From afar, a heavy heart for Palestine

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

Alphonse Mourad, a 78-yearold developer and Palestinian-American, recently voiced his frustration and concerns about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, specifically focusing on the situation in Gaza.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune, Mourad expressed his deep desire for the safety and well-being of his loved ones amidst the escalating violence.

Having immigrated to the United States 65 years ago, Mourad spoke about his continued unease, stating, “I am 78 years old in poor health, but my heart is not at peace, even though I am away from the war zone.”

He shared his personal connection to the struggle for freedom by highlighting his contribution to a development project in the US.

“I owned a development of 276 houses that contained 1500 low-income African American & Hispanic residents. In 1987, while Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, I renamed the development ‘Mandela’ in his quest for freedom.”

Mourad emphasised his belief in freedom and expressed his concern over the lack of progress toward a two-state solution.

“While we would all like to see a pause in the human suffering in Gaza, the real question becomes why has the goal of a two solution been largely silenced?”

He added, “Momentum is with the people of Palestine now, and this is their chance to negotiate a fair and lasting peace for their people.

Intentions “Israel has made its intentions clear – either kill or drive out the Palestinian population of Gaza. The Israelis will take their land and develop it for themselves.”

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Mourad called for meaningful negotiations beyond a simple ceasefire.

He warned, “If a negotiation beyond a ceasefire is not made now, then it will be quite possible that the Palestinian people will soon be forgotten.

I would add that thousands of lives have been lost and have paid the ultimate price under Israeli rule.” In a poignant statement, Mourad revealed his own personal commitment to the cause, saying, “I have decided that when I pass away, I will renounce my US citizenship and have my remains spread in the Gaza Sea so I can be with the angels of Gaza.”