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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.
11/5/03
Andy Leak
Los Altos, California
My wife and I moved overseas just after our wedding, and we shared many of Mariam's experiences when she arrived in Cleveland.
Now back in California, we know many Indian couples who came to America after an arranged marriage. Managing a new life together in a different culture is a big challenge!
You've made a great film!
11/5/03
Mike Lopez
Hayward, CA
I really enjoyed it because we always hear about Palestinian men being so rigid and controlling towards women. In this film, we see two different kinds of Palestinian men: Bassam and his brother. Yes, his brother IS very and controlling, ie his crap he throws at his wife about the stupid cell phone. THEN we have Bassam, who just wants to be loved and has chosen to find his wife traditionally. This is how good the filmaker is: we get to see Bassam's heart althrough the film so we know he works two jobs so he can give his wife and future children a good life. We know he keeps his wife shut in, not to control her, but for her own saftey. We also understand that he shows love the only way he knows how: through making sure he and his wife will be secure. Without the hard work he has done, he was able to own his own grocery store, despite his racist landlord kicking him out.
11/5/03
sharon
portland oregon
'Day to day politics' as it is called indeed should be included in the film, because it is a part of day to day life. That being said, I think the filmaker did a tremendous job in getting to the heart of her subjects. We were able to virtually experience what they experienced and in doing so get closer to them and the human interactions being weaved.
I was also appreciative of the fact that it must have been hard, not only on the filmaker but also on the subjects, to be so removed journalistically. Not being able to show someone how to shut off a smoke detector but have taken a lot of self control. Especially since she seemed to become friends at some point with the subjects. Necessary but hard. I think she did a good job not crossing that line when she felt she couldnt and at other times being compassionate for her friends and crossing the line. Good judgement calls.
11/5/03
joane
I didn't get to see all of this documentary but I was interested to see the rest.I was married to a Palistinian in 1987, in Israel, who had a hard time imigrating.It took 18 long months! I tried everything to speed up the process. He was very aloof with me during the whole time of waiting.I saw these families to be very typical of what I experienced while I was there (three times).Their way of living and thinking are very different to ours in the USA and west. At the end of the grueling two years of being together here (USA), on and off, he took his green card and disppeared. Of course,I still have hurt and bad feelings. Many suspect these kinds of marriages! I'm writing because I feel a deep caring for the sister-in-law Sinora. I loved her spirit and laughter even in her loneliness and pain. What a hard man her husband was to her (typical)!I felt so sorry for her being left behind with their little girl.Why didn't he send for her? Was he still married to someone in America? I missed that somehow. I was glad that Mariam FINALLY got out of the apartment when they eventually got their own store.Women, as myself, I find, (even being American) are mistreated and looked at differently by Arab men by their customs more than what Islam seems to teach. As for my beliefs on prearranged marriages, it seems to work out better than western marriages that were done in LOVE or living together first! Their expectations are more realistic, I guess, and customs and family must keep them together (or maybe have no other choice).I enjoyed watching this film, and appreciated that the politics of what was going on there wasn't too skewed. I don't know what anyone else got from this or what you were actually trying to convey, but was enjoyable. Please post a reply on this site if you have one. I'm still very interested in what's going on with Sinora.
11/5/03
James
New Orleans, Louisiana
Awesome! Thanks for a great story Sherine!
You captured a part of and put a face on an aspect of a culture that we in the west never get to see.
I must admit that up untill seeing this documentary the only times I've ever seen a Palistinian was in some somber news report. Now, I know it's true; Palistinians do smile.
I wish the best for Bassam and Mariam and hope that Sherine would not mind producing more of the same.
11/5/03
Jason
San Franisco
My housemate and I just caught it the documentary on pbs. It was great. I loved watching the familys interact. That was pretty funny because families are families everywhere. The cultural differnces are huge and it was intersting to watch the little things like the makeup mirror was a broken and clothes were washed by hand.
11/5/03
Saleem Daoud
San Mateo, CA
This documentary has given us a window on Palestinian suffering in and outside of occupied Palestine.
It gave the picture as it is in reality.
