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Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
Curious how the newlyweds are doing? See
the update on Bassam and Mariam.
7/5/07
Aberjan
A Wedding in Ramallah' opened my eyes to the people who live under occupation. Too often
in the media, Palestinians are dehumanised by the excess of images of guns shooting in the
air, green flags waving and people marching and throwing stones. And it's not intentional.
The media is after important news, and the troubles of the human-side of a war isn't very
important news to most people.
'A Wedding in Ramallah' showed me that Palestinians were people just like me. My mother
was an immigrant that moved here to Australia. She could not speak English, her husband
abandoned her and she had to bring her children up all alone. While I was watching, she
sat down next to me and watched in recognition. Sinora and Mariam both reminded her of her
isolation and loneliness. Palestinians have their own heartbreaking family problems, they
feel as we do, they cry as we do.
My mother commented on how Sherine did not challenge Bassam or his family on his racial
epithets against the Jews, but I feel that she was missing the point. It was not Sherine's
place to challenge the family's religious or political views, but to merely observe them
as they are.
I really have to thank Sherine Salama for a wonderful flim.
10/10/06
I found the film while channel-surfing in the middle of the night, and I was riveted to
the very end.
Thanks also for posting the follow-up information and comments; I am so very glad that
Sinora has moved on; she's so much fun, and she and her daughter deserve so much better
--and I agree with whoever suggested Moussa probably hadn't yet divorced (at least
civilly) his U.S. wife. He's a louse.
It's wonderful that Miriam now drives, works and speaks English so well. The moment when
Bassam talked about being infertile made me cry; I hope that they went to a fertility
specialist, harvested his sperm and proceeded from there.
Did the intrusive camera and editing choices show the families at some of their worst
moments? You betcha. That's how we viewers related to them and understood what they're
going through. That's the nature and purpose of a documentary. My only criticism of the
filmmaking process here is that there was no coherent description of the Muslim wedding
ceremony and liturgy -- that part was lost to non-Muslim viewers, especially in the U.S.
and Australia, I suspect.
11/17/05
Zahia Hodali
I just finished reading previous comments and I felt obligated to comment for the second
time on Marriam's behalf.
As previously mentioned, Marriam and Bassam are very close friends of mine. Since the
movie, I have watched Marriam turn into an independent, successful business woman.
Marriam, recently obtained her drivers license and Bassam bought her a new 2006 Ford
Expedition. They bought there own house a couple of years ago and she keeps it maintained
while helping to run their business. She speaks English fluently.... more than I can say
for many others who have lived here for the majority of their life and still speak broken
English. She is a great friend who is caring and not self-absorbed.
I agree with the many viewers that said that this movie wasn't a positive portrayal of
Ramallah, El bierehaweeyans or Palestinians. Although, Ms. Salama's primary intention was
to portray the life of Palestinians, she ultimately chose to create sensationalism. She
enjoyed filming Marriam, Bassam and the entire family at their worst; She just didn't know
when to stop rolling the tape.
However, to my fellow El-bierehaweeyans, negative comments about fellow berraeeyans is
wrong. There are good and bad people all over. You shouldn't be attacking anyone or
judging anyone. Many people read these comments..think before you write before hurting
people's feelings. There is bond to be a black sheep in each family and each family deals
with their own set of issues.
Unfortunately, this family wasn't aware that Ms. Salama's cameras were turned on the
entire time. Can you all imagine, what can be heard and seen if their was a camera in your
lives for an entire year?
8/5/05
Amany
SoCal
One word: FADEE7A!! That's what this movie was. Fadee7a. I couldn't help but call my
friend as soon as this documentary finished, and we just died laughing at Miriam. Oh my
God, she is a complete HABLA. I hope she was kidding? I agree with my girl Nadia from
Cali, because Miriam was just too much. People from Al Bireh and Palestine are educated
people and have common sense, something Miriam didn't have. OK, I understand it was hard
for her to adjust to another country, another world, especially since she didn't know
anything. But she wasn't willing to learn and give it a chance. She didn't seem to excited
to marry Bassam anyway. The only time I saw Miriam get excited is when her and Bassam went
to get the gold. Bassam, on the other hand, is one of those Palestinians that are just
plain handicapped. He doesn't love Miriam, he still loves his first wife, and he mentions
it in the documentary too. Although, I have to say, he has a nice voice. And just because
he said he isn't German, Japanese or American, but Palestinian, doesn't mean he isn't
happy in America, he is just a proud Palestinian. I do have to admit, that Palestinians
can be old fashioned, but not that much. And let me clear up on what an arranged marriage
is, since people have this confused. An arranged marriage is when the girl is forced to
marry the guy, or the guy is forced to marry the girl. In Palestine, a guy (or his
parents)sees a girl, and visit the parents. The girl gets to see the guy. If she isn't
interested in him, than they don't get married. This isn't an arranged marriage, but this
happens in Palestine. If the girl doesn't like the guy, she doesn't have to marry him.
