Mr Abu Gazaleh
I enjoy an evening meal at an outside table on the outskirts of Amman Jordan. The restaurant, high on a hill, has an outlook across Israel to Jerusalem. I have been invited to enjoy this spectacular view by my superior, Mr Fouad Abu Gazaleh. Fouad is the Operations manager of newly formed, Palestinian Airlines who I have taken up contract employment with.
Fouad has obviously selected this venue to provoke my thoughts about Muslim and Christian relationships. He often says that if people were to concentrate on the similarities rather than the differences between Islam, Christianity and Judaism, then our world would be a more peaceful place.
Fouad Abu Gazaleh is a Palestinian, born in the old territory of Palestine and now, like so many other Palestinians, is living in exile in Jordan. He is an aircraft engineer by trade, having done his time with and working for Iraqi Airways for more than 30 years based in Baghdad. He is a born leader who is ideal for the new position that he holds with the fledgling Palestinian venture.
Many people lead by their position or a decree, with followers having to follow because of a title or rank. My boss doesn’t need title or rank as it is his personality and mature wisdom that automatically commands respect, thus follower-ship. People become naturally comfortable in his presence and easily trust him. I take time between courses to study this unique Middle Eastern man, he is in his mid 60’s, of average build with the revered callus of prayer on his forehead. His almond shaped blue eyes, now grey with age and rimmed with crows feet, retrace a life of empathy and understanding. Below a prominent Arab nose his bushy moustache grows wild above a wide and friendly mouth that is capturing my attention as he now speaks.
He is telling me that a lot of New Zealand soldiers died in Palestine during WW1 while fighting against the Turks and that he could take me to their cemetery someday.
“Perhaps your Grandfather or his friends are there!”
“My grandfather is buried in New Zealand, but yes, maybe he knew some.”
Hands toughened by years of mechanical work peel off hard earned notes from a leather pouch to pay the waiter.
Kiwi soldiers fought for Palestine! Now it’s Israel!
“Thank you, I will be honoured to go there.”
Fouad has obviously selected this venue to provoke my thoughts about Muslim and Christian relationships. He often says that if people were to concentrate on the similarities rather than the differences between Islam, Christianity and Judaism, then our world would be a more peaceful place.
Fouad Abu Gazaleh is a Palestinian, born in the old territory of Palestine and now, like so many other Palestinians, is living in exile in Jordan. He is an aircraft engineer by trade, having done his time with and working for Iraqi Airways for more than 30 years based in Baghdad. He is a born leader who is ideal for the new position that he holds with the fledgling Palestinian venture.
Many people lead by their position or a decree, with followers having to follow because of a title or rank. My boss doesn’t need title or rank as it is his personality and mature wisdom that automatically commands respect, thus follower-ship. People become naturally comfortable in his presence and easily trust him. I take time between courses to study this unique Middle Eastern man, he is in his mid 60’s, of average build with the revered callus of prayer on his forehead. His almond shaped blue eyes, now grey with age and rimmed with crows feet, retrace a life of empathy and understanding. Below a prominent Arab nose his bushy moustache grows wild above a wide and friendly mouth that is capturing my attention as he now speaks.
He is telling me that a lot of New Zealand soldiers died in Palestine during WW1 while fighting against the Turks and that he could take me to their cemetery someday.
“Perhaps your Grandfather or his friends are there!”
“My grandfather is buried in New Zealand, but yes, maybe he knew some.”
Hands toughened by years of mechanical work peel off hard earned notes from a leather pouch to pay the waiter.
Kiwi soldiers fought for Palestine! Now it’s Israel!
“Thank you, I will be honoured to go there.”
posted by Bruce at 1:50 PM
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