11/5/03
San Francisco, CA
I just simply wanted to say thank you to Sherine and all those that agreed to be filmed for this piece. As an American woman weighing marraige in the near future, it was a thought provoking and refreshing perspective to different realities. Thank you.
11/5/03
This was an absolutely great documentary. It did touch me greatly. I am just so sad that my father did not also get the chance to watch this documentary with me. I would greatly appreciate it if this documentary was available online to watch, or if it at least would be replayed on kqed (my pbs station).
11/5/03
Citlali
Phoenix, Az USA
I really liked that independent film; Although, I'm not related directly with the palestinian or middle east culture and people, I enjoyed that film very nuch.I don't agree with arrranged marriages, I think that's from my grandma's time, but maybe some can come good.Immigration is already a tough issue as well as marriage is (more an arranged marriage)and combining both of them is very hard to deal with; I think Bassam should've prepared Mariam more,tell her what to expect,the way he was living,his everyday schedule etc.and when she got here to the US he should've been more comprehensive with her, and show her the way around.I think that "A Wedding in Ramallah" surely fulfilled this goal, it gave another perspective, a different point a view.
11/5/03
san bernardino
award-winning worthwatching. tells the real story about the palestinians' suffering situation. exile sour feelings women go thru.
11/5/03
Hussam Abughazaleh
Houston, TX
I am Palestinian American, I enjoyed the movie very much. I feel it reflects our true self's to the world I was able to relate to it very much. Tanks a lot.
P.S. Cannot what wait to get my hands on the movie.
questions:
i think they do work, if they have the right formula.
i think he should of hired a layer.
yes the film did meet it goals it shows the audiance how palestinians are, and how they are living.
11/5/03
SA
Fascinating film! Re: arranged marriage, we got insight into various people's views, across genders and generations, in a very naturalistic, empathetic way; you could see how it was part of the natural order for some, tolerated by others, seized on for advantage by yet others. The music really made the film come alive for me. I was especially impressed by the improvised sung poetry of Bassam & the barber - beautiful stuff, though I was confused by the references to Abu Nidal. I would have liked a little more context on the day-to-day politics -- from Bassam's songs to his view of the intifada, Arafat's speech, the settlement, the effect of prison on his outlook, etc. because when treated simply as background, it keeps us in the dark. I also wondered if the filmmaker made a conscious decision to not intervene to help Mariam in Cleveland or to inform her of what her life would be like in the U.S.; if so, how did she balance this with the trust Mariam clearly had in her? SA
11/5/03
Rebecca
Oxnard, Ca
Hi, I was so touched by the story of Mariam and her Sister in Law. I felt so bad for them that they were married and werent able to be with thier husbands. But then Mariam got her visa I was so happy for her but at the same time sad for her and her sister in law cuz then they would be so far from each they wouldnt have each other to lean on they were basicly like sisters and the way i seen it they took care of each other. And now she was alone in a country that she knew nothing of and had no one to talk with or even learn the new country. I understand that her husband had to work but could'nt he at least take her out and show her the America she was so anctious to see and be in. After seeing the film I was sad and angry that Mariam and her husband were asked to leave thier apartment after the Sept 11th tragedy why is thier such ingnorence in the world, who knows. I am very pleased to know that Mariam and her husband own thier business and that Mariam is out of that little apartment and out into the big new world, good for her. I would like to know how she is doing and would also like to know how her sister inlaw and niece are doing. Did she ever get her visa? Id like to thank you for letting me have this chance to voice my opinion and ask the questions that I had. Thank You
11/5/03
Mac
Dallas, Tx
Truly an extraordinary film. What I found most remarkable was that it was an unvarnished/candid look at another culture; and how the US may appear from the the eyes of others. This film was touching as well as a compelling and realistic look at the world today.
-- No arranges marriages won't work in the US.
-- No Mr. and Mrs. Bassam Abed could not have made it any easier. Being an immigrant myself, I know that individuals from the third world are forced to wade thru crap to deter them from trying to immigrate.
-- Filmmaker Salama has done an an extraordinary job (and service!) in demonstrating the "human face" behind the day-to-day politics i.e. how common folk are helplessly affected by events over which they have no control. I am very impressed by the honesty and candor/clarity with which the documentary drives home the human issues.
