Peace for a Palestinian

by Sahar Qumsiyeh

Sahar Qumsiyeh was born to loving Christian parents in Beit Sahour, a town on the hills next to Bethlehem. Growing up in a country torn apart by political and religious upheaval, Sahar struggled with feelings of hopelessness and anger as she watched schoolmates, friends, and loved ones be persecuted, tormented, and even killed.

As a young adult, Sahar received a scholarship to a university in a place called Utah and, acting on an incredible desire to further her education, traveled to the United States. While attending Brigham Young University, Sahar was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, with no previous intentions of changing religions, she was baptized months later.

But staying faithful and true to her new relationship with the Savior was immediately put to the test when Sahar returned home to Palestine. Attending the branch in Jerusalem, where she served as Relief Society president, meant hours of travel, risk of being arrested, and enduring harassment from Israeli soldiers at checkpoints, often only to be denied entrance to the city.

In Peace for a Palestinian, Sahar Qumsiyeh shares her experience as a Christian Palestinian who desperately searched for peace for her and her family, only to find that her true peace lies not in external resolution but in her personal willingness to follow the Savior. As she explains, "We may still live in a place with barriers, checkpoints, and restrictions, but we can feel liberated by His Atonement."

Genres: Religion, Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Inspirational, Lds

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2018

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My heart both ached and rejoiced with Sahar as she took me through her life’s journey being a Christian in her native country Palestine. Her courage and strength to become a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, despite knowing the consequences that decision would entail, were especially moving. I was amazed at the challenges she had to endure crossing multiple check points in order to attend church each Sabbath, and her faith and dedication to live the gospel no matter the ramifications inspired me to fortify my own. I have always felt gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States, but now I am painfully aware of times I have naively taken those freedoms for granted. Truly an enlightening, inspiring, faith-filled book.

[Daniel K Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Sahar years ago in Jerusalem. She had a quiet dignity about her. While her book is catered to an LDS audience, her memoir elucidates the complexities of navigating the Israeli checkpoints and highlights the challenges of the lack of freedom of movement. Her family story is embedded in Palestinian history—from the Ottoman Empire’s efforts in WWI, through Balfour and the Nakhba, to her challenges in the modern era as she navigates checkpoints and restrictions, in particular during the intifadas. She shows the extreme hardship and loss within her family, which helps the reader understand the real world impacts of these events.

All in all, this is an excellent book to give to a Conservative LDS person to help broaden their understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For that audience, Sahar is a highly relatable and sympathetic character. Her experience is notable as her religious faith helped her paradigm shift toward love and compassion, while still bound by the limits imposed by an apartheid state.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to review a book based on someone's personal experience. My criticism of this is mainly based on technical problems. I found the continuity of the story very disruptive. The author went back and forth in time at a jarring rate without any sort of transition. It made the book difficult to read. I also felt like the story suffered from show don't tell. There needed to be more emotion and also a better description of the boarder issues, why the wall was built in the first place, etc. I enjoyed reading her conversion story.

Having lived in the Holy Land, I recognize that there are definitely issues on both sides of the Palentinian/Israeli conflict. The author portrayed her obvious support for the Palestinians and while she wrote a compelling narrative describing her experiences, I felt like she did a disservice to herself by not really explaining more beyond having trouble at the boarder and a few incidents with Israeli soldiers. She also doesn't honestly criticize her own side. When traveling in the West Bank my student bus was frequently assaulted by rocks. I was also whipped with a bicycle tire by a group of Palestinian children as I was walking by with my friends presumably because I am an American. Both sides are at fault and while I appreciate this author's attempt to explain the Palestinian side, I agree with her that unless both sides learn to love each other, forgive, and live together in peace, there will never be peace in the Holy Land. I do appreciate her bringing to light many of the problems and issues she has faced as a Palestinian and liked hearing her POV.

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helped me understand the Palestinian story better, and I really tried to imagine all the checkpoints and detours and troubles she described. After awhile though, the chapters all sounded the same and tried too hard to be instructive.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 11 years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land, and I learned that what the media tells us about the situation is not only one-sided, but it is blind to so many things.

