to speak up against injustice, whether it be raising awareness, writing pieces to educate others, or even sharing the stories you read in this magazine.

We at Falastin are incredibly grateful to each of our writers and artists who shared their talents with us. We would also like to thank our sponsors and the PACC board for supporting this magazine. Finally, I’d like to thank you, the readers of Falastin for supporting us each and every issue.

Reem Farhat Editor in Chief

Letter from the Executive Director Rania Mustafa

We are living through times that seem to be overtaken by worry, fear and anxiety. In a time where it seems that oppression is overtaking justice, it's important that we try to find ways to hold on to the little things, to hold onto hope and to hold onto the idea of a better future. We hope that Falastin serves as a source for all three.

This specific issue of Falastin hits close to home since many of us did not have the opportunity to travel to Palestine this summer - even our Homeland Project Trip was postponed until next year. It takes you on a journey through the precious lands of Palestine, including Battir, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, and more. I thank each of the contributors for sharing a piece of their homes, their stories, and themselves with us. Many of our hearts yearn to be there and hopefully one day soon we will be.

At PACC, we have had many developments with our continued social service efforts in the midst of thousands losing their jobs due to COVID-19. We also welcome a new member to our PACC family, our Community Engagement Coordinator, Abire Sabbagh. Her addition comes during a time where we can no longer stand in solidarity with our Black, LatinX and Indigenous sisters and brothers just through our words - but must demonstrate action. PACC is working on developing a community advocacy program where we can show up for our sisters and brothers to pursue justice and freedom for all because an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Congratulations and a sincere thank you to our Falastin staff for successfully completing the fourth volume. With each issue, I grow increasingly proud of the team and the work that is put into this magazine. Thank you to our Board of Directors and sponsors for their continuous support. And Thank you for picking up and supporting Falastin.

Rania Mustafa

PACC Executive Director

Artwork by Hasan Murad IG: hasanmurad.34