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![]() | Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly. 03/27/2008 I was in eleventh grade when this happened. I remember it was a school day, and I suddenly woke up to my mom shaking me hard by the shoulders. She was saying, "Diana, Diana, wake up, the twin towers are gone!" I sat up straight and froze right there. I rememberd that my auntie lived just a few blocks away from the towers. We ran down and turned on the news.Every single channel in the T.V. had Breaking News, Live. Even the shows with cartoons had it. We called my aunt to see if she was okay. Thankfully, she was at her sister in laws house. The whole day at school everybody was quiet, there were no lessons, all tvs were on. Most of the students loved ones were in danger. No one talked, not even the class clowns. the teachers were crying. we went homeearly that day. and everybody spent the day calling loved ones in New York, or watching the news. That was the most horriffic day ofmy life, and it still will be otherwise. 02/28/2008 The morning of September 11th 2001 was an absolute nightmare that would unfold without anybody having any idea with what was happening. At the time I was working on the 74th floor with Morgan Stanley in the South Tower. My usual report time was 9:00am. But that whole week I stayed at the office late and went in early, to work on a presentation for my company. I was looking forward to a promotion, obviously that didn't happen. My alarm went off that morning at 7:30am. I hopped in the shower as usual, did my hair, and my makeup. Quickly checked my home e-mail and headed out to work. It was a beautiful day! The most beautiful! I couldn't believe it, the forecasters predicted for rain. I stopped and chatted with the doorman for a couple of minutes, and headed for the subway. As I arrived at the WTC subway station, I quickly ran over to a little shop on the other side of the street and grabbed a bagel with cream cheese & a large coffee. I remember it like yesterday... It was about 8:30 11/27/2007 Heres my story. On sept 11th i was sleeping upstairs and i got up it was probably around 9am. My mom and i were going to TX for my sister's birthday we were leaving the 12th the next day we were packed all ready to go. I came downstairs and my mom had the tv on and i saw what was going on i could not believe my eyes. My mom called my sister and told her that we weren't coming and my mom told my sister to turn on the tv and that is why we couldnt come. I just sat on the sofa in total disbelief that this is happening. I wasn't awake when the first plane hit. I was awake for the second plane that hit the world trade center. My mom and i didnt say one word for like 20 mins or so. We were both in shock. Then the first tower that got hit came down, that's when i realized that so many people lost their lives and then the second tower came down all i could do was think about how many lives will be affected by this tragedy. 3/7/07 Josh I was in 5th grade when 9-11 took place. It was confusing for me, because to be honest, I had never even heard of the World Trade Centers before. We were walking through the hall when the news got out, and a lot of people were in a state of shock. By the time I got home, One of the towers was still standing, while the other was in ruins. I sat in front of the TV, as I looked on. Everything looked as if it was a horrible scene from a movie. But it was real. I was so confused, and I didn't understand what exactly was going on. I can remember to this day what my father told me: "America is under attack. The world will never be the same." Not long after, my mother told me that my sister was supposed to be in the Second Tower; however, her plane flight was canceled the day before due to weather related issues. Because of that, I am very thankful; however, at the same time I feel sorrow for the thousands who were lost, and the millions who were affected by the great loss. Post 9-11: After 9-11, I had a new perspective of the world around me. America went to war, and, honestly, we no longer felt like we were invincible. I had a new perspective on life. I now feel that we should enjoy every moment we have together, with the ones we care about; because we never know when their lives may be stolen away. After 9-11 America was changed forever. I was changed forever. 