I have talked to a Palestinian who had to pay over $10,000 for a permit to build a house for his family on land that he owned in Jerusalem, and the permit only allowed him to build a house that was 800 square feet in size. So he built a second story and the Israelis almost bull-dozed his house. Instead, they fined him more tens of thousands of dollars and required him to obtain another permit for the second story. And he works as a tour guide.

I have seen the wall around Bethlehem that is over 20 feet high. I stood right next to it and looked up and saw how it looms over the town. I have been through the Bethlehem checkpoint and seen the long lines of Palestinians hoping to leave Bethlehem for the day to go to work or to the hospital or on other simple errands.

I have seen what was left (at that time) of the "Shepherds Fields" outside of Bethlehem, and the Israeli settlements being built to cover those fields, on land owned by Palestinians, but without their permission. I have no idea if there is any "Shepherd's Fields" left at all now.

The Israelis are attempting to gather "Israel" in the world's way, and that way is by war and oppression and contention and suffering.

For all that I saw with my own eyes those years ago, I had no idea how bad it really has been and is in Palestine. This book provides an account of how it looks on the other side, the side our media doesn't tell us much about.

This is an amazing story of how peace can only be found by following The Way of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I highly recommend it. More people need to know what is happening in His Holy Land.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Palestinian living near Bethlehem? If you’ve visited Israel, you know of the check points, of soldiers with rifles and have seen the lines of cars waiting to enter the city of the birthplace of Jesus. Sahar Qumsiyeh tells her story of living under the rule of Israel. This is an eye opening book, filled with hope in God’s plan yet laced with the realism of soldiers who do not love the Palestinian people in the land they try to protect. Miracles and blessings are acknowledged. Read this book for understanding.
The only thing I noticed in the writing was repetition of facts. Maybe a better person to proof the book.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, full of faith and hope. It brings understanding and perspective to me.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to review two books that I failed to put on Goodreads when I read them. The first one is this book by Sahar Qumsiyeh. She is a friend of mine I met while living in Jerusalem. It is the story of her life living in Palestine and her conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I highly recommend it for those who want to be inspired and uplifted and gain a small bit of knowledge about Palestinians living in Israel.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring. What an amazing woman. It took me a while to finish but each time I read I was inspired. I often forget how blessed I am, the freedoms to worship, feel safe and travel at will can become casual to us because they are so inherent. This story helps to point out there are so many places in this world where these freedoms have been taken away.