11/5/03
Sue
Arcata, California
I felt so much concern for Miriam in her U.S. apartment alone day after day. Also, the despair of her sister-in-law was deeply troubling. At the end of the documentary, you said we could learn more about how they are currently doing by checking this web site. However, I cannot find an update. Could you please provide one if it's available? Thank you!
Bassam could do much more to help Miriam have a happy life in the U.S., and this would contribute to them having an interesting, happy marriage. How about home study courses, schooling outside the home, volunteer work, etc.? Also, I watched the way Bassam played with this niece. He needs to consider much more seriously how not having children could be increasingly painful for both of them and to pursue medical solutions.
11/5/03
Ricardo
Van Nuys, California
Hello.
I just watched the Wedding in Ramallah documentary on pbs. I was very moved to see how Sinora suffers alot. If there is anyway that this can get to her I would like her to know that I admire her optimistic view of life. In the documentary she was always smiling and laughing and keeping calm.
I really admire her. Please let her know that.
Ricardo
11/5/03
Kit C
Los Angeles
I loved your film! It's refreshing to see a different view on events happening across the world. The news media is untrusworthy when it comes to presenting the truth. Your film was sincere and deeply passionate. Thank you for presenting it.
11/5/03
Manalapan, NJ
This is a great story of not only life in the occupied territories but of life in America for many immigrants.
However, my heart goes out to the sister-in-law who was left behind in Ramallah after she showed so much love to her sister-in-law, Mariam. Could you please let us know what happened to her. Did her her husband ever get her into the US? It was sad to see how much trouble she got into by buying a cell phone.
11/5/03
Bruce
Brooklyn, NY
I loved Wedding in Ramallah. It gives humanity to the Palestinian people, and gives a glimpse of what life is like under occupation.
I can't wait for a rebroadcast, or to have the video made available.
thank you, PBS
11/5/03
Tony
corona,ny
I never saw a program like this one before. It made me realized that these people are just like anybody else. They have the same needs and desire like anyone. I hope they do a follow up with bassam and mariam. I would like to know what happened with sinora and her husband?
11/5/03
Abeire
Houston, TX
I wanted to say the documentary "A Wedding In Ramallah" was incredible. I really enjoyed it and want to see it again. It really portrayed a typical life of a Palestinian family in the west bank. I am a Palestinian American living in Texas and I was able to relate to so much in the film. It was like seeing my relatives. Please contact me when you have copies of the video available. I really want to purchase it and show it to my family and friends. Once again, thanks and keep up the great work!
11/5/03
Tim
Sedona, Arizona
I would like to thank Ms. Salama for this delightful and thought-provoking film.
The film shows us, once again, as you peel away the layers of religion, language, culture.....we are all the same.
Thank you.
ps I enjoyed Bassam and the barber(?)singing their improvised songs....and also Mariam's sense of humor.
11/5/03
Vikram
TX
Congrats on this great documentary..each one of us who came to US can identify in some way with this film..keep it up..
11/5/03
Queens, New York
This film was great. I am not sure if it played before on pbs but it was showing until 1:30 am eastern standard time, eventhough i had school the next day i stayed up because i was so facinated witht he documentary. What a wonderful job. I will def. be reading up on this topic. I think you portrayed the life and how America is seen and its hardships both in Ramallah and here very well.
11/5/03
Scott Musgrave
Mesa, Arizona
I was only able to watch the last 30 minutes of this porgram and it was very touching and at the same time frustrating. I am happy that they are finally together and that things are working out well for them.
A note for the land lord that asked them to move out from a former Army Ranger. I would like to take you to some third world country and see if you can get out of the horrors and hardships of it. You are the ones that are making this country week
Best wishes to Bassam, Mariam and all of there family.
Thank you for making this film.
Scott Musgrave
11/5/03
Henry Hilliard
Brooksville, ME
I have never known a Palestinian. I found your documentary style made Bassam, his wife and their family's lives accessable and their struggles moving. You've given us a human dimension to the suffering of a people we read about in such a dispassionate int he mainstream media. Thank you.