What else is there to mention? Sinora is just gorgeous. I loved her. She looked soo
beautiful when she got her hair done and wore the thobe. Oh my God. I am glad she moved
on, she didn't deserve that asshole she was with. She was way more beautiful than Miriam,
and not just in looks. Miriam is just "duhhh." Anyone who enjoyed watching Bassam and
Miriam get married, and actually enjoyed it, you have see nothing yet. I think a good
documentary would be a Palestinian couple in America getting engaged and married. That
would be better. It will show how Palestinians, born and raised in America, get engaged
and married, and how American culture is mixed in.
8/2/05
Chris Quimby
Coudersport, PA
This movie was absolutely captivating! It was very fascinating and it gave a great
non-violent picture of peace loving Palestinians. To often I think the stereotypes of the
different militant organizations in Palestine colors peoples perception of the people in
general underneath the firestorm of violence, and rehashed video clips of angered
militants burning U.S. Flags, marching in parades with youths with mock explosives
prominently displayed. It was amazing to see them go through the checkpoints, and the part
where just getting around the town you could here gunfire and having to take cover not to
get shot. It gives ignorant viewers like myself (ignorant on the perspective of your
average Palestinian just trying to live) an idea of what it can be like just trying to
live. It is just too bad that we humans are so quick to get angry, and hold grudges,
impatient to reform and resort to violence, when people could let well enough be and not
try impose their will on others. �
�I hope that Mariam and Bassam have a very happy, successful life here in the United
States, and they are able to communicate to other Arabs that have deeply held resentments
against the United States, that they are free here, have great opportunity, and can live
in peace next to non-Arab Jews, Christians, Hindu's, Mormons or whatever. To truly believe
and practice ones beliefs in a manner that fits the demands of their personal conscious
and convictions as they interpret their Qur'an, not as the state dictates to them.
�The imagery was stunning, and the soundtrack amazing. I had to look up the credits to
find the closing song for the movie, "Tetraga Fea" by Ehab Tawfic and ordered the CD.
�That song was amazing and so is the Middle East. I would love to be able to travel and
tour Iraq, Palestine, Israel, and Saudi Arabia see all the sites of three great
monotheistic religions without fear of being kidnapped, and held hostage for being an
American Christian.
�As a former Marine who's been to Iraq twice and experienced some of the culture of Iraq
and Kuwait and have seen the people, the smiling kids, the hopeful young families, my
heart goes out to those who's daily life is a struggle for survival. During the March to
Baghdad, a week before we even made it to Baghdad in 2003 the highways we advanced on were
filled with thousands and thousands of smiling, happy Iraqi's he were truly joyous to be
freed from Sadaam's horrible oppression. To be fair many innocents were killed, war is
ugly, and the cost of war is never light. Sadaam and his despotic regime however killed
far more than the cost of this action to unseat him.
�Sadly that majority happiness was short lived as the various factions, tribal alliances,
and extremist groups quickly polarized themselves against each other and resorted to
targeting even innocents. It is all to disturbing to see these people who are willing to
horrendously murder anyone to impose their specific brand of Islam on others. The
extremists are not content to let their neighbor practice his personal belief as he sees
fit, and as his conscious convicts him. For some reason it has become a totalitarian
endeavor, their own perceived manifest destiny to dominate and bring their particular
group to power any way possible, killing anyone, Arab, Muslim, or whatever that gets in
there way so that they can forcefully impose their beliefs (or really try to) on someone
else, when truly it is a matter of the individuals heart, and their personal business. It
is sad. Unless the groups agree to nonviolent measures and take on the mentality of Gandhi
in non-violent resistance the Sunni tribes and the Shiite Tribes of Iraq will be warring
against each other long after the United States leaves.
�This trend or becoming vogue of dissatisfied militant radicals targeting non-combatants
has got to end. In Palestine, in Iraq, and the rest of the contested world. To war is one
thing, but to intentionally target non-combatants to advance a minority political agenda
is horrible, far beyond the horrors of conventional wars between soldiers who's duties are
to fight.