[Linda F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which opened my eyes to the suffering of those who have lived through the continuing Jewish - Palestinian conflict. I enjoyed how the book was divided into descriptive chapters to give order to the happenings of her life, although that writing style did create a lot of repetition in the story. She also ended each chapter with a testimony of her faith and how it got her through her challenges. Her first three chapters were nurture, identity and despair, which gave the history of her family and the difficulties of seeing friends murdered. Next were legacy, transformation, gathered, and charity. She reminded us that spiritual gatherings (and believing in Christ) come before a physical gathering. In her faith, hope, and light chapters, she showed how her personal faith and peace helped her see the small miracles as she tried to attend church in areas she was not allowed to enter, and how going to school in Turkey was a trial that brought hidden miracles and blessings. Obedience, devotion, trust, gratitude and peace were her final chapters, where she documented the role she was able to play in getting small groups of LDS church members in Palestinian areas, and quitting a prominent job in order to go on a mission. She reconciled her feeling that peace can never be attained in her country, but that people live joyfully when they have the Savior's peace in their lives. She said that in the Arabic bible, the words of the angel at the birth of the Savior were instead of "And on earth peace, good will toward mem," it literally means "on earth peace, joy be in the people." I loved that the peace and joy are in us, not necessarily around us. I hope that reading this book helped me recognize that the right solutions are not always what we think or are told, but that God loves all his children, and all his children will be blessed for their faith in the Savior.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sahar Qumsiyeh was born in April 1971 in Jerusalem. She is a Palestinian and loves the city of her birth, but because of the unrest in Israel and her being a Palestinian her parents did not claim Jerusalem as the place of her birth.
I was also born in 1971 so as I listened to her tell her story I couldn't help but recall the Jerusalem that I remember when I went at the age of 19, and the Jerusalem that she would have remembered when she was 19. For her the young men and women with the guns that patrolled the areas were people that had shot and killed friends. They were the enemy. She did not like to see them. For me during the months that I lived in Jerusalem during a Study Abroad, the men and women with guns were people that would protect me. I have pictures of me with them, smiling. Sahar and I, the same age but such different experiences.
Sahar went to Brigham Young University on a scholarship. I can't help but wonder if she was there too at the same time I was. My guess would be yes! After some time at BYU Sahar, against her parents and family wishes, took the discussions from missionaries at BYU and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It has been years since I have been to Israel, but I can see from this book how things have changed. There were no check points, no wall around Bethlehem. It did not take me 3 hours to get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
I loved reading this book! I couldn't help but want to return to Jerusalem and see how things have changed, but also to remember how I felt and how Sahar also feels, so close to the Savior there. It is a magical place and I can see, even with all the hardships that Sahar continues to experience living there, why she stays.
I was so impressed with Sahar's strength and strong testimony. She is a light that shines!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first hand account of a Palestinian Christian woman and her journey of faith, courage and love as she relies on the Savior to help her live her faith and find personal peace in a world of conflict. I was impressed by the faith she showed thru many trials and experiences. Her experience of learning to love her enemies is an example we can all learn from.
I think the perspective she shares of the many roadblocks, checkpoints, searches, obstacles, border walls, Israeli aggressions, etc. can really help an outsider (like me) understand a bit more of the situation in Israel/Palestine for someone on the "other" side of the wall. I think that perspective is critical and important and I'm glad I've read her story.
That said, this book should be read and understood as a very one-sided view. She does little to actually help an outsider understand the nuances of the conflict or any background to it. She talks about Israel building the border wall many times and the burden that causes to Palestinians, but she never mentions WHY Israel might be building a wall. Same for the checkpoints and searches - we see the burden they cause but there is no mention of the attacks and conflicts that are the motivation for the extra security that Israel has felt important to impose. It is sad and heart-breaking to read of the attacks by Israel into Palestinian areas and the homes destroyed, but no discussion about whether these reprisals are actually justified or not. I know the intent of her book was not to dive into these issues, but without some context and understanding the perspective portrayed is very lopsided and a reader should be aware of that going in.

[Tami Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story by an amazing woman of faith! We had the opportunity to meet the author, Sahar when we were visiting the Holy Land, and we were so impressed with her. I couldn't wait to get my copy of the book to read more about her. The story of her conversion, and her struggle to be able to live her religion and attend church in Jerusalem as a Palestinian Mormon is nothing less than miraculous. She literally had to put her life in God's hands at times to do something as simple as attending sacrament meeting. Many other times she was turned away by Israeli soldiers who wouldn't let her through checkpoints even though Jerusalem was literally the country she was born in--she wasn't allowed to enter. I was fascinated by her description of what life is like for Palestinians living in Bethlehem, and the difficulties they face on a daily basis. I learned a lot about the struggle they face without a true homeland. I especially love the way that Sahar was able to find peace amid the many conflicts and war that surrounded her, and how she was able to forgive the soldiers who had been so unkind to her on more than a few occasions. It truly takes a Christlike person to be able to not only forgive, but love your enemies and those that persecute you. Sahar is that type of person! I'm so grateful she wrote this book and shared her story. It's an amazing story of faith, hope, love, redemption, and forgiveness.