5/23/05 Heather Smith Philadelphia, PA My best friend is an Indian woman who has been living in the United States for seven years. She received her Masters degree here in the US. She is an intelligent, caring, law-abiding individual who holds an advanced Master's degree in pediatric physical therapy. She has recently been denied renewal of her work visa for no good reason at all. They made it literally impossible for her to meet the stringent qualifications by demanding that she take a test of spoken English by a date before which the test was even offered. In other words, her deadline to take the test was May 6, but the test is not offered until June 3rd. They denied her an extension to have time to take the test. And now her visa has expired and she is no longer eligible to work. The test itself was an insult, as she has better English speaking and writing skills than most American's, but to demand it be taken by a date before which it is even offered is blatantly unjust, and I believe a discriminatory action that is a result of the 9/11 attacks and the stricter rules on immigration. It is not fair to scrutinize this woman. Her credentials are valid, her intentions only for the good of others. All of her dreams are now lost and she must leave this country and return to India. She'll leave her friends, her job and the community that she has given so much to in the past seven years. It's a shame, it's unjust, and it should be illegal, because she has done nothing wrong. I am outraged and I wanted to share this story. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. 1/27/05 Amanda Queens, NY It truly is a pity, that innocent people have to suffer. But who is to justify ? It is really comforting to know that people care, even people who weren't directly affected. I am glad to know that PBS tried and showed sympathy and gratitude. As a native and citizen of New York, it is really sad to see my neighbors in agony. But may Jah bless. 11/22/04 ny,ny During that time i was in public school but afterwards i transfered into an islamic school. I am half arab and half hispanic but not that many people knew that.Especially when i had my head scarf on ,because in my school it is required.I did not think people would act the way they did. i thought everyone would be united but i was wrong. One day coming back from school i was walking to the train station and i was hit in the face with a "snow ball" of ice. I was so shocked and upset that young kids would do that to a young girl, like myself.I started to cry because it had got into my eyes, but I was yelling at them at the same time. I guess they realized what they had done was wrong becasue they said we didnt mean to hurt you that bad.People, this is a time to fight against those against us, not amongst ourselves. Think Bout it. 5/24/04 New York City September 11, 2001 began as any day would. The day before, I was stressed because of an injury I had sustained playing soccer the day before. I had one of my front teeths knocked out, and seriously needed some help. I took a day off from school, and began surfing channels. Every channel began showing some live footage of the twin towers, and with some smoke and debris. I thought it was joke, but too my surprise wasn't. It was clear, that America had faced a serious attack, and I stared at the television screen motionless. That era, America faced alot of hectic events, but none compares to this. 5/5/04 Amber 9/11 was very tough for lots of people. I think the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" applies in this case, only a little different "don't judge a person by their race." Some Arabs or Muslims, which ever you prefer to call them, were responsible for what happened, but not all of them. Some just want to live like normal people, but America is embarrising. We discreminate, and judge as if we don't make mistakes ourselves. If I were Arab I sure wouldn't move here! 9/8/03 I see many examples of hate crimes listed here. They must not be ignored. I abhor hate crimes, regardless of their source. Yet, for all of these bad things happening to good people, many more **good** things are happening. Neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger. Please, don't embitter yourselves to the good in people. 9/8/03 We live in a world full of diversity. This diversity could and should enrich our lives. Yet, in some cases, people fear and distrust it...and each other. It is what people do that is important. Not in whose name they do it. I wouldn't judge all peoples by the actions of one, or some. Each person is an indiviual and should be treated as such. I appreciate what has been done here and hope to see more of it in the future. Reading over what I have typed here, it sounds trite, and worthy of a fairy tale. I hope it isn't. 5/6/03 Roy Halliday I'll bet President Bush enjoyed swapping fighter pilot stories from his days at the Texas National Guard with the pilots of the Abraham Lincoln. Oh, sorry I forgot, he has no stories, the President failed to show up for duty. At least we can be thankful that he didn't give his address in flight gear. 5/6/03 I would like to point out that Arab-Americans were not the only ones caught in the crossfire. As Indians we have brown skins too & we faced a lot of racism post 9/11. Fortunately nothing as serious as other Indians & brown-skinned non-Arabs have faced according to your web-sites. 