I am an American teenager living in Ramallah, Palestine. AMA

Have you ever done a burnout in a mustang that was so fucking big that you could barely see out the window? and also would you fight my mate albert even tho he is blind? he hella buff tho

I think doing any of that would get you killed with how bad the driving here is.

How's the food? I hear great things.

The bread is amazing.The Olives are amazing. The Lamb is amazing. The Pringles suck.

Why in the world are you there?

Mother got a fullbright grant from the U.S to help make a museum. Wanted me and my little brother to learn more about my arab side. Get a better idea of the world then the stander dumb teenager. Learn more about islam. And something about eating more lamb.

i admire your Mom educating you through travel.

this is one hell of an experience for you and i hope you enjoy it. its certainly going to be life changing

at the same time, you couldn't pay me to go myself or relocate my family to that part of the the world. you're there in the middle of it and you understand exactly what i'm talking about.

you are in a unique place and it will be life changing. keep your head down and good luck.

It only for 10 months during my freshman year which is why i'm ok with it.

Can you tell me more about the museum? My wife was just telling me she would love to open a space museum in Palestine in the future. How was your mom able to get a grant to open up a museum in Palestine? Salam :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulbright_Program#Scholar_grants

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An sorry is a start. And I thank you for it.

You guys do realize that the dude is 14, right? So it makes sense why some of his answers are biased/simple.

To OP: How is the weather over there?

Cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon.

Can you go through check points? Do you get treated like an Arab or anAmerican by the IDF?

Depend on who they see first, My mom (Arab) or my dad(South Side Chicago) With my mom it's the cold stare and looking for a reason to start a problem. With my dad it more like "I BEEN TO CHICAGO I LOVE IT THERE" Not even joking.

How does your travel there work? Do you enter on your American passport and exit and re-enter Israel every ninety days to get a new tourist visa, or do you have a longer period of stay? Do you find yourself subject to lessened scrutiny as an American? The freedom of movement situation is otherworldly.

Also, how's the Nutella shop there?

We got a full year long visa. How much scrutiny we get depends on if they see my mom (Arab) or my dad (Black)

Can you elaborate more on this? What was the process like with getting the visas? How much trouble do they give you when they see you with your mom or dad or both? Any scary/funny stories to go along with them?

Not trying to get you to shed them, the country, in a negative light. Just genuinely curious.

If any of these have been answered, I'm still reading down the list on mobile, so il edit if I need too.

Visas were handle by the U.S since my mom got the grant from them. When they see my mom it the cold stare till they see our passports. See my dad and sometime they don't even check.

Thanks for the response.

I was in Ramallah in August and had a fun time. I mostly hung out with American and Palestinian friends, but I'll have a chance to go back with my wife next year. What do you recommend doing in that city and the West Bank in general?

Just dip in and out of shops in downtown. I've heard some great tales from shop owners

Do you face any discrimination based on the colour of your skin? Or do manage to blend in and pass?

I look arab but a bit darker. If people find out that I'm American, they ask if I support them. Say yes and next thing you know you got free tea and a new friend.

Interesting!

Do you feel like you would ever join the rallies or participate in any political showings?

Not really. They can end really badly.

How do people there perceive the American mainstream media? Do they feel that it's unfairly biased in favor of Israel? Or do they not pay attention?

People here mostly think that the media don't report anything when Israel does something to them. Then when Palestinian get mad and do something back the media act like it was an unprovoked attack. (Like the situation in Jerusalem)

Not a serious question but have you been to the Krusty Krab that opened in Ramallah?

Yes. It's good

Are your parents there or are you staying with relatives? What is the biggest difference in attending a Palestinian high school vs an American one?

Well I'm going to a English school for American kids. But I'll say the biggest different is the learning style. All memorization. All of it. We had a mid term for computer class about the history of the internet and we had to remember the year the first virus was created.

I go to an American high school and most of our learning is based on deeper understanding and analysis. Do you do any of that in Palestine, or is it 100% memorization? If so, I feel for you. That really sucks.

I went to an American high school and yes for the most part it's memorization. From Deen to Computers to Bio.

Deen

What is Deen?

Religion

I'm staying with my parents. We have some relatives in Jericho but most left during the Nakba.

There's a strong perception that Palestine is a big urban warzone with rockets flying everywhere. Is this restricted to certain areas? Do have a general sense of security because you're American?

In the West Bank, no. However there have been some clashes and rock throwing between village locals and IDF in some areas and checkpoints.

No to which question? Both?

No to the urban warzone. For the second question which i forgot to answer, not really because I still look arab.

How well do you speak Arabic? What language do you converse with the local population in?

Bad. Most people do speak some degree of english.

What things do you feel you took for granted in the States, and now that you're abroad you really miss?

1. Internet that doesn't go shitty at night 2. Drama and Music class.

It doesn't go shitty at night because it's shitty all day.

That 0.3 upload speed

Recently, Sweden officially recognised the state of Palestine. Does that get any attention at all in Palestine? Because Israel sure was not happy, apparently.

People were really happy that day.

What do you think is the biggest misconception Americans and/or our media have about Palestinians?