[Janette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aside from the author's religious conversion to the LDS faith, this was one of the most one-sided diatribes I've ever had the displeasure of reading. I had been interested in a Palestinian convert's perspective, but her near endless whinging about Israel while neatly glossing over Palestinian crimes made me deeply angry. Most of the book was an ongoing litany of complaints against Israel with virtually no acknowledgement of Palestine's shared responsibility for fanning the flames of conflict. It was so lopsided and thoroughly dishonest that it was just beyond nauseating. Frankly, the only good thing about this travesty of a book was when it was finally over. What a dreadful waste of time.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s unfortunate that many people are going to glance at this book and dismiss it as “ just a Mormon story, ” which is a little like looking at Corrie Ten Boom’s book The Hiding Place and thinking it’s “just a Calvinist story.”

This is a story about a human being in difficult circumstances and who works to rise above, and it is good for other human beings to read and learn from Sahar Qumsiyeh’s life. The forward of the book states :
“[Sahar’s] story is, therefore, an invitation to better attune ourselves with a staggering percentage of people in the world who live in grave danger, deprivation, and hopelessness every day. By coming to know Sahar through her story, we may identify more readily and compassionately with those from any land whose lives are perpetually under siege.”

The forward and the prologue are testimonies. Chapters 1 and 2 deal with relevant background information and set up Sahar’s situation and the context of the book. Chapter 3 is when the book really begins flowing like a story and throughout the rest of the book there are small jumps between Sahar’s story, her family, testimonies, and a few journal entries. If the beginning of the book feels a little flat to you, keep with it, because when it picks up it REALLY picks up.

Early on in the book, Sahar tackles the idea of identity and belonging: Can she be a Palestinian in a world that has outlawed her nationality? Can she be a Christian in a place where it’s difficult to see God amidst all of the suffering? And eventually, yes, can she be a Latter-day Saint when it will ostracize her from her family?

This book contains sad and horrible situations, but they are all punctuated with hope. It is inspiring to read about how Sahar always acts when she is moved to act, even when it is difficult, even when the most she can do is small and simple. Following her acts of faith is always the hand of God in her life, even if it’s not what she thought it would be.

“The backdrop of this book is the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, but it is not a book about politics or government. It is a book about one Palestinian woman’s remarkable experiences and choices to find hope and peace, kindled and fed by her faith in Jesus Christ, all while the political turmoil has continued to rage. Healing and peace are possible only through the perfect love of the Redeemer of the world.”

“I tried to understand why the Israeli soldiers would do something like that. What they did to Isaac seemed inhuman. I allowed hate and anger to linger in my heart. With that came more frustration, sadness, and rebellion.”

“I went to other demonstrations and every time someone was shot or killed, I wished it had been me. I envied those who were killed, because at that time in my life I wished to die. Everyone seemed to be depressed—especially my mother, who was fixed in front of the television watching what was going on all over the country. Young Palestinian men who demonstrated were arrested or shot at, and some had their homes demolished by Israeli bulldozers. People were losing their livelihoods as businesses and schools were closing. We were under curfew often. During curfew we weren’t allowed to leave our homes for days or sometimes weeks. As my mother observed these difficulties, she would often remark, “Why would God allow this to happen? If there is a God, why does He not stop these injustices?”

“Since Bethlehem University was now closed, I did not have much to do with my time except think about the situation I was in…Aside from the occasional demonstrations, I sat in my room and thought about my situation. It seemed hopeless. My university was closed, as were all the other Palestinian universities. I witnessed the mothers of martyrs crying and saw the suffering of the people whose children were arrested or whose houses were demolished, and my heart ached. I felt my heart fill with the darkness of anger and hate. I longed to die. In fact, during some demonstrations, everyone else ran from the Israeli soldiers while I stood still. I thought death was the only way to end my misery, because I saw no hope in the future. I began to pray to Heavenly Father, asking Him to end my life.”

“Sometimes our mountains are not removed. It may be the wisdom of God that we climb those mountains and pass through those rocky, difficult roads. The faith needed to climb our mountains is actually greater than the faith needed to remove them. I often had to climb hills, mountains, and walls in order to get to church. My faith did not enable me to remove those obstacles or trials from my path. But Heavenly Father has given me the courage and strength to pass through them. Because I have done so, my faith has grown stronger.”