2/27/03 Kama Ohio We dont hate Arab Americans I Don't and my B-day was on that day. I think that people should say + things about others 2/7/02 bob swanson monterey TN Recently seven Iraq's were denied visas using false Grenada passports. IF they had obtained the visas, been exposed to smallpox, flown to Miami and then on seperate planes to LA, Seattle, Chicago, NYC, Washington DC, Dallas and Detroit, what would the result have been? Would that have not been an "invasion" of the USA by Iraq? 2/7/02 Elsa Adamson Kudos to PBS for having the courage to show the other side of this issue. I was moved by the story of the Palestinian pastor and my only wish is that PBS would run the documentary by Tom Hayes - People and The Land - for a closer look at the plight of the Palestinians. It is available on the web, and it is an eye-opener. Again, Bravo PBS! Thank you! 10/17/02 John Tenney Shocking to say the least...Im a pretty patriotic American but now that Ive heard of all these hate crimes It makes me realize how little we have evolved since say the Japanese-American prison camp days......I have to say when I read these stories ABOUT this scum It makes me ashamed to be an American (Irish too)!!!! Shame on all hate crime perpetrators...there Is noone more UNAmerican than you!!! 9/30/02 Just by chance, I caught the last of "Caught in the Crossfire" while I was switching channels. I personally am interested in what Arab-Americans are experiencing...their opinion counts...as Americans, they should be given equal time, and that does not seem to be happening. They feel, they suffer and they have needs just like all other Americans...we, as fellow Americans, should want to learn more about their stuggles as well, as their accomplishments...that is what being Americans is all about...united we all stand. 9/23/02 Bernie Fort Lee, NJ when i heard about this program, i was amazed. i thought the topic was a great idea for a documentary. it is something that we all have been thinking about (in our own ways) but no one has really said anything about it objectively. i felt that this film did that. my problem is, i didn't think it was very well done, from a documentary stand point. yes, it showed these arab-americans, i would say objectively, but as a film, it wasn't all that interesting, and i felt that strange segments were chosen to be included. basically, it is nothing i would choose to watch again, for the message got across--things are tougher than before--but i could not cling to it as a film. i guess i was just disapointed. 9/17/02 Dear PBS, A belated congratulations for having supported production of the documentary "Caught in the Crossfire". I don't know how many people saw it but I hope it can be shown again and made available to community groups as well. I was particularly moved by the seemingly impossible situation the reporter found herself in, being attacked from all sides, and by the suffering of the pastor - here and in the Middle East. We hear about these kinds of dilemmas a lot from the Israeli side, so seeing this from the perspective of your team (Jewish no less!) was very special. Carl Schieren Rockville, MD 9/16/02 Muhammad NJ A great film indeed. It demonstrated how a community could be judged by the horrible acts of few. When people are emotionally vulnerable, as a rest of such horrific acts, as the ones that took place on September 11, it seems that people tend to stereotype. They tend to cast a view about an ethnic community based on such facts as their race origin and color, forgetting the principles that this country was based on and the American constitution. People tend to forget that after emigrating to this country we all view ourselves as Americans. I also like to point out that certain groups in the media tend to take advantage of such events to shape the views of people, especially those who are not educated about the raised subject. Also the observer can detect a certain bias in the media, which tend to have different set of rules for different people (double standards). Case in point when Timothy MaCveay blew up the federal building in Oklahoma, the media did not label him as a Christ ian terrorist or judged all Christians as terrorist. Media should deal with these circumstances in an ethical manner; otherwise it will lose its credibility over time. Media has an ethical responsibility, especially in tough times, and its role should be to bring people together and assist in the healing process. It is not the media's role to manipulate the image of communities. The reality is that in every society, community and country, there are the good and bad. We as Americans should not fall in the trap of stereotyping and judging