11/5/03
MS
Nashville, TN
I did not see the whole movie, but what I did see I enjoyed very much. I am interested in buying the movie for my husband, who is also Palestinan.
I thank the filmmaker Sherine Salama for making this movie, to show the true picture of Palestinan life in Israel.
11/5/03
Feddy Berry
Columbus, OH & Miami, FL
I saw this movie today when I was planning to watch 'some tv' then leave..I WAS RIVETED AND BEVER TURNED IT OFF!..IT IS FASCINATING, AND I WISHED EVEN TO GO THERE..
It shows a very 'un-American', REAL AND ACCURATE side to the diaspora,,,it humanised Palestinians for me in this movie, as I always believed what I see in the media is the exception as far as prevalent attitudes, not the rule
I even wrote down his cell phone number from the show and I think to call him, to ask him about his time in Israeli jail!
MORE THAN ANY THING I WOULD LIKE TO MEET THE FILMAKER: Miss Sherine Salama.
The way the movie was developed says a lot about her and the quality of her heart and mind, and I find as the movie goes on, I am equally fascinated by Sherine as anyone visible!!! ...
Thank You Kindly,
Feddy Berry
11/5/03
Lorenza Rios
Houston, Texas
I just recently saw the film, and I loved it. It was very interesting. I learned a lot more about Palestinian families. I have always like to see films based on true events, and the fact that it was live, made it even better. I wish Bassam and Mariam the best of luck.
11/5/03
Mariela
West Bloomfield, MI
This film made you realize that in other countries marriages are arranged, but yet they still last longer than in our western society.It has to do alot with that other countries are more family oriented than we are, it has alot to do with we have more and we take it for granted and in some weird way they just might have something that we lost or never had which is togetherness
Mariela, 23
11/5/03
I question just how sincerely Bassam and Mariam really want to be in the USA. I recall the scene where Bassam is singing and says he is not a German, or a Japanese or an American, he is a Palestinian. I got the impression that the USA was just a safe place for him and his wife to run to. Don't misunderstand me, I am not happy to see them suffer in the West Bank, but maybe they and the Jews need to work things out with respect for one another.
As for Muslim immigration and values, I am glad to have my European /American culture and values. Nope, we are not perfect. But I don't want to see radically different values such as Islam come into my country and culture. I do not feel I have to accomodate you, just as Muslim nations do not have to accomodate me and my culture/values.If this offends you, too bad. I do not owe you an apology. As a gay man, I am alarmed that gay men have been imprisoned and executed in Islamic countries.Not to mention the lack of rights for women. Would my neo-pagan beliefs be tolerated in an Islamic country? HA! I do not believe so! No, I do not want Islam here. Not at all. Lets see if PBS will post this, since it differs so radically from politically correct thought that is so popular. I doubt that those who dare to disagree will be allowed a small voice. I will be surprised if this is posted. But just remember, a one sided argument is no argument at all, its propaganda.
11/5/03
Syed Kareem
Houston, Texas
I loved the documentary. It was fabulous.
It's a wonderful documentary for Psychology, Sociology, etc. I wish more Americans would watch what's shown on PBS.
Immigrants from the middle east often have to explain their customs to native born Americans. This film, helps explain some of these "foreign" customs to the american audience.
This documentary is a welcome relief from the constant "terrorism" rhetoric seen on network tv.
Keep up the good work !!
11/5/03
Houston,TX
Wonderful. We need more programs like this!
11/5/03
Jamie Akers
Dresden ME
I was touched by the wedding of Bassam and Mariam. I thought of how brave they both were of coming to a new country to live their lives. I Felt for her as she lay on the couch that one day. She is lonely and knew only her husband who has to work. I want to write her a letter. I was also upset to hear they had to move because of 911. All of here are not prejudice. I want to know how they are and how her sister in law is doing. I want to know if she is going to get a visa to join her husband here. I believe she should. Thanks and if Bassam and Mariam have emails or anyway of getting in touch with them that would be really cool so she will know that there are people here who care and accept them.!:) To answer the questions above, yes I do think arranged marriages can work, they have been working for many many years. I think wathcing films and learning english could have prepared Mariam a little more. I also think Bassam could have been more understanding of what she was going through and spent more quality time with her and encouraging her though. I think the film definatly fulfilled that goal of the day to day politics. It was interesting and realistic. They are people just like us and it was good to see that on film. They have it much harder than we do though. What they have endured is heartwrenching and I hope it gets better for them. It was a great learning experience. We need more of them!
