SCREAM

A short play

The play talks about a family among the Palestinians who originally lived
in Haifa (a city in Palestine) and who has its members driven out in
different places throughout the world. It was almost impossible for the
members of this family to meet. At first, it was even very difficult to know
about each other. There was no communication even by telephone. Later,
they could send letters. 25 years passed before they could meet at
Palestine's house who was now living in a refugee camp after being
dismissed from her original city; Haifa.

Project Nablus
6/30/2008
By: Ghada Qasrawi
 SCREAM
Introduction:
In 1948 the Palestinians' disaster started as a million Palestinians were forced into
Diaspora throughout the world. Killing and massacres by the Israeli occupation forced
people to leave their villages and cities seeking for shelters in other places throughout the
planet, these Palestinians have become
refugees who were not allowed to return
to their homes or even to Palestine.

Some of them stayed beside

other Palestinian cities and became
refugees in their homeland living in
very small houses which are very close
to each other and with no healthy
environment. You can only know what
a refugee camp is if you visit it! The
Palestinian cause has been the major
issue for the Palestinians since that
time, but the world is neglecting the
Palestinian human rights and they are
especially America helping Israel to be
a super power in the Middle East.

This play sheds some light on

how Palestinians are living and how the
refugees who are outside Palestine are
deprived from their right of return.
They are even not allowed to visit
Palestine. When some of them are
allowed to visit Palestine, they are mostly allowed to do that as they have other
nationalities especially when they have the European or the American ones. This takes
place at the same time as the Israeli government brings all the Jews who agree to come to
Palestine, they are offering them so many facilities and chances to bring as many Israelis
as they can.

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 The play:
The play talks about a family among the
Palestinians who originally lived in Haifa (a city in
Palestine) and who has its members driven out in different
places throughout the world. It was almost impossible for
the members of this family to meet. At first, it was even
very difficult to know about each other. There was no
communication even by telephone. Later, they could send
letters .25 years passed before they could meet at
Palestine's house who was now living in a refugee camp
after being dismissed from her original city; Haifa.

It should be noticed that the actions are taken from

real daily life, it is real that people are forbidden to move
from one city to another and sometimes in the same city.
Moreover, the death of a kid inside a class is real. Refugees
are forbidden from seeing their original houses or at least
where they were built because they were completely
demolished and Jewish ones were built instead.

Haifa:

1- The city before 1948 (Pure Arab)

2- Immigration of Jews (port of Haifa

-1948)

3- Palestinians dismissed out of their

homes
1- Beisan City (one of the oldest cities) – Palestinian was demolished in
4- instead
1948 and an Israeli city was established The beautiful city

2- Haifa before 1948 (one of the most beautihul cities (Palestinian). The
israelies started there new Haifa after occupation.3

3- Refugee Camp after 1948 where Samed lived.

The characters:

Beisan: she went to live in England.

(this name is actually for one of the cities

in Palestine whose inhabitants were killed
or dismissed)

Haifa: went to live in Syria.

(this name is for another city in Palestine

whose inhabitants were killed or
dismissed)

Samed : he went to live in Jordan.

Palestine: she lived in a refugee camp in Palestine near

the city of Nablus.

Palestine’s daughters.

Beisan’s son.

The Israeli Soldiers

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 The first scene:
Beisan:

Are we together again? I can’t believe it, am I sane?

How bitter! How difficult it is to recall the pain

I felt, and lived many years ago;

a nightmare that repeatedly I saw

till it became the stamp of my identity

which I'm still fighting to restore with bitty.

Haifa:

Are you sighing? Are you crying?

If you do, so please know that I was dying,

but it was luck that saved me

to share you that cup of tea.

With me I brought the old key

of my house, I kept it for long years,

it’s rusty as it mixed with my tears.

My right of return has become just a dream.

We the refugees are the forgotten lost team.

Palestine:

Welcome, welcome, sisters and brothers,

though I dreamt of seeing you there

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 in our castle, sitting side by side with each other,

when all recognize that our cause is fair ;

when all are freed of their despair;

and the world truly our rights declare.

May this day come, may the sun rise again

to scatter the darkness, to stop the black rain,

to behold the beauty of the sacred dawn;

when the free sun shines on each stone.

Samed:

Haifa, Palestine, Beisan,

I'm with you, I can’t believe;

from Britain, Syria and Jordan

where all together had to leave

we now meet, see the moon of this holy eve

but this time, in a refugee camp;

it seems to me as a trap

for Palestinians dismissed out of their land.