people based on their race, color, and ethnic background, otherwise this will turn out to be a different America than the one we all dreamt about living in. 9/16/02 hello to you you are doing rong for many people you should lern the facts more maby. 9/12/02 Yasmin Hamidi Clifton, NJ Thank you for airing such an insightful and touching program. "Caught in the Crossfire" filled a void in television programming that is often unsympathetic to the plight of Arab Americans or the complexities that color their lives. It humanized a segment of the American population that has been particularly vulnerable since Sept. 11 and is often unfairly portrayed as "anti-American" or violent. Arab-Americans are hard-working people trying to make a decent life for themselves and their families, just like anyone else. It was refreshing to see three distinct ways in which Arab-Americans are contributing to American society. 9/10/02 zsarah new york, NY I wanted to thank you for such an informative program, i really enoyed it. keep up the good work. 9/10/02 I thought the film was done very well and held my interest throughout the entire film. The selection of three different people to follow also added to the excellent presentation. I felt that there was a glaring omission by not asking the three characters how they felt about the horrific event of 9/11. I was left wondering what each of them would have said. However that may not have been the purpose of the film, but I still felt it should have been reflected in the film. Well done, an excellent piece of work. 9/10/02 Seth Johnson I think that "Caught in the Crossfire" is an important view of the difficulties Arab American's go through in every day life. It's great that these filmmakers could take the time to go beyond just the impact of 9/11 and show where these immigrants came from and some of the difficulties they face being raised in different cultures. Besides the difficult lives they face from growing up afraid of police, unable to aspire in a profession due to being a woman, and living in a region where every day terror has caused so many injustices, they now have to face bigoted views from their fellow American's who believe that the color of ones skin and the way they dress defines who they are. We have seen this unfair reaction time and time again over history. I only hope that a film like Caught in the Crossfire will help some people to see that American immigrants of all colors can be wonderful people and should be treated as such. It's wonderful that PBS has presented a great reminder that the horrific events have gravely affected all of us in unfathomable ways. 9/10/02 kayal, Joe Great. Finally, a well balanced presantation. 9/10/02 Cindy Kaplan Rooney Montclair, New Jersey One of the most important things a film can do is to make people think and begin a dialogue. The powerful stories in Caught in the Crossfire do that and more. We see how world events impact 3 people's lives. We have to look at this and understand this if we are to come together in peace. I hope PBS will continue to air this film and others like it. 9/10/02 Magdy Mahmoud Upper Montclair, NJ I am so greatful to you guys because of this film. It is a wonderful truth telling film. Please keep the good work. 9/10/02 C Dornell LA, CA Not an immigrant but grateful to PBS for showing a story I wouldn't have seen anywhere else since 9-11-02. Nice job. 9/10/02 I am an Arab American. I watched this show with my kids who are first generation Americans. We teach our kids tolerence and acceptance of other people regardless of their ethnicity. Some comments have disturbed me & I will pray for these people to learn acceptance rather than hate. America is a melting pot of various colors and races. we learn from poeple who are different from us. America is a democratic nation & as its citizens, we all should be more tolerent of others & be able to accept other views.Thanks PBS for this wonderful show. 9/10/02 Joseph J. Thomasberger Orange, NJ I am a second generation descendent of Eastern European grandparents. I was deeply touched by your production, "Caught in the Crossfire." I appreciate your effort to bring the story of the "Arab" immigrant in these trying times and am able to relate to it from stories that my parents and grandparents told me when I was a young boy. Please keep up the good work. 9/10/02 Malcolm Bell Weston, VT I was distressed to hear that the ADL is calling the program "a diatribe against Israel." As you well know, it wasn't that at all. The ADL is a wonderful and sadly necessary group, but in recent months they have been a bit paranoid about saying stuff is anit-Israel or anti-Semitic that just isn't. The result threatens to be censorship of innocuous comment or fair criticism. ADL views deserve to be considered, but please stick to your own good judgment,and be assured that you did right to broadcast this fine and insightful program. 