2/23/05
Nadia
Cali
A wedding in Ramallah was a funny documentry. I can't believe people in Ramallah are that
old-fashioned and living there life so backwards. This doc was a disgrace to al-bireh
villagers. Moussa is so sickening, crude,empty-headed,illiterate,deshelved and I hope he
gets what he deserves. I hope sinora finds happiness with her fiance, she is a lovely
women and deserved more than moussa the loser. As for Bassam, he should of treated Miriam
more like his wife then his chattel. Miriam needs to go to school because I thought she
was really slow. She didn't know how to do anything, for God's sakes I know al-bireh
village and i know they have vacuums, washing machines, tvs, and everything we have in
America. So I was wondering was she acting slow or is she that dull. I hope next time I
see a doc on Palestinians both men and women are educated,sophisticated,subtle, sensitve
and not a disgrace...
10/1/04
London ON
This movie was a descrace to ALL Palestinians! I am ashamed of this movie...it only gave
the bad side of Palestine and showed that all Palestinians are still living the "old type"
life...NOT ALL PALESTINIANS marry that way, that is not how life in ramallah is...The
director showed NOTHING but the Bireh and the way they still live, very closeminded,For
god sakes Miriam didnt know how to turn a tv on..She would wait for her husband all day so
she can cook him some food..She got happy when he got her Ice cream..PATHETIC!..And im
really surprised that some Palestinians actually thought this movie is good...ITS NOT EVEN
WORTH THE WATCH!!! Yes it does show alot of scenery from Ramallah and Al-Bireh but nothing
more...SO all i wanted to say was SHAME on you Sherine Salama.You tried to make us look
stupid, but trust me you failed.
9/10/04
pali gal
st. louis
hi--
just a quick update on "a wedding in ramallah"... my mom's cousin was actually bassam's
ex, so i know a few things on this film. the burning question is how sinora is doing??
i just came back from al-bireh on 8/13/04 and i had brough a copy of the tape with me,
recorded from pbs, because everyone there was absoulutly dying to see this film, and
eveyone looooved it! all the footage in ramallah and al-bireh were known to eveyone, as
well as every single on of the people shown there too...the hot gossip around the town was
that sinora had gotton a divorce from her husband about a year or so ago, and this summer
while i was there my aunt informed me that sinora had just gotton engaged to a man from
jerusalem and plans to join him there! everyone was happy for her, since her first husband
was vety arrogant towards her, and would not let her join her in america...well i think
thats all ! just thought i'd let you know on sinora!!
8/31/04
stacey
florida
Could you please tell me what happened to sinora? I felt so much pain for her, I could
only imagine what she felt...
8/17/04
Seattle
I, like so many other people caught your film on pbs while flipping through the channels.
I was captivated by this story of Mariam and Bassam and I did not want it to end. I am so
happy you provided an update and glad to hear that they are doing well.
The fear that 9/11 brought has been a dark cloud over the U.S. and with so few Americans
not owning a passport their idea of the world is clouded by what the media portrays. Your
film not only shows us a glimpse into another culture but just how similar we as humans
are. We all want and feel the same things no matter what culture we come from. We love our
families and friends, we worry for their safety, we feel scared, happy, sad, excited, etc.
I think sometimes people forget just how alike we are because they focus so much on the
differences.
I applaud you for making this film and however painful it is for people in this country
to see these women in such traditional roles let it be a reminder of what our mothers and
grandmothers faught for so long ago. Change is inevitable but it should be the women of
Palestine who start it and not the Americans imposing out beliefs on them.
I would love to see a follow up film on what Mariam and Bassam are up to as well as their
families back home in Palestine.
7/16/04
Boston, MA
I randomly found this movie airing, now a year or more ago and have since thought of it
often. I think the filmmaker successfully created a movie of "everyday life", of showing
people and their lives, and that is what touched me(and has stayed with me) most.
I do think the movie transcends "day to- day politics" in many respects, as we are
allowed to see "people's lives" as they truley are.
I understood one earlier viewers comment about this not being a positive representation
of Palestinians, and I think to some extent, that is true. I did not come away thinking
any less of the people-- but, I could see how some might use it to justify the
circumstances the Palestinians are in, which is totally false.