“I tried to get a taste of the joy people around me felt as they celebrated their country’s independence. I watched the fireworks with eyes full of tears as I came to realize that I would never know how that felt. I so wanted to stop people around me and ask them, “How do you feel? What does it feel like to be free? What does it feel like to have an identity and a nationality and be called ‘American’?” Since then, I have come to realize that these titles and identities that the world uses are not as important as some may think. I have come to realize my true identity. I’ve discovered that this identity is not something the occupation can take away, nor is it something that others can burn or destroy. I speak of my identity as a daughter of God. I didn’t need a paper document to prove the sacred relationship I had with God. I was part of God’s kingdom, a kingdom with a perfectly just King, even the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No occupation, no army, and no weapon in the world could take that away from me.”

“My contentment and joy in life are not dependent on chains, walls, fences, or checkpoints. As long as I know that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and cares about me, all is well. In His sight, I am precious. There is no reason to care about what others think of me. As long as I know that I am walking in His paths and obeying His commandments, I know that my Heavenly Father will be there to lift me and help me. This knowledge that I have gained about my true identity has been life changing to me. However, this knowledge came later in my life. Before I came to understand this, before discovering my true identity, I was engulfed in misery.”

“I also testify that charity is essential for our spiritual well-being. It is essential not only because it is a commandment from God to love others but also because letting go of anger and hate is liberating… [My friend asked] How can you deal with this injustice and not get angry?” I told her that if I let myself get angry each time something like this happened, I would be angry all my life. As I have learned to love my enemies, I have also realized that at some point in your life, you have to learn to let go. Being angry and hateful toward others only hurts you. My faith and feelings of peace intensified by learning to love and forgive as exemplified by our Savior Jesus Christ.”

“When I taught at the Arab American University and lived in Zababdeh, I had a neighbor who was a shepherd. Each morning, he would take his sheep out to the fields. His sheep followed him, sticking close together. One day, the shepherd forgot something and had to go home to get it. He left his sheep by my house and went back home. The sheep stood still and waited for the return of their shepherd. There was a field full of long, green grass by the side of the road, but the sheep did not go there. They waited patiently for their shepherd to return. They trusted that their shepherd would lead them to a much better place. Our Savior is the Good Shepherd, and if we trust Him, He will lead us to green fields, where we will find happiness and peace. As tempting as the grass may seem on the side of the road, I know that if I keep my eyes on my Shepherd and follow Him always, I will be fed spiritually and physically.”

[MykeWeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sahar Qumsiyeh has written what I consider a masterpiece! Largely set in her home town near Bethlehem, Palestine; hers was a life of chaos, deprivation, war and confinement. Her childhood was full of fear, depression and anxiety. Then, she found and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nothing external in her life changed, in fact it got worse, but her faith, trust in God, and determination to keep God’s commandments brought her internal peace that “passeth all understanding.” My emotions ran from disgust to triumph as this dear Sister described her heartbreaking and challenging life.

I have never felt like Israel has been in the right in this conflict. Scriptures tell us that they will be returned to their inheritance once they’ve accepted Jesus Christ as their promised Messiah. It has been too easy for many to suppose that God has endorsed, sustained and sanctioned the return of the Jew’s to their ancestral homeland. According to the Bible, it was God who kicked them out and scattered them among all nations. It seems to me that it is hubris, racial arrogance, and retribution that has brought about the atrocities Israel has committed against their neighbors. I do not support them in those heinous acts!

Israel seems to have rejected their God still, as it was He who declared to them that vengeance was His to enact and not theirs. I do not endorse retaliation, retribution or vengeance of any kind, and so there are many Palestinians who have failed in that regard as well. The Quran also encourages patience and forgiveness, as a holier choice than revenge. That said, I do accept what Connor Larkin had to say in Leon Uris’ Trinity: “If you remember nothing else, remember this. No crime a man commits in behalf of his freedom can be as great as the crimes committed by those who deny his freedom.” As a consequence I lean, in my sympathies, toward the Palestinians.