9/10/02 Caitlin Hughes Washington DC I found "Caught in the Crossfire" to be a very engaging presentation -- slices of lives I otherwise would not have been privy to. Documentaries like this one are critical for expanding our understanding of one another -- our neighbors & coworkers, people in the grocery store or on a bus. I appreciated the snapshots offered by this film. Though the film captured only a small segment in time for each of the subjects, this was a time of great conflict and personal struggle for each person and their families. They, like all of us, were pulled out of our daily routines and thrust into the turmoil of world events in diverse ways. I saw this as a presentation on aspects of the human experience and reflected on the pain we inflict on one another, and the joys we can bring when we reach out to help. Each viewer will see this program in a different light, colored by their own experiences and beliefs. Those with narrow views will view the film narrowly. This film demonstrated that you cannot provide "balance" in programming for there are many many more than two sides to this story. My thanks to PBS for airing this program. 9/9/02 Raymond Campini I would like to commend PBS on airing such an insightful program. The Palestinian American voice has been snuffed out by mass media, and needs to be heard more than ever--especially as anti-Arabism has spread in the U.S. since 911. Thanks for clearing misconceptions and giving Palestinians a human voice. 9/9/02 This program was one of the most courageous programs that shed some light on these events. I hope that other news agencies follow the steps of PBS and enlighten us, the American veiwers. Best regards and keep the great work 9/9/02 Williams Cole Brooklyn, NY It makes me sad that the ADL has called parts of this program a "diatribe against Israel." Minister Khader El-Yateem's commitment to his community is obvious and his connection to, and experiences in, Palestine are inextricably linked to his experiences in post 9/11 America. It seems that the ADL took issue with this only because he shyly mentions his horrible experiences with the IDF and watches news broadcasts that show the Israeli army invading his home town. Sure, it's a war but if the ADF is not willing to admit that what the Minister describes does actually happen in Palestine they are creating dialogue on a plane that is very far from their stated objective of fighting against bigotry and extremism. Please, let us try to understand what people are going through and not create even more of an atmosphere of censorship! 9/9/02 Christopher Leadbeater The programme was very good. It makes a very pleasant change for US media to be honest about the abuse of Palestinians. There is always a lot of Zionist pressure seeking the shameful truth to be distorted. 9/9/02 Esmihan Mosad Brooklyn New York Thank You very much PBS for shedding some light on the struggles the Arab and Muslims went through and still go through since 9/11. I applaud those three Americans (YES AMERICANS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE ARAB) for coming up and sharing their stories. As, for the other feedback stories threatening to boycott PBS for portraying that story- FOR WHAT!! That is what Arabs go through every day! The news broadcast that was being shown in the reverends home is REAL NEWS. Not some doctored news show like we see here in America. PBS was right to show the other piont of view and will hopefully continue to do so and maintain its reputation for original and real journalism. What was shown is the truth what was going on back in the MIDDLE EAST. For JOSH BROTON of SIOX FALLS- PALESTINE IS NOT AN IMAGINARY LINE, IT IS A COUNTRY AND WILL ALWAYS BE. For the people who says Isreal has a right to defend its country of course I agree 100% --- which is what the Palestinian FREEDOM FIGHTERS are doing. American media portrays the Arabs as terrorists and meanwhile supports the weapons of mass destruction to the "victims" (Isrealis.) What, are the rocks that orphaned Palestinian kids are throwing at the men with sniper rifles and huge tanks (paid for by the American tax payers money thank you very much)deadly? Are they the terrorists? I wish the fighting will stop but common sense, look at the death toll and the starving families, widowed mothers, fatherless kids in Palestine and then tell me who are the REAL terrorists. 