3/31/04
Amy Lynn Mohamed
Minneapolis, MN
I found this film extremely informative, as a wife of an Egyptian I know that interfaith &
culture relationships can be extremely gruelling. I was nice to see how the other half go
about married life when she knows what to expect of the marriage.
Though I was alarmed by Bassam's brother treatment of his wife, I figured this young
woman was smart enough to leave.
Bassam is clearly taken advantage of his wife's temperment, and she has taken advantage
of his. In my experience we Americans strive to work our marriages out as a genderless
exchange of responsibilities and respect. Not all of us obtain or even work toward this
peaceful exchange. I know most of us chringe when we hear of a couple with more
traditional roles and one of the spouses clearly benefits more than the other. Plus there
is the aspect of age/maturity. Women all over the world end up the authority when the
husband loses his youthful temperment.
What I did notice more than anything, is the overwhelming necessity to fear. Fear and
dignity keeps the people of Palestine alive. I feel for these people, even more so I feel
for the children of both Isrealis and Palestinians. We as Americans need to hold our
unelected officials accountable, otherwise how do we know that in time when we have our
own battles these tatics won't be used on us?
In due time Mariam and Bassam will have all of the creases ironed out and hopefully
Bassam will call ahead of time to declare he will bring home take-away for both of them.
Mariam will recognize that she can live in peace here, and Bassam can have a gentle oasis
that he can retreat to, a little of Palestine at home.
Best of luck to both of yous, you're a cute couple. And thankyou for coming here to
America, diversifying us and sharing your story. It takes courage.
2/26/04
Fadi Hodali
PALESTINE
I wish for Bassam & Mariam so happy life and all the best
1/27/04
A Palestinian Journalist
TENNESSEE
I was shocked and horrified to find out the producer of this film was Palestinian. I was
convinced this film was produced to humilate the Palestinians. I have read Sherine's
intentions on making this film, but as a journalist I feel she didn't accomplish her goal.
As a colleguae, I am surprized by the lack of research and professionlism. Sherine picked
a family that is the exception and not the rule. I feel this family, though they suffer in
their own way, represent the palestinian men who make very bad personal choices. As a
Palestinian man, my husband was so disgusted and felt humilated by this movie. I believe
Sherine did every Palestinian an injustice perticularly the women. For those who have seen
this and are not Palestinian, please understand that though we are a people oppressed, the
majority struggle to achieve dignity. We have enough stereotypical movies and now we have
another one made by a Palestinian.
1/27/04
ibrodsky
When I saw the description of this film I feared it would be staged and heavily edited. I
am impressed that Sherine Salama simply showed these people as they are.
But as I look at some of the comments I wonder if we were all watching the same film.
What I saw were people filled with prejudice. Bassam saw arranged marriage as the best way
to get what he wanted: a younger woman who would serve as his housekeeper and concubine.
Bassam misled Mariam about what would happen in the weeks and months after the wedding.
She thought she would go with him directly to America. Instead, she lived with Bassam's
parents so they could keep a close eye on her.
Both Bassam and Mariam blamed "the Jews" for many of their real and imagined problems.
Mariam, who had barely stepped foot outside her village, worried that "the Jews" at the
airport would steal precious belongings from her suitcase.
I thought the film was balanced. We didn't see much evidence of Israelis oppressing the
Palestinians. Nor did we see the honor killings, "collaborators" gunned down in the
street, Hamas recruiting young Palestinians to blow up Israeli families, the spontaneous
celebrations of the World Trade Center massacre, or Arafat pocketing money that was
supposed to go to ease his people's suffering.
Because this film wasn't about the political issues. It was an honest, if not very pretty,
glimpse of life in Palestinian society.
1/20/04
Dave
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
I was captivated by this film. Thanks for allowing us a peak into your lives.
I am a white man who knows that he lives a priviledged life. I don't fit into a single
American minority grouping. However, I was raised to never prejudge another person, no
matter what you think you could know about him based on the way he looks.
Many of us have never had the opportunity to meet a Palestinian, but most of us have
prejudices about ANY person of arabic decent. Our prejudices come from what we don't know
or understand about others (that which we are ignorant of). Many of us have ONE bad
experience with ONE person of another race and allow it to taint how we feel about
everyone from that race. Would you want to be judged this way?
We Americans are very protective of our Country. We think it belongs to us and we can
decide who may and may not live here. Nobody has the "pink slip" to the USA. Our ancestors
all came from somewhere else to live here. We ARE Americans, but living in America is an
opportunity for anyone. So get used to the increased number of "Middle-Easterners" that
you see around you, they are as different from each other as you are from I.