Every Palestinian and every Jew is my brother and I do feel love for and pray for them. Most of them I suspect, are not party to these atrocities. Many of them are even openly opposed to them. A Palestinian and a Jew recently collaborated on the creation of a film on the conflict in question which won an Academy Award. While there may be little hope for a permanent resolution, there remains plenty of hope for each individual Israeli and Palestinian.

That is Sister Qumsiyeh’s point. There is a better way. The sooner we each realize that we are children of a loving Father in Heaven, who sent His Son, the Prince of Peace into the world; the sooner we accept His invitation to love our neighbors as ourselves (and our enemies); the sooner we choose to quit warring within our own hearts; the sooner we will find peace.

Of course the scriptures also predict that this will not happen generally until He returns and exacts the vengeance only He can claim. In the mean time, we, like Sahar Qumsiyeh, are invited to come unto Him and find, at least, His peace within ourselves. This little book has taken me a long way toward that hope.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of one Palestinian’s journey of faith. I appreciated her perspective of living as a Palestinian Christian and the unstable and unpredictable nature of life in Palestine/Israel. It was good for me to learn general aspects of their history from someone that genuinely desires for both Israelis and Palestinians to live cooperatively and peacefully together. After going to school at BYU, she ends up joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and finally finds inner peace and joy despite the increasing turmoil in her homeland. Her testimony of Jesus Christ, and spiritual experiences and miracles that led to her conversion, are powerful. I loved her experience of going back to Palestine with the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which affected her heart and perspective, despite having all the same challenges. I loved that she narrated her own book and that each chapter’s introduction was initially read in Arabic. This was published in 2018, so I would be very interested in an update on her more recent experiences.

-Praying for assurance before her baptism: “I knelt down and felt an amazing peace and the strongest witness telling me that I was doing the right thing. I even opened my eyes to see if the Lord was in the room because I could feel His presence so strongly. I wish I could explain that feeling of peace to those of you who have never experienced it. I did not want to get up from my knees. I did not want that feeling of peace to leave me.”

-Returning to Palestine after her experiences at BYU: “I was able to find joy, despite being surrounded by tragedy and was able to find strength and hope. It was a challenging time, yet the Holy Ghost was my constant companion and those good feelings that I had experienced while at BYU remained with me.”

-Returning to Palestine and questioning her faith after being consistently mocked for her beliefs, she prayed again to know if it was all true: “I had an amazing sacred, spiritual experience that night that not only confirmed to me the existence of God but also reconfirmed to me that the teachings of the LDS church were true. I never doubted again. After that night nothing my family said or did could shake my faith. I knew that Heavenly Father was real and that He loved me and cared about me. I also knew that whenever I needed Him, He would be there to comfort and strengthen me. I knew that He was my Father and I was His precious daughter.”

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sahar Qumsiyeh was born to loving Christian parents in Beit Sahour, a town on the hills next to Bethlehem. Growing up in a country torn apart by political and religious upheaval, Sahar struggled with feelings of hopelessness and anger as she watched schoolmates, friends, and loved ones be persecuted, tormented, and even killed.

As a young adult, Sahar received a scholarship to a university in a place called Utah and, acting on an incredible desire to further her education, traveled to the United States. While attending Brigham Young University, Sahar was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, with no previous intentions of changing religions, she was baptized months later.

But staying faithful and true to her new relationship with the Savior was immediately put to the test when Sahar returned home to Palestine. Attending the branch in Jerusalem, where she served as Relief Society president, meant hours of travel, risk of being arrested, and enduring harassment from Israeli soldiers at checkpoints, often only to be denied entrance to the city.

In Peace for a Palestinian, Sahar Qumsiyeh shares her experience as a Christian Palestinian who desperately searched for peace for her and her family, only to find that her true peace lies not in external resolution but in her personal willingness to follow the Savior. As she explains, "We may still live in a place with barriers, checkpoints, and restrictions, but we can feel liberated by His Atonement."