Jamie
11/5/03
u.s.a.
My name iz Mirsada and i am from Bosnia. Waching wedding in Rammalah took me 8 years back when i came to U.S.A. from Bosnia. In Maryem's storry i see a lot of similarites with my life. In past 8 years a lot of things happend in my life. Sometimes i think too many. And it did leave mark on me. Anyway I am alright, and i am glead to read that Maryam and her husbend are doing o.k.
Anyway i think her husbend could be more thoutful about her needs. I ges i could write long letter about what i think. May god give them the best. With any film about a people you can only present one part of their lives.
11/5/03
Boston, MA
what an amazing documentary! It truly captures the essence of the immigration experience to the United States. Although i moved to the US with my family and I am a Tibetan, I relived my experience watching Miriam pre and post immigration. Shows like this is what makes me watch PBS.
11/5/03
Cheryl
Elko, Nevada
Arranged marriages might just work in America. Parents would be able to judge a persons character better than their young adult children. The problem would be getting their children to submit to their choice. We are taught freedom of choice from a young age. I think Bassam should have arranged for a support group for his wife. I hear that support groups are being organized to help foreign immigrants adjust to American living. I thought the film was fantastic! I found it very interesting & it gave me a completely different viewpoint of the Palestinian culture. This film taught me more of the Palestinian culture than anything in the news.
11/5/03
Reem
Great job Shirine.
11/5/03
Michael
Boca Raton, FL
An amazing documentary! I've lived in Jerusalem throughout my life, but never have I ever attended a Palestinian wedding. Watching this documentary took me back to my home. I laughed about mother-in-laws causing divorces and cried about the situation they were forced in to by the Israelis. BRAVO!
11/5/03
Linda
Dearborn, MI
I was engrossed in this film! Having grown up as a Christian in Dearborn (1970's), many of my young friends were Arabic. There were never any problems back then and everyone got along. I enjoyed my friends and their families and was able to learn about their traditions, their food, and their music. To this day, I love Arabic food and music and found the soundtrack to the film beautiful.
When I was about 14, my best friend, who was Lebanese, was married off to a 35 year old man. Her wedding night was a nightmare, she ran away from home to LA and would not return until she was granted a divorce. She is now married to someone that she chose and is a school teacher in Dearborn. Although she was born in Lebanon, she grew up in an American society. Her views were American when it came to rights of females. I am proud of her.
I would very much like to know if there is a soundtrack available from the film.
I hope to view more work by Sherine. It was wonderful and I wish Mariam and Bassam many blessings.
11/5/03
Augusta, GA
Yes, the video was very interesting. It certainly opened my eyes to a world that I have never seen. It was even more interesting when the filmmaker let us know the time frame that the video was taken in light of 9/11. I wish she had continued to film the couple during and after 9/11 to see what their feelings were about this tragedy. Maybe she did and maybe they were happy about what happened so she figured that she'd better not show it for their safety. Wasn't it true that Arabs celebrated the attack? Anyway, I do hope that Mariam is learning to cope in this God-cursed land.
11/5/03
What a pathetic account! If this film were ice cream, it would be called Perfidy Ripple. "Independent"? I hardly think so...an Arabic filmmaker supported by an Arabic production house. A shallow one-sided view of the violence Palestinians bring on themselves, suffused with bigotry and hatred of the Jews (Note: not "the Israelis", but "the Jews", as if Israelis would EVER refer to the Palestinians summarily as "the Muslims"!
-And what's worse! A culture that treats it's women as inanimate property. Bassam imprisoning her in a windowless cage in Ohio. "Get my slippers."...right. An "heroine" who praises the filmmaker out loud but curses her under her breath.
Mariam was dishonest with Bassam. Bassam was dishonest with Mariam. Bassam is dishonest with the United States! (I'm not an American...I'm a Palestinian in my blood and body...)They were both dishonest with the filmmaker ("What a slut, etc...")The filmmaker presented a dishonest representation of Israeli oppression (making it seem as though the soldi
ers were randomly terrorizing the city).