1/16/04
Brian
Sacramento, CA
This film fascinated me and touched my heart. What a great job it does of breaking through
the language and cultural barriers and showing us how alike we all are. I enjoyed it very
much but was sad to see Sinora's vibrant spirit so crushed. I wish all of them the best.
1/14/04
Zelda
Texas, USA(Bavaria Germany)
I really enjoyed to watch this movie.Me, a former U.S Armywife,knows the feeling of
leaving loved ones behind in another Country. But I love the States and this is my new
home now. I hope that Miriam and Bassam are doing better now since they own their own
Store. Is there anyway to contact them?(email) I was also curious how Sinora and her
daughter were doing. Please bring an update of all of them soon.
To all the People that wrote all them negative feedbacks I just have to say one
thing:"GROW UP!!!" This movie had nothing to do with Politics or the Jewish People....it
was just a way for US other people to see and understand what it is like for a Palestinian
Family to live in their own Country. Thank you Shereen for this awesome Movie, my husband
and I really enjoyed watching it. Hope to see more films like this one.
1/14/04
Greg C
St. Paul, MN
Thank you Sherine for a fantastic documentary. I, like many others, stumbled across this
film late on a Sunday evening and was caught up in the story immediately. My heart went
out to Mariam for the lonliness she had to endure once coming to America. It is quite hard
getting used to a foreign land when you are able to experience it by working, shopping or
going to school let alone being stuck in an apartment. I can only imagine how empty life
would have been without Sherine present. I hope by now that she is feeling more at ease
with life here in America and gotten accustomed to our individualistic society.
I am thankful for getting to see a slice of life from the Palestinian perspective. It is
rare that I see coverage of the Israeli/Palestinian situation that highlights the
struggles of the Palestinians. I know that suffering is no stranger to either group and
that evil has been perpetrated by those on both sides, but I hope that this kind of
documentary brings the suffering to a human level that will motivate the peace process.
Thank you to Bassam and Mariam for allowing us in to your lives. I have great respect for
the difficulties you have gone through and wish you the best in the future. Thank you
Sherine for a well created and touching documentary.
1/12/04
Ali Raza
Minneapolis, MN
Wow! What a marvelous documentary making! By chance I just watched it and could not resist
logging on to give you feedback! By the way this is very unlike of me!
The best thing about this masterpiece is as it captures simple depiction of life with a
most common issue with as is human-erroneous qualities as well as it touches the harsh
realities of daily oppressed yet cheerful Palestinian domestic life. I know how you can do
with editing and alter things but not even at a single moment I felt that there was any
dragging or exaggeration. This documentary had a deep impact on me and I am sure other
sensible and sensitive people would have felt the same!
Sherine Salama and team, I congratulate you your work and you showed all kind of facts of
life with simplicity yet beautifully.Keep making more films!! I wish Bassam and Mariam a
happy, beautiful life together ever and I wish Palestinians the dawn of freedom!
In the end *Thanks to Independent Lens and PBS* for airing such a beautiful documentary!
1/12/04
Dominic
Minneapolis, MN
There was a pivotal moment when I sat in front of the Television set and felt my heart
sink as Mariam came to understand she had traded the sounds of gunfire, badgering inlaws,
and hopelessness of Ramallah for vitural enslavement by her husband in the US. I was left
with an almost unimaginable appreciation for all that women have been able to accomplish
in western cultures and a seething discontent that women have and continue to be taken
advantage of through the guise of culture.
1/5/04
Kaye M.
Kissimmee
This was a wonderful story...I was 'channel surfing' when I came across this story, and I
was hooked...I often hear about and see news of Palestine and the constant bombing and
wondered 'how do they live in a place like that?' Seeing the story, really brought it into
reality for me...I wish Mariam and Bassam all the best for a happy and healthy life
together.
12/30/03
Margaret Thibert
Fort Worth, TX
This film was the first piece I have seen that actually gave me some understanding of the
"other" point of view in the conflict. I do believe it is true that our media and our
popular literature are slanted to the Israeli point of view.
The film showed the developing positive relationship between this couple, who were so
awkward and tentative at first. The expectations of women are different from what we
believe now in this country, but I remember a time, when I was a young housewife in the
early sixties, that women's roles were not that different in America.