What can I see, I actually can’t understand.

So small your houses are, so close to each other.

I think you can be aware of whatever

goes on one house or the other.

The doors and the windows are close to one another.

My God, who has confiscated my home?

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 An Israeli who lives in Russia, America and Europe.

Why should he in my house lie,

while I have to be no guy

who dreams of having his identity

where I can live having my rights and dignity?

Palestine's daughter:

Uncles, aunts, hello, tell me how

you where able to be with us?

I know it is almost impossible

to come back, although it is incredible.

These are facts, for some they are still invisible.

Beisan:

My kid, on a limited visa I could come.

I only can witness few days of your shining sun.

I can be here just for days;

I'll be fined for any delays.

Haifa:

How strange! when facts clear as the moon

are hidden, or maybe disguised till the afternoon

reveal their characters , they beg to be shown.

When the beholders are blind,

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 when they choose to sit aside

though they are very glad

to bless the deeds of the devil;

they are deceived to the highest level

by their mass media which show the victim

a killer, a slaughter, a wicked hero of a film.

Palestine:

Dear brothers, to you I'll tell a story.

Last year, I met a British friend

who to a Palestinian school was sent

to work with them on a link project

where students, Palestinians and British

share an idea which they select

to work on, discuss, agree on or reject.

They hope that their hopes will never finish,

They work to give the project results

summed up in drawings, songs and writings.

Everything they've done is enjoyable and exciting.

A way of being introduced to each others;

explore, find out and know about cultures.

Teachers and students have become friends;

They dream of peace throughout the world

where rights are given without a sword.

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Palestine's daughter:

When the others know what goes on,

they just ask us to hold on;

they know that fact lies in the eyes of kids, in their sigh.

Their eyes witness the crimes,

they could guess what rhymes,

it becomes easy to realize.

Samed:

How difficult! Even when the others welcome you

in their country, you know as they do ;

that you are just a guest, and that's true.

You don't have the right of a full citizen,

nor can you achieve what they are given.

In Jordan I live in a refugee camp,

thinking that it is just for months or a couple of years

after which, I can say farewell to my fears

but it lasted for more than I thought.

About my deserted house in Acre I wrote,

hoping that justice through the world court

will give it back to me exactly as it ought

to do, for it is mine, it is what I sought

during the last six decades.

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 Will I be given the chance to see it before my sun fades!

Palestine's daughter:

I do as all Palestinians recognize

that your problem in living away symbolize

the tragedy which all should criticize

to end such immoral catastrophe,

and perhaps adopt a better philosophy.

Beisan's son:

What about doing some sight seeing

to get refreshed, have better feeling?

I thought of Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock

I saw many photos for Alaqsa Mosque,

a beautiful view of the sepulchre church;

sacred places that all Muslims and Christians search.

Samed:

How wonderful! How great!

To stand again in front of a gate

in Jerusalem, and recall the memories ;

recall the history and its victories.

Haifa:

Now let's go, why shall we wait!

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 Let's set up before it's late.

The second scene:

The second day:

(All agreed to go, as they were on their way, they were face to face with a checkpoint.
After waiting for hours they met the Israeli soldiers.)

The Israeli soldier:

Show me your identity card.

Take some steps back, go to that sand.

(The I Israeli soldier took Palestine's identity card)

Samed took some steps forward, the Israeli soldier took his visa.

Samed:

Why shall I here wait?

This means that I'll be late.

The Israeli soldier:

Wait,wait, its your fate,

whether you like it or you hate,

speak no more words, keep silent

or just return to your island.

Samed:

My island! This is mine!

I used to live here before you were born.

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 Ask your parents what treaties did they sign

to bring you here, to make it fine

they performed the crimes, behold the suffer,

the cries that the Palestinian children and women utter.

The Israeli soldier:

Power means that I am here;

a fact to everyone should be clear;

I am strong, then I can decide-

you are weak, then go and hide.

My government obtains all kinds of weapons;

why not choose the brilliant seasons;

its our interest, if you want call it a treason.

we'll call the witches,

dig the trenches

to make it a Jewish state,

we are not interested in your sake.

Palestine:

It's been a long long struggle.

Your massacres, your wars, the touches of the devil

through the last sixty years, all of big trouble,

you did your best to bring us the worst;

here are your satanic checkpoint

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 to deprive us from the least simple right

to reach our homes just before the night.

My uncle's house from here is only five kilos

yet, you are now the brave heroes

who prevent me from reaching my destination

causing me lots of frustration.

You stand here enjoy the sadness

of all these standing, you feel their madness.