The only thing I can say about this film is that it really tests your tolerance for falsehood...or your gullibility.
11/5/03
Naomi Balderas
Austin, TX
We began to see this documentry at the begining of the reception of bassam and miriams wedding.I immediatly attracted by the reality of thier surrondings and the love bassam exspressed about his wife. although we were sadden to see the sister-in-law of bassam remainded in Ramallah and not optained a Visa to come to america with her husband. I think we may understand the resoning for her husband to not want her in America, but we loved her free spirit and we hope he will change his mind. I enjoyed seeing a diffrent culture and how Miriam was able to adapt to the american culture My heart went out to Miriam when she was lost and confused in her apartment in the United States fell in love with both of them we hope they are doing well
11/5/03
Lars Lindeberg
Nashville, TN
We want to express our appriciation and thank you for the good film you have made. We want to buy a copy.
Will you produce more about the reality of life in Palestine?
We hope that will be!
Best regards
Wafa & Lars Lindeberg
11/5/03
Laurie A. Meier
College Station, TX-USA
Thank you for such a thoughtful documentary. I learned a lot.
Over the past two years I have gotten the opportunity to work with new immigrants to the US and many of which are finally finding the courage to journey out into the world after 3-7 years of being prisioner in their homes. America needs a better network in place to help introduce our newly arrived brothers and sisters to America, making it a smoother transition.
I wanted to reach out to the young woman in the film, give her a hug and welcome her here. How horrified , frustated, and confused she must have felt.
It's easy to view the film as a random dramatic story, but these are real people with real life emotions!
I am so sorry that you had gotten kicked out of your apartment after 9-11; sadly the damage is done, just know, not all Americans are cruel and stupid.
Good luck with your new business ventures!
11/5/03
Saegertown,Pa
I would like to say that this story touched my heart also. The fact that Sherine's husband was not very sympathetic to her needs appauls me.
I am sure he is a good provider, but how boring for her. Where is the romance? Yes, this story does show another side to the politics that is so seldom shown. It shows there are two sides two every story. Also, it shows what some of these women must endure to be married. I would like to tell Bassam, go ahead and show your nurturing side to your wife. She will love you for it. From a women who knows what neglect can come to. A wife should be cherished, for she is a precious gem, not just someone who cleans & cooks for you.
May GOD bless their union.
11/5/03
I've been watching A Wedding in Ramallah, it is most interesting.
However, why was Bassam, who (so far in the story) was in America and perhaps a citizen, singing about a terrorist ABU NIDAL, saying that he was the savior of Palestine????? This worries me a great deal.
11/5/03
Everton C.
South Florida
Having traveled to a few parts of the world I always find such programming educational, from a cultural learning experience, etc. I found this film very interesting, I have very little knowledge of this part of the world in modern day times. I found it very heartening to see the lives of people in Palestine and the struggles what the people had to go through daily.
About arranged marriages - I think that's a hard sell here in the US as values seemed to be thrown out the window - the sense of innocence in people is bankrupt making trust hard to come by and accepting things at face value. I would love to learn more about this part of the world and it's culture - maybe even visit the place. Show more like this on Tele.
11/5/03
Hani Tobassi
Wichita, Kansas
I'm appalled by the indecency and cruelty of the filmmakers who would not intervene to help Meriam when she had difficulty adjusting to life in the United States. Filming during the screeching smoke alarm and doing nothing to help her was nefariously cruel. Human decency is cast aside for some inhuman filmmaker's ideal of not getting involved in the story. SICK!!! Shame on you.
11/5/03
Carnegie Johnson
Sumter, SC
Bravo! Bravo! I really loved this real life drama! The culture and reality of this film had me glued to the television. May God bless these families. And, many thanks to the brilliant filmmaker.
11/5/03
Brad
What an immportant glimpse into a culture our country chooses to know nothing about. Thank god for PBS.
8/29/03
Lutz
Germany
This documantation has touched my heart! I would love to see more films like this one. It tells more then 20 books about the life in Palestina!
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