12/22/03
R. Burson
I know what Miriam feels like i had to go to Kuwait with my husband and i was lost,
Ididn't know anything and i hated it so much like Miriam, I didnt even want to give it a
chance, but i went back a second time hated it even more i got caught up in the invasion
of Kuwait in 1990, also i lost my daughter to my husband he took her when we got out of
Kuwait , I just wanted Miriam to know someone knows how she feels the best to both of them
i hope they live happily ever after.
12/1/03
Litsa Papanicolaou
Dallas, Texas
What a wonderful and insightful documentary of the everyday life of a Palestinian family.
I truly hope that everything works out for the couples and hope that we can be updated
soon.
I was truly mesmerized by their stories. So many of us take for granted our freedoms that
we have here in the U.S. Watching the documentary made me realize that those families are
truly frightened of everyday life because of all the fighting that continues. With regard
to Mariam and Bassam, I believe that once Mariam meets some people from her homeland that
live in her community, she will feel more relaxed and hopefully more "at home". It will
take some "getting used to", but I think she will be able to adjust and realize that we
live in a wonderful country.
12/1/03
St. Louis, MO
Thank you very much for making this film, Ms. Salama, and thank you to PBS for airing it.
My husband is from India - ours is a love match, but many of his cousins are in arranged
marriages. Some work well, some don't, and end in divorce. As an all-American child of
divorce myself, I don't see that the American way is necessarily better. So long as women
have a legal and economically sound way out of an abusive relationship, I can't otherwise
judge.
Having coming from a classic suburban nuclear family and then gotten to know my husband's
close-knit extended family (where every second cousin is "just like a brother to me"), I
worry for Mariam and other women like her brought to this country by husbands, taken away
from those large support networks that they were raised to expect and rely on as an
essential part of their culture.
I would very much like to see at least a brief sequel, hopefully to find out that Mariam
was able to establish some kind of social support network here in America. Indeed I wish
that Americans could find a way to re-establish those extended family networks that also
used to be a part of this culture, in my grandparents' time.
12/1/03
Hello!
This Video was VERY sad for me to watch. It is kinda old fashion and made to make fun of
Palestinian styles.
Sinora and her husband divorced! Which is GREAT because he was Garbage! He slept with all
the American women and made children with them and then went back home to get married.
Could you tell how much of a low life he was? He never looked his daughter in the face or
play with her!
I think Sherine did a CRAPPY job of dipicting anything! The Video made NO sense what so
ever! Have her e-mail me and I will show her a real story. I just can't believe how many
of you are writing and saying you really liked it? Its probablt because you know nothing
as it is so this is filling those HUGE gaps!
Whatever Sherine. And Poo on you PBS for showing such crap. Last time I check PBS was
NOT a part of the SUNDANCE film fest!
12/1/03
Malik Lewis
Boston MA
I think that this was an excellent piece of documentary work not only because of the
insight that it provides into the lives of a Palestinian family but also because of the
manner in which the filmmaker herself develops into a character of her own during the
process. Please show this again.
12/1/03
elizabeth
I sat down to watch something that would put me to sleep, needless to say I was up until
the show finished. Since 9-11 I have not been very trusting of people from that side of
the world. Thankyou for opening my eyes.
11/26/03
Leeds, United Kingdom
I watched this documentry while I was visiting a friend in Toronto. We were both
captivated by it. It was truly and amazing documentry and gave a great insight and
understanding into other peoples lives. I was sad when the documentry ended I just wanted
to watch more and more. Excellent!!!
11/26/03
Nadia
Gainesville, FL
the film is a brilliant documentary, and it showed a slice of Palestinian life. But as a
Palestinian who has lived her life in Palestine I must say this is not a representative
slice. Not all Palestinians live that way, not all get married that way, and defenetly not
all Palestinian men treat their wives that way. I just hope that the people watching this
film do not take it that all Palestinian live that way. We have many women who are highly
educated and are major players in the development of society and maintainig the culture.
I hope that another documentary will be shown to show Palestinian life from a different
angel that will help show another part of the picture. Many many Palestinians choose to
stay and fight by surviving inspite of all the difficulties and hardships.
I wish all in this film, Bassam, Mariam and the director Shirin all the best and again
hope people do not think that this is the way all Palestinians live.
Thank you PBS for your enspiering programs.