When you have to wait for hours

unable to pass, you are the doers

of humiliation, human rights violation.

What joy do you find in repeated invasions!

You should stop this, you should realize

when peace is achieved, we do emphasize

life will be better, we will gain progress

and we'll stop to feel hopeless.

The Israeli soldier:

You are talking too much,

I wont be affected by such

words or appeals, you've to go back;

there is no road, or even a track

which is open in front of you.

Go back, this is what you should do.

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Beisan

Just a minute, I beg you please,

you stopped me here where you seize

everyone! you make the row increase

people are seeking their home, business, and school

you look at them as if they were the fool.

Remember they are not, in life they have their role.

You are punishing them, humiliating their soul.

I now want to pass side by side with all

these people, you should not be here at all;

go to your family, leave us alone!

there , you'll see a better dawn .

You have your rights, let us have ours

to have security, you don't need to show powers;

peace only can settle when you believe in others.

The Israel Soldier:

I must prevent you from passing ,I have an order.

Go back, don't let me ask for more soldiers

to talk with you, it's my government

that should carry out any assessment.

Here and there we have our big settlement.

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Beisan:

I said peace only can come out of peace,

stop bothering people and annoying them.

Aren't you doing the biggest sin

towards humanity and human right?

What if you were in our position?

Will you bear seeing such a sight?

You’ve made the brilliant day our night.

The Israeli soldier:

No way, go back, if you stay here

I'll shoot you, Is it clear?

Beisan:

You forgot that I have a British Passport.

My government cares much about my comfort.

You caused me much harm,

to you this is an alarm.

(The Israeli soldiers are seen talking together discussing something)

After that:

The Israeli soldier:

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 You have a British passport you can pass but not with anyone.

Beisan:

Are you making fun?

I want to pass with my brothers and sisters.

They don't have British passports, but they are my family member's.

The Israeli soldier:

They can’t pass even though;

a British passport gives you the permission to go.

Beisan:

Then, I prefer to be with them, I can’t go alone.

May all facts be revealed and shown

to see how difficult life is here in Palestine.

May all the world come and sign

on this scene, what a shame

to be humans with such a fame.

(all return home feeling bitty and despair)

As they reached home Sara, one of Palestine's daughters reached home, she was
at school, she came crying and weeping. She was in a miserable condition. She
threw her school bag.

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Sara:

What sort of life is this?

I can see nothing but mess.

May anyone help me understand,

or is it just me that can’t stand

what I feel, see, and live every day.

God help me or please let me die;

everything in life is no more than a lie.

(everyone feels perplexed, and astonished they come towards her trying to
understand what happened)

The mother:

Oh Sarah, my dear, what happened to you?

Speak, say something, please do.

Come to your mum, let me hear you.

I'm sure I can help, that's true.

Sara:

you cannot, nor can anyone.

It is something beyond your ability;

Salma Mum, Salma will no more be in this city,

Salma, mum passed away without saying good bye!

Can you now recognise why

“I do lament, weep and cry!

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 Have I no reason to do so.”

Salma is my dear friend, could you now know

why I have to leave my country?

It is now not for Salma, not for me not for anybody.

Salma's sister:

Oh poor Salma the lovely girl!

How did she die, sure it is an accident,

for yesterday her beauty seemed as if permanent.

The mother:

Sara my dear, come to your mum;

speak and say everything, try to be calm.

I do feel with you, but be sure,

when death comes nothing can change destiny.

All of us will die; a sign of mortality.

Sara:

It is the Jews; the Israeli soldiers,

they killed her as professional murderers.

She did nothing mum, she was with us at class.

Their dirty bullets hit her pure heart.

She passed away, tomorrow when schools start

their new day, she won’t be with us again.

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 How can I stand such suffer and pain.

The mother:

So that's it, Salma is a martyr.

listen my daughter, this is not the first time

where we miss someone in this way.

Try to be more patient, it is a bad day.

Salma's sister:

Sara, you are old enough to understand

that we've to be with Salma's family now

to share them their feelings and their tragedy.

Salma is our daughter as she is theirs;

a candle let in the sky of this country.

Though it faded away, it gave a brilliant light

that should lead thousands of us in the darkest night

to our goal. Who knows, my dear it could be

the start for achieving our rights.

lets quickly go give our consolations.

Try to be strong and patient please try.

If Salma was here, she would not be happy to see you cry.

Samed:

Like thousands of candles, Salma faded away.

In killing such a kid we all do betray

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 Childhood and innocence; that what justice should say

We should accept that just because we had to.