1.They live in the stone age. 2. That Hamas brings down sharia law on all of the west bank.

Hey! Love that you're doing an IAMA. I'm an American Jewish teenager living in the States. Reading the headlines this summer made my heart hurt - the sheer number of Palistinians that were hurt or killed is agonizing. My person views on Israel-Palestine are extremely complex, as I have friends and family who live there...its been rough to see it all, and to consider myself both a supporter of Israel and a humanitarian. But my question is what are the tensions you've observed? I know this is probably a more political question than you'd like, but I've been curious. How do you feel people from different 'sides' treat each other? What acts of compassion have you seen?

We came just after the ceasefire so it wasn't like people were calm to begin with. There been a lot tension in Jerusalem with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and settlement. When we went to East Jerusalem 1. Going threw the checkpoint took a bit till they saw that my dad not even arab. 2. We were walking around when we look up at a building and saw about 10 IDF police just standing there with there guns.

My grandfather lived in Palestine until he was around 14 and went to a Friends (Quaker) school in Ramallah, I think it's called Ramallah Friends School or something similar. Is that still around? I've always been curious.

Yes it is. It has like a 10 year waiting period.

Have you ever run into Israeli soldiers at places like checkpoints, etc.? How do they treat you ?

The cold. dead. stare.

Sick, I'm African American and Moroccan, which is pretty similar to what you are. Never seen anyone with almost the same mix as me, do people ever think you're Indian?

No but I was called Mexican once by some white dude.

What's the general opinion of the Islamic State over there? Are people generally supportive or do they feel misrepresented?

Considering how not all women cover up and and alcohol is served here and women have rights, I don't think they really like ISIS

What's daily life there like?

Would you visit Israel if given the chance?

How good are the relations between the Muslims of Ramallah and the Christian minority?

And as an Israeli, I also have a request, rather than a question:

Please let as many people over there know that plenty of Israelis want nothing more than to have peace with a fully independent and developed Palestine. We just don't fucking know how to make that happen.

And hey, if we have a love of Pringles in common, peace can't be that far off.

Good luck to your mom with her museum.

Christians keep there shops open during Eid. Muslims keep there shops open during christmas. It's good deal.

What are some fun things that you have done there?

Site seeing. And lots of food. Lots of it.

Have you encountered any discrimination while you’ve been there?

I'm part arab. Even if your american as long as you support Palestine you'll be welcomed (A lot of arab countries are like that)

What has been some real culture shock to you? Have you done anything, or said anything that people just stared in amazement at you for? Being a typical American (as I would presume you to be) are there any everyday things you could say or do in the states that would be dangerous there?

Have you had any real discussions with teenagers there about the conflict that wasn't just one sided "they are evil, we are innocent"? By this, I mean, realistic on the situation, in that there is fault on both sides and that the current status quo of shooting rockets and throwing rocks, etc, is counter productive?

No real culture shock. I think I just adjusted faster. I'm already a muslim. People look at me like i'm crazy when I talk about violence and homicide rates in the U.S (The crime rate here is low) Other then being a drunk out in the streets which will get you some weird looks (they do sell alcohol here) Showing the israeli flag will get you burned.

Are you going to go to the Krabby Patty restaurant when it opens?

It is open and it's good.

Language-related question for you. I spent a few years learning Arabic in university, to no avail. I've been told by some people that Palestine would be a good place to learn Arabic, presumably because of the dialect. I've no plans to do this any time soon, but I'm just curious, how are you finding language in Palestine?

Learning Arabic is hard as it so different from english. I think going to any arabic speaking country will help. I'm getting use to it but reading is still hard.

Hello! I'm first generation Arab-American. Both of my parents are from Palestinian and my mother, lil brother, and I went to Al-Jib, Palestine, and my family is from there and own most of the farmland there. Al-Jib is like 7 min away from Ramallah but the walls and checkpoints causes it to be 20-40 min drive How long does it take you to go through checkpoints? Also, have you been discriminated for being American alone? I was hollered at bc I was American even though I'm full blooded Palestinian. Also, Mr. Baker has the "best" shawarma but there's one done the street from there that makes their own bread, my god it's amazing and blows Mr. Baker out of the water. Safe travels!

I haven't had any discrimination for being american and really i've been openly welcomed. And it takes about 5-10 min for us to go thought a checkpoint if they see my mom first

what do Palestinians feel would be a viable solution to conflict with Israel? do they want to become citizens of Israel? join a different nation( like Egypt)? have a two state solution (if so what borders)? what do the people think might work?

It really depends on the person but most want the pre-1967 borders with no settlements and East Jerusalem as there capital.

Do you think if you were white would it be different living there? (Serious)

Not really.

Is Rukab icecream shop still around? I was there in 2001 and maaan it was delicious.

Yes.

Have you been to Jifnah? It's a small village about 5-10 min out from Ramallah. If so you've been to my hometown.

No but I'll check it out

Are the Palestinians comfortable with the fact that they are represented by Hamas or do they just have no one else?

Yes because for the most part they have no one else. They just feel like no one helping them. The UN doesn't shit done.

Do you feel generally safe?

Outside of the checkpoints, very.