This book was interesting since I have visited some of the areas where it is set and because the Isreal/Palestinian conflict is of interest. I most enjoyed the descriptions of difficulties endured and how the author came to find peace within herself, although not within her country.

[Amandalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book over the summer driving up to campus. I really enjoyed it it really is 4 1/2 stars I can’t quite give it 5 stars because some of it was repetitive. The author is also the one reading the book and I LOVED that she read the scripture at the beginning of each chapter in Arabic it was beautiful. I am in awe of what she would go through just to attend Church. If she can go through that I can suck up the unbearable heat for the 20 minutes it takes to get to and then from the church building or the scramble of getting my kids together to get there. She has had to endure and observe a lot for one person. This was fascinating to learn more of what happens in Palestine. I was aware of the unrest and that there has always been a political struggle but this really simplified it to understand. The boundaries and divisions that go up at the whim of the Israeli government and how those impact all that are in that region are so hard to understand and grasp because it denies so many the ability to work go to school and see family. This is an amazing story of endurance and love for the gospel.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography of a Palestinian Christian who joined the LDS Church after coming to BYU on scholarship. She details the difficulties of day-to-day life in her homeland (5 miles from Jerusalem) with curfews, checkpoints, hunger, soldiers, tear gas, etc. She tells how she came to find peace through the Gospel, despite living in a war zone. Because the story is told from her perspective, everything is Israel's fault. No mention at all of the PLO's choice to spend money on terrorism instead of taking care of their people. When she did mention an Arab suicide bomber blowing up a bus, she nearly excused his actions by talking about how angry he was. But other than the very one-sided look at the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, I appreciated learning about her life experiences and persistence in the face of hardship (e.g. risking getting shot on her way to church after Palestinians had been told not to leave their homes; she's determined to fulfill her calling so she heads out anyway!). Inspirational book!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a revelation on the Palestinian side of the story. I read an article many years ago about the failure of Palestinian leaders to provide for their people. I read of no attempt of the leaders to encourage jobs on the Palestinian side of the walls. The article said that they were so concerned with harming Israel that they spent all their money and effort on armaments, tunnels, suicide bombers and the rest of disgusting retributions. When did the leaders build up a stable infrastructure for them?

Sahar's story is one of heartbreak and the tenacity to overcome the true tale of two sides trying to get the better of each other. The worst was seeing how one group of people struggled for everything; while another group found ways to water the desert, build orchards, create jobs for their people and become more stable - except for the rockets and suicide bombers being thrown at them all the time. No wonder the Palestinians are disgruntled.

Yes, the only way peace will come will be when the Savior comes or when both sides try for peace instead of war.

[Aleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sahar Qumsiyeh for writing this book! My understanding of the situation in Palestine has forever changed because of the personal story she shared. Although I've read other stories about the region and the conflict and the hardships, this one has cemented an understanding and compassion for the Palestinian people, who deserve peace and safety.
Mostly this book is a story of how this Christian born woman found the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how she followed the promptings of the Lord and of the Holy Ghost in her life, and how the Lord was with her through extreme trials we who live safely in America cannot begin to understand. She tells her story in a straightforward and personal way, explaining her family history, values and challenges, and her journey in understanding and following God. Using applicable scriptures and quotes, she relates her story and expounds on her understanding of God and His ways.
I highly recommend this book for the insight it brings.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is life like on the other side of the fence? Especially if it has life and death consequences. I’m not voicing that I’m pro or con any group caught up in the political tangle of the Middle East. This is a fascinating true story on one woman’s experiences. She has a birth certificate from Israel. Carries a Palestinian passport. Not in her control is fact she grew up on the border of Palestine. Her honest writing helped me understand that not all issues are black and white. She and many others were able to cross the border into Jerusalem and Bethlehem to give tours and attend Church. Yet they never knew if they’d be arrested or shot. I can’t imagine living like this. Brave and courageous don’t come close to expressing how confidently she lived her quiet life doing what she believed would be a purposeful life. Today she is precariously hanging onto a successful career as a college professor in the US. What an inspiring life.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an eye-opening book for me to read. It was educational to read about the middle Eastern conflicts from her perspective. Of course, each side has its biases, but it was so interesting to hear about growing up in Palestine and the challenges she faced. It is almost hard to believe that daily life for so many people means living surrounded by soldiers and gunfire, the violent death of family and friends, destruction of homes and buildings, and spending literally hours going through multiple checkpoints just to take care of normal activities, such as going to work or church or a doctor. Even after reading this, I have a hard time comprehending what that would really mean and how different my life would be. I take so much for granted.