Of this lovely kid now we only have a photo.

Why shall we lose such a candle?

Why not keep it with us brilliant ready to handle!

The mother:

It is over now, my poor child.

Salma died, a fact you can't hide;

reasons are many, but death is death.

Hold on, we should have strong faith.

Salma passed away, for her it's honour.

For her killers, it's the biggest shame.

For the whole world it's not that good fame

to see innocent children killed at school.

Human rights tell that such deeds break their rule.

Sara:

Sorry mum, I find everything strange, I'm full of rage.

Salma's death makes me feel as a bird in a cage.

The mother:

I do understand, but now let's be with the funeral.

let's convey a message to the criminal

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who killed Salma and thousands of our nation

that we're never afraid of its invasion;

we want to live as a free generation

enjoying our rights and our life.

This is why we have to resist the knife

that aims at killing our hopes and dreams.

May the world hear us, see what appears

of the enemies crimes, of their arrogance.

May all this shutter the world’s silence.

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 The third scene:
Haifa:

We are back to the first square;

as you start, you end and all is despair.

This is why something should be done

before everything is lost and gone.

You, the world the callers of peace;

your eyes see, your hearts with bitter beat

as you witness such crimes; it’s the defeat

to keep standstill when some are breaking the sacred rule

using heavy weapons, acting just like the fool.

Salma's sister:

Who doesn't like to live peacefully

to carry out his duties, enjoying full luxury?

Peace, real one can bring us the light

this should be achieved without fight!

This could be real when the Israelis recognize the fact

that it's our right to end the occupation.

Live happily, decide and show our civilisation.

It should be known that power is mortal;

And to its nation it could be fatal.

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 What should be cared for is human social relation,

With their hopes, opinions and creation

to find better possibilities for better lives.

Trying to raise up better guys.

It's time to see that the world is a small village;

why not give everyone the privilege

to be himself or herself without much interference?

I wish it could happen one day! About that, I have no evidence!

Sara:

We as the children of the whole world are asking eagerly

to live peacefully, play and study safely.

We are part of this world, of its people;

Why not enjoy the beautiful season?

We are not asking for too much.

The world’s seekers for peace should be aware of such

demands, we do appeal again and again

till justice become the main domain

that the whole world seriously try to gain.

When Palestinian children stop seeing their nightmare

of occupation, then the world does really prepare

for a better life, for a better start.

Till that time comes, my heart

will beat fast and fast

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Then I’ll see the birds,

enjoy the time when kings

work only for their nations

to make them happy on their occasions.

The children will be busy playing,

listening to the birds singing;

trying to guess what they want to say

before the end of the day

comes declaring the start of another.

Till that time comes, Salma rest in peace,

We, your friends will no more suffer.

Dream, dream as I do, no one should seize

our dreams, hay everyone would you like to share me my dream

Is it difficult to make it come true? How does it to you seem?

Dream and dream, it’s my scream.

The end

See next page

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The Manchester branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign is appealing for support in
the run up to the launch of Palestine Lives 2008, an event which is hoped to be a British
based national celebration of Palestinian solidarity, unity and resistance to the ongoing
crimes being perpetuated by the Israeli state.

Palestine Lives 2008 is being organised by a co-ordinating committee of Palestine

Solidarity branches from around the north of England and has the support of branches
from cities like Halifax, York, Sheffield and Bradford, with the city of Manchester playing
host to Palestine Lives 2008.

The event is planned to take place on June 7th at the Albert Square, which is located in
Manchester’s City Centre and the day is hoped to be a memorable event, which will also
mark PSC’s contribution to the sixtieth anniversary of the Nakba, with event planners
hoping to bring together a broad layer of Palestinian artists, campaigners, NGO’s, writers
as well as British activists, interested persons and supporters of the national liberation and
Pan-Arab movements.

Along with a variety of speakers, who will address the various issues which the
Palestinian people face, Palestine Lives 2008 will also be an opportunity for Manchester
residents to engage with Middle Eastern organisations, who are operating on a grass roots
basis within Palestine and the surrounding refugee camps. It is also hoped that Manchester
residents, who are concerned about the current situation will also find the day to be
informative.

Along with planning the event, the organisers of Palestine Lives 2008 are also appealing
to those Palestinian organisations and the Palestinian Community, who are operating
within Great Britain to take a lead on the day and obtain from the Palestine Lives 2008
organisers a space which could operate as an information stand, book stall or a special
feature where the public can purchase Palestinian goods.

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