A War Without Chocolate: One Woman's Journey Through Two Nations, Three Wars and Four Children

by Betty Majaj

The headlines tell us of inhumanity and horror in some desperate parts of our world. Behind these headlines are millions of people trying to just live their life and provide for their families. This is one woman's story of living her life through three wars while raising four children. It is a story where inspiring acts of humanity bloom from a desert of savage inhumanity. The wars and changing boundaries had profound effects on their lives, setting back careers and dividing families. Mrs' Majaj not only survived, but managed to carve out a noble and dignified life for herself and her family. While a river of desperate people sought refuge away from the only homes they had ever known, she stood firm. She supported her husband, Dr. Amin Majaj, with his career as a doctor, politician and medical researcher, raised her family, and was the Director of the Princess Basma Center for Disabled Children. This is a behind the scenes look at Jerusalem through the recent wars told by one who lived through them. It is a life well lived and a story worth telling.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2015

Reviews

[Arda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was writing short biographies about Betty and Amin Majaj and this book made it all an easy enjoyable process. It's impressive that Betty wrote (with assistance) this book at the age of 88. In about a month (December 2021), she will turn 95, as she was born in December 1926.

I like how detailed she is about documenting the impressive journey of her husband, an accomplished and perhaps the first real pediatrician of Palestine. As a nurse and the head of the Princess Basma Center for Disabled Children, she also had great roles in society. As a couple, they provided assistance to thousands of persons who were in need or urgent care. She herself is Lebanese but has lived in Jerusalem as of 1947, the year they got married. She witnessed three wars (48, 67, and the Lebanese Civil War, with horrid details about what happened to her parents there). Despite all the dark sides she has seen, she maintains her kindness, humor, and kindness. A really sweet person.