11/26/03
astrd tollefsen
west barnstable, ma
I enjoyed this very much. i have a Palestinian email friend there and now I understand
his life better. But also, because I have just completed an oral history about the last
Norwegian emigration, I could draw parallels between them and there were many similar
experiences that most emigrants who don't speak English and came to join their husbands
share. Although the two cultures are different, the human emotions and reactions are the
same. It was personally rewarding for me to see this as I have so enmeshed in my research
and writing. Astrid Tollefsen's Following the Waters, Voices from the final Norwegian
emigration.
Thank you for rpesenting such fuine material...we need it badly as there is so much about
Israel and so little about the Palestinians.I ceretainly felt their pain an fear during
the shooting.
11/24/03
Jose Navarrete
Reno Nevada
THIS IS LIKE AN OPEN WINDOW TO A DIFFERENT WORLD, I THINK THAT FILMS LIKE THIS HELP US
UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES ARE FORCED TO LEAVE AND COME TO AMERICA. I'M
FROM MEXICO AND I HAD DIFFERENT REASON FOR COMING UP HERE, TO ME IT WAS MORE LIKE
TRADITION. I HOPE THINGS GET BETTER FOR THEIR COUNTRY AND THAT IT IS NOT TO LATE SO THEY
CAN RETURN. FOR ME IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE AS I HAVE STARTED MY FAMILY HERE AND LOVE THE
AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE. THIS IS TRULY A GREAT COUNTRY; THIS FILM PROVES THAT WE DON'T HAVE
IT AS BAD AS WE THINK SOME TIMES.
11/21/03
Les Eagle
Clayton Ohio
Excellent films. It brings into sharp focus the tensions and conflicts between western
cultures (Israel) and non-Western cultures (Palestinian) and of persons from non-Western
cultures (Bassam and Mariam) living in a Western culture (the United States).
Would you agree that A WEDDING IN RAMALLAH fulfills Filmmaker Sherine Salama's goal of
making a film about a Palestinian family that is informed by, but transcends, day-to-day
politics? Yes. Certainly when you are dealing with persons living in that area of the
world you can not entirely avoid the clash between the Arabs and the Israelis. If this
were a film about an arranged marriage between Chassidic Jews in Tel Aviv I am sure that
no matter how apolitical the filmamaker wanted to keep the film the circumstances would
require showing the death and destruction wreaked by the Arabs on Israeli civilians.
Because it is part of their daily life, surely the Chassidic couple would make mention of
their concern of the suicide bombings that end the lives of women and children. It's just
unavoidable.
Do you think arranged marriages can work in western society? No. Western societies are
based on the free choice of individuals. Arranged marriages are based on suborning free
choice to some other person's or group choice. I'm not saying one is better than the
other, just that the philosophies are in conflict and the philosophy of the society in
which you live ultimately prevails. Thus the liklehood is that if this couple has
children the children will not want an arranged marriage, but a marriage that they chose.
What do you feel Bassam and Mariam could have done differently to prepare for Mariam's
arrival in America? Whether they moved to America or not, the couple should have done a
few things differently. Did Bassam ever tell Mariam what his outlook on life was, his
goals and her role in it? Did she ever tell him the same things? If he would have said I
expect to be away at work most of the time, and to watch wrestling when I'm home, and for
you to cook and clean, and I have no interest in the culture that lies outside our doors
so we'll be staying in almost always...then maybe we wouldn't feel so sorry for Mariam.
We would have felt that she had made an informed decision. Then again "informed decision"
is a Western concept and is certainly a concept that may not exist for people that enter
into arranged marriages.
Keep up the excellent work.
11/19/03
Dan
Buffalo,NY
I got up late because I could not sleep. Turned on TV & watched the documentary & could
not stop watching...excellent!!! PLEASE show this documentary again.
11/19/03
Chris
Louisville, KY
Sherine really did an outstanding job with this piece. I watched it twice because there
is so much to soak up and it is so captivating that I could easily watch it again.
The contrast between Mariam's Ramallah home and Bassam's American house was as stark as
night and day. Sherine's work was amazing, the first video I would ever like to buy from
PBS.
11/19/03
Toronto, ON
It is interesting that the zionists never stop dehumanizing the Palestinians. Even here,
on this talk back, there was a Zionist going to a whole tangent about terrorism. Get a
life.