I also appreciated her perspective on issues of faith and religion, and how they helped her to get through so many of the challenges in her life. This was a worthwhile read.

[DeNae Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sahar's story is a story within a story. Not only does she shed light on what the conflict in the Middle East is truly like for Palestinians and the great hardships there, but she shares her powerful story of how she has triumphed in overcoming the heaviness of living in such conditions. She has discovered and put into practice the way to live a life full of peace in a world that is so lacking in it, especially in the Middle East. The Savior and His gospel are the way to peace.
Sahar tells her story in an interesting way that keeps the reader focused on the principles of peace that she learned not just the tremendous trials that she endured. Most of us have not and may never have to live in such conditions but from Sahar’s story, we can all learn how to better live peaceably with the trials we face.
I absolutely loved her story and was moved to tears many times not just because of what she had to endure but how she overcame it through the Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Lauren Nords]

This is a book that would be of more interest to my mom. Sahar’s content is highly religious and faith promoting. The writing and writing style is simple; depth and connections are lacking. She shares personal stories, quotes prominent LDS figures and scripture—and stops there without going into additional thoughts and commentary. So there’s a richness to the text that’s missing. Not much background information is needed to understand her situation as her descriptions and the maps included are sufficient. Read if you need a gentle paradigm shift to start humanizing the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and questioning the Zionist mentality, and/or want to read a personal account of how faith sustained someone through life’s challenges.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have had this on my to-read list for quite a while, with a lot of interest in Palestine and the Middle East due to my family history. I found it a well written journal style account. There is a *lot* of Church doctrine and testimony dispersed throughout, as well as several accounts of times when she felt her life was guided by God. Sahar is endearing and I'd like to meet her in person after reading her story. I was impressed with her candor and perspective (which is from the side of Palestine--if you want an Israeli perspective or a two-sided version this is not the book for you). It was also a good beginner guide to Palestinian life for someone who is as clueless as I am. :)
My mother will love this book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it. The narrative itself felt disconnected at times as the author shared stories based on topic, not necessarily chronologically. This book was a good reminder to be open to knowing both sides of a conflict and how to find peace amid conflict and turmoil in our own lives. True peace comes only from the Prince of Peace, and I admired the author's faith. There are many examples in the book of walking by faith and trusting in God, knowing that He can see the whole picture while we usually cannot. The author is someone who has led an incredible, difficult, and interesting life. I am glad she wrote about it, and I am glad I read about it.

[Brian Berrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read. Uplifting in many respects and sad in others. I appreciate the sacrifices and dangers the author made to simply attend church services. It pains me to read of the conflicts that have existed in that land for thousands of years. I’ve visited the lands of Israel and Palestine and have spoken to many of the people on both sides of the conflict. Both sides have complaints and both sides must strive for peace so people can live in harmony with each other regardless of race, faith, or other beliefs. I believe most people in the world are good people and are just trying to live in peace and provide for their families.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is such a beautiful, heart-wrenching tale. I love books, a memoir in this case, that make my understanding of a situation broader and deeper. Sahar’s life in Palestine shows the burdens and struggles she experienced growing up in the Holy Land and helped me have more compassion for her people. The conflict in this area of the world is complex, with atrocities committed by both sides, but Sahar’s beautiful words make the unrest personal and her beautiful experience finding love toward those who have oppressed her and peace through the Savior will strengthen readers in their own struggles.