9/9/02 Many thanks for your airing of the excellent film, "Caught in the Crossfire." I found it to be very informative and thought-provoking and found the perspectives portrayed in the film refreshing, especially since these voices have so often been left out of the picture by the American media. It is programming like this that sets PBS above the networks and cable news programs. PBS has once again set the standard for high quality programming through its airing of this film and I commend you for making this extremely worthwhile piece available to your audiences. Yours sincerely, Asli Bali 9/9/02 Lubna Miller NY, NY I just wanted to say what a wonderful film it was. It's important that all voices and views be heard, very illuminating ! Keep up the good work. 9/9/02 I just want to state that I thought the program on Arab Americans was very well done important and fairly representative of the problems facing Arab Americans. As a Jewish American, I am very concerned about the negative reactions of many other Americans towards our Arab citizens and was glad to see this program reflecting their views. 9/9/02 Ziad Mansouri New York, NY Thank you for airing a show that covers the Arab American perspective in this post September 11 world we all share. It was informative and poignant, especially as I'm an Arab American and Muslim dealing with the same issues as your subjects. Well done! 9/9/02 Dear PBS Thank you for showing Caught in the Crossfire on Wednesday night. It was so true to life and captures the hopes and fears of a part of the American people that rarely gets heard. It is so important to show America in all its diversity so that Americans can remembers what is truly great about this country. The timing - a week before the 1st anniversary of the horrors of Sept 11th - was particularly important. Thank you again for showing it. 9/9/02 Frank Bamberger Brooklyn, NY I am writing as a religious Jew, a Zionist, and with family in Israel. I am committed to Israel and its well being. I�ve listened twice, and very carefully to last Wednesday�s �Caught in the Crossfire� on WNET, and I�ve read the critical reviews in the New York Times and on salon.com. I consider the program an outstanding and significant work that reveals more intimately and revealingly than anything else I�ve seen or read (and I�ve read and listened to a lot) what�s going on with Arab-Americans in our midst. We need such shreds of truth, and highly commend PBS (of which I am a long-time financial supporter) for airing the program. While I believe I understand where the notion that the program is anti-Israel is coming from, I consider it completely uncalled for. 9/9/02 After watching the program and reading the reviews on this website, I see now that America has a greater heart than the great heart that I originally perceived. I am of no religious faith but I have faith in my fellow man and I recognize pain in the faces of the oppressed people everywhere I saw it again tonight in the eyes of the people in this program. I say it in the eyes of the old father who saw his town church destroyed by the Sharon democracy rockets. I think the only way to fight terrorism is not to throw money at the army and some machine with bells at the airport, but investigate the causes and effects of terrorism. We may not like some of the answers but there will never be a resolution until we face them and alter policies that serve not one nation but all. I say this because having observed European and Canadian news sources I see that there would not have been a Khomeini in Iran if we did not support the oppressive dictatorship of the shah of Iran. The re would not have been larger than life Saddam Hussein if we did not aid him with intelligence and chemical weapons to invade Iran and his own citizens. There would not be the Taliban if we did not arm anyone who called themselves a freedom fighter fighting our cold war and then walk away from the Destruction after the Soviets left. Etc etc etc I do not see myself as a citizen of THE SUPER POWER, I see myself as a citizen of a nation amongst nations and that is SUPER enough for me. Peace. 9/9/02 I have heard that considerable pressure is being placed on PBS for its airing of the Caught in the Crossfire documentary due to accusations that it is a "diatribe against Israel." I am a Jewish American woman who loves Israel. I saw the documentary and in no way considered it a "diatribe against Israel." I am sorry to say that some people feel that any criticism of Israel is anti-semitic or anti-Israel. This is a view that I strongly oppose. Am I un-American for criticizing my own government? Don't I have the right to express concern about human rights violations in other countries? I believe in democracy; fair criticism of our leadership or another country is part of the philosophy upon which our country was founded. Comments made in the film are of the Arab American perspective. Why are Americans afraid of hearing this perspective? If some people are upset by this film, they have the right to debate the accuracy of statements made but they do not have the right to exert pressure simply because they disagree with the perspective. That is simply UN-AMERICAN! 