As far as the "Old ways" are concerned. Personally, experiencing both the semi old ways
in Iran and the new ways in West, as a younge man, I have to say that I prefer that easy
life. I want my meals to take 4 hours to prepare. I want my family, my cousines, and my
grandparents to sit and talk. I want that "inefficient" way of life. I don't want to be
treated as a slave just like the rest of the modern world...a slave to greed and material
gain. I want to relax and enjoy life...although it's hard to do that given you're living
under occupation, you're imprisoned by the checkpoints, your children get killed everyday
and yet you are called the terrorist. The Palestinian question is a question of HUMAN
RIGHTS.
Anyways, I think that this way of life is only good for slaves. Most of us from the
Muslim World never had to emigrate to a land where they ask us to leave our homes because
of our race or religion. We shall return to where we came from because the West doesn't
deserve us. We shall rebuild our own world and compete fairly against this "modern"
world.
11/17/03
Fadi Jaradat
London Ontario
Excellent documentry.... I loved the small details you showed....
I loved your documentry so much. You showed it how it is, making it very
realistic.
When your documentry first came on, I was getting ready to sleep. Then I watched a few
minutes of it, and thats when it woke me up.
I wished the documentry just went on and on.
Would it be possible for another documentry update on Bassam, and his sister in law in
Ramallah???
Excellent job Sherine.........
11/14/03
Jeannette
Cleveland OH
Me and my entire family sat down to watch "A Wedding in Ramallah" and enjoyed every bit of
watching it. We especially enjoyed watching Mariam adjust to life in America. The smoke
detector part was our favorite. Also me being an American born Palestinian, I was thrilled
at the fact that this shows us as "real" people, not terrorists. I think you did an
EXCELLENT job on this documentary. I was also wondering, will this show be aired again? If
not, PLEASE DO!!!! And where I can get a tape of it.
Thanks, Jeannette
11/12/03
Cleveland OH
I also saw this on in the middle of the night. I live very close to where Bassam &
Mariam live and work. I'm sad to hear that they were asked to leave their apartment
building. Some landlords are plain ignorant even though our neighborhood is known as
"Little Arabia" for all of the Arab and Palestinian immigrants. Perhaps I will see them
some day and give them a smile and a nod -- not just because I know some of their story,
but for encouragement. I'd like to find their store just to do that. It can't be far.
11/12/03
Arik
Dayton, Ohio
I came across the program when I woke up in the middle of the night. This documentary was
so well made and its subject so interesting that I had to stay up and watch it until it
was over.
Here are the thoughts I have from watching this program from the perspective of a 3rd
generation American whose family lived in Jerusalem for centuries before that. First, I
can find little good in following the "old" ways, particularly with respect to the
relationship between man and woman. We witnessed two men raised in a pre-modern culture
that treat their women like chattel. One leaves his wife to rot thousands of miles away
and is threatened by the fact that she purchases a cell phone to communicate with the
outside world; the other commands his wife not to leave the house when he is not there nor
does he bother to take her out of the house when he is there. There is nothing to be
envied about pre-modern culture, be it Palestinian, Jewish or other ethnic group.
Another hallmark of the "old" cultures is the void of intellectual or artistic pursuits in
daily life. Instead daily life consists of dull routines--washing clothes by hand, long
meal preparation periods, sitting around, hours of prayer for the religious, etc. "Old"
culture detests shortcutting routines (e.g., "swiffer" products, prepared foods, a moment
of contemplation, etc.) because mind-numbing routine is more important than time for
artistic and intellectual pursuits.
I see other people's comments about how interesting and perhaps wonderful these old
customs and cultures are. I see them as a drag on the achievements of mankind. When I
watch a film like this one it gives me the strength not to give in to the relativist
theory that all cultures-modern or pre-modern-have the same validity. Pre-modern
cultures, like anti-Darwinist scientists, are just wrong for the modern world.
The second thought I had was about U.S. immigration policy. Specifically were these people
in the film any different than my anscestors were when they immigrated to the U.S. This
film makes me think that there is quite a difference in a way that should profoundly
influence our immigration policy. What peaked my interest in the film was the fact that
Bassam has a disdain for U.S. culture and you get the feeling that he is not prepared to
become an American of Palestinian descent, as opposed to a Palestinian-American. I would
say that most other immigrants who came here came with the objective of becoming
Americans. They had no thought in their mind that one day they would return to the
country that they came from. They were here to stay. Yes they came for economic
opportunity, but they also came to become Americans. Bassam has obviously come here for
economic opportunity but not to become an American. He still feels that the old ways in
Ramallah are superior to the modern ways in the United States. Or maybe he just said what
he did for his family in Ramallah.
Kudos to the film maker for the making of such a thought provoking film.
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