From Nick Pretzlik
Here are three recent responses to the book:
Dear Israel
How could I have failed to realise the extent of your
love for Palestine? Shamefully insensitive as I have
been, I do now understand your passion for the land,
its people and their heritage. I also understand the
reasons why.
Flowers of Galilee is so full of affection, is such an
elegy of love that I delay the turning of the pages,
lingering instead to savour the images and the
sentiments. The agony of that 'little patch of ground'
- expressed by you without anger or bitterness -
screams softly in my head.
Thank you, Israel.
Best wishes and see you soon.
Nick
From Sana
Dabbagh:
Dear Israel
Shamir,
I am writing, hoping that this message gets to you personally.
I have previously read a number of your articles and was always in awe at
the end of every one of them, but yesterday I was so moved by just reading
the first few lines of an introduction to your new book "Flowers of
Galilee", which I've just oredered.
My mother passed away a couple of months ago, at the age of 77. She was 22
when she left Jaffa, "that old Palestinian port-town , on the shore of the
Eastern Mediterranean, " where she used to swim as a child living in Al
Ajami area of Jaffa. Sadly, she's never returned to Jaffa after 1948. I did
though, with my husband (who also comes from Jaffa) and our son for a visit
in 1999. I was amazed during that visit that the pictures and images of what
my parents discribed of Palestine were not exaggirated (as sometimes is the
case when stories are told by the deprived).
Not only I was moved by your description of the character of the land, that
I've experienced myself in many visits to follow, I am in awe, yet again,
of your ability to bring the emotional dimension with the political "human"
solution in such a simple manner. Thank you for reminding me that I am not
insane to think that way myself.
Warmest wishes
Sana Dabbagh
PS. You'll never appreciate how uplifting your writings are.
Dear Israel
Shamir:
I am a Canadian-born Jew living very near Toronto, Canada. I have come
across your website very recently.
From what I can see, your writing is fantastic. I completely agree with
your concept of "One State-One Man-One Vote".
I wish all people had your outstanding insight and compassion toward all
suffering peoples. Keep up your great work! I look forward to reading more
of your material , on your website, as time permits.
Sincerely,
Brian Ezrin
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