9/9/02 joseph d. policano east hampton, new york I saw the Caught in a Crossfire show and thought it was wonderful. How rare to see on American TV a sympathetic portrait of Arab-Americans. PBS knows by now (or should know) that any portrayal of Arabs that doesn't show them as bomb throwing fanatics is always denounced by the Israeli lobby and threats are always made against the medium.Stick to your guns. You broadcast an honest bit of journalism. JD Policano 9/9/02 Michelle Haddad Paterson, NJ Thank you for showing this movie on PBS. I found it quite interesting and informative on the lives of those 3 individualas after the September 11th events. I also admire PBS's commitment to broadcast a variety of educational programs that offer differing points of views. Your viewers can only benefit from this continued commitment. Thanks again. I really enjoyed the movie. 9/9/02 Maria California Thank you very much for a well documented film. It was refreshing to see that American media can open its doors to the stories of Palestinian-Americans. I am a Christian Palestinian-American, with both my father and uncle serving in the US army. I am ashamed as well angry to see how this country does not recognize the loyalty of its Arab citizens to this country. I am hoping and praying for a new day with which Palestinians, and all Arabs can see their day of justice. Long live Palestine. 9/9/02 I was surprised to hear that the Anti-Defamation League found something to be against in this film. I feel that the film shows the actual needs and feelings of the three people and their families as they traversed the narrow and uneducated waters of the US populace. Any time an ethnic group is identified as such, there are many things that are either misunderstood, misidentified or neglected by other groups. I found nothing in this film that couldn't be put on another group, a family from Ecuador or Nepal should be able to see their parallels. 9/9/02 Murad Nayal M.D. Ph.D. New York, NY Dear PBS, As a long time PBS listener and supporter I would like to thank you for once again providing informative, sophisticated and much needed programming often unavailable from other media outlets. As an Arab-American, I have enjoyed watching 'Caught in the crossfire' which I thought helped illuminate aspects of Arab-Americans' experiences post 9/11 and did that substansively and fairly. All the best and keep up the good work. 9/9/02 Jad Nehme New York NY Hi, I am writing to highly commend you on the piece "Caught in the Crossfire, Arab Americans in War Time". I found the historical perspective fair and the personal stories captivating. I have followed the US coverage of the middle east since college, and I had grown very discouraged to see a fair and courageous program on television about the region. I came to rely on foreign news such as the BBC and radio shows such as N.P.R for news and analysis. I was very happy to learn there still are independent and intelligent channels and I will make sure to watch P.B.S from now on. Sincerely, Jad Nehme 9/9/02 H. Nasser Brooklyn NY Thank You PBS! Thank you for showing how torn the Arab comunity is. We are caught in the "crossfire". As an Arab-Muslim who was born and raised in the U.S, I feel like an "outsider" who doesn't belong or fit in. I am raising my children to be proud of their heritage and who they are, and to stand up for what they believe in. No one should have to explain or give an excuse for who they are. When I walk in the street with my children wearing my veil, I make sure I stand tall and proud. I applaud the efforts of PBS to make others understand that the Arab community was devastated by the tragedy that happened in 9/11. We are suffering just as everyone else. We are not like the evil people who committed the horrible act. I am also pleased to read the wonderful comments that many of the viewers left who saw the film for what it really was,to show the effects in the Arab community after 9/11. I have become a memebr of PBS because of this film. Thanks again, and keep it up. 9/9/02 Diane Chehab Brooklyn, NY Dear PBS: I most appreciated the program. It seems that the Anti-Diffamation League thinks the program was anti-Israel. There was so little about israel in the program! Only the tribulations of Father Khodr (who, by the way, is a member of The Dialogue Group, where Jews, Christians and Muslims come together to discuss their feelings about all Israel-Palestine related issues)- these are not invented tribulations, it is real life. Are we supposed to hide this real life? Are we to choose which life is to be shown, and which should not be shown? Again, thanks, as well as for all the other fine programs about the Middle East conflict. More... |
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