In My Mother's Footsteps: A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home

by Mona Hajjar Halaby

During that time, I saw Esther, my Jewish German friend, at one of our choir rehearsals at the YMCA. She asked me, “If your side wins, will you take me in and protect me?” I immediately answered, “But of course, Esther, you don’t need to worry; you’re my friend.” At dinner time that evening, I repeated for my family Esther’s question and my answer. My calm and deliberate father asked me, “And did you ask her the same question if their side wins?” “No, Papa, I didn’t think to ask her, but I will.” When I saw Esther again at choir, I asked her, “Esther, and if your side wins, will you hide me and protect me?” “Oh, no,” she said, looking sheepish, “I couldn’t take the risk of endangering my family.” For a long time, I stared at her in disbelief. What I had believed was a mutual friendship had its limits. That night I came home heartbroken and cynical.