Given that Ramallah is in the middle of the Levant, have you ever encountered Christian Israelis/Palestinians?

There's a church just up the hill.

Do they take any issue to your parentage, considering the whole muslim women not meant to marry outside of Islam?

My dad converted.

Would you say thay the resentment people feel is towards the governments and politicians involved? How do the common people feel about one another?

Most people are annoyed by how long it taking to get any progress done. Resentment to the PA? Not quite sure.

Could you be more descriptive in your bio? I have a lot of questions!

How old are you now?

Why did you move to Ramallah?

In an ideal scenario, how long would you like to stay there?

Thanks for doing an AMA!

1.14 2. Mother got a fullbright grant from the U.S to help make a museum. 3. I'm fine losing my freshman year.

Would like to add question: is op male or female?

Male

Do people assume you are an Ethiopian Jew at 5 meters distance?

Is your face Arabic-esque, more African, more "American Mixed" (a personal favorite of mine) or Iraqi? Rocking that beard?

Are you religious? Coke or Pepsi (sunni - shiite)?

Do people immediately know you are foreign or do you blend? 1 to 10 on the "foreignness" scale? How do they react to the American part of your identity?

Are you enjoying your time and how are the Palestinian people around you living - are they hopeful, are they angry?

Finally, what is the simplest thing anyone can do to assist or bolster the spirit of these people in their quest to live their daily lives - outside the political and more directly to just normal people there?

Do people assume you are an Ethiopian Jew at 5 meters distance?

No I'm not that dark

Are you religious? Coke or Pepsi (sunni - shiite)

Yes. Most people here are sunni but I view sunni-shiite fight as the same as fighting over android and ios

Are you enjoying your time and how are the Palestinian people around you living - are they hopeful, are they angry?

I'm having a nice time. Most of the teenagers in my apartment are hopeful for peace.

what is the simplest thing anyone can do to assist or bolster the spirit of these people in their quest to live their daily lives - outside the political and more directly to just normal people there?

I think just by coming here and meeting the locals that always makes them happy.

Is there any ongoing violent conflicts in your city? The news in America makes it out to be pretty bad right now in your area but I imagine it may be slightly exaggerated. I guess what I'm trying to ask, is, if there is conflict there is it as bad as it is portrayed in American news? Is it actually better or worse? And thanks ahead of time for answering my question.

Nothing going on here in Ramallah. I do think it being a bit exaggerated but this can turn into a intifada

I would just love to hear an unfiltered impression of what it's like over there. In your opinion whar are the biggest issues? Do you feel they can be meaningfully resolved ar this point in time? I've felt (and this is only my opinion, and I'm entirely prepared to be corrected) that so much anger and hatred has been simmering fo so long that neither party is ready to resolve the issues. Lately, in Canada, I'm seeing a lot more coverage of the Palestinian side of the story. This is a good thing, but I'm suspicious of just how spun both sides of the story are. What are your feelings on this now that you are right in the middle of it?

Thanks foe your time!

Occupation and settlements. That is the cause of just about everything. The Uneployment in areas control by Israel (Area C). Settlers use more energy and water then the entire Arab population in the west bank. If it were to all go away that would take care of half of the issues.

Wait? So you're american? Or are you just saying african american and meanin black?

Born in Chicago

Ahh gotcha. Why are you there again? Cant think of too many reasons to leave the us for palestine. My apologies if you already answered this

Mother got a fullbright grant from the U.S to help make a museum. Wanted me and my little brother to learn more about my arab side. Get a better idea of the world then the stander dumb teenager. Learn more about islam. And something about eating more lamb. I'm only here for 10 months.

You ask people not to incite flame wars, but since this an AMA, and you have conveniently gone out of your way to explain why boycotting Israel is a good course of action, I'll go ahead and ask:

Do Hamas' actions seem justified to you?

Why should people believe the word of a 14 year old, who has less experience living in Palestine than an actual Palestinian?

Didn't really see how that was inciting a flame war other then just answering the question,

Do Hamas' actions seem justified to you?

Ehh. For most of them no. At the same time I can see why people who have live here longer do support them.

Why should people believe the word of a 14 year old, who has less experience living in Palestine than an actual Palestinian?

Because the reason I did this AMA was to talk more about my experience living and adjusting here rather then it to be my life story and my struggle.

What's your favorite book?

Paper Towns by John Green and Sherlock Holmes.

You said you believe in a one-state solution. So I have a few questions for you.

1) Do you recognize Israel's right to exist as a free and democratic Jewish state?

2) With a one state solution, you would have to think that eventually the Muslim population would outnumber the Jewish population and quickly vote into power a government that will incite hate against the Jewish people, do you disagree?

With a one state solution, you would have to think that eventually the Muslim population would outnumber the Jewish population and quickly vote into power a government that will incite hate against the Jewish people, do you disagree?

That is an issuse with the one state solution and honesty I don't have much of a solution other then Israel changing attudes and start helping the arabs

Do many Palestinians end up moving to foreign countries? I kind of suspect the Jews of dumping their Palestinian problem on other countries, including the US and Western Europe. But I am not sure of the facts.

Some do but most come back if they can.