Letter from the Editor: Palestine in America was created after censorship
The following was originally published in Palestine in America’s original print edition. Order a print copy, download the digital version or subscribe today!
It was approximately one year ago that Palestine in America published its first article online.Ever since, the readership, topics covered and the amount of writers who contribute to the publication have increased.
My interest in journalism began in high school while I worked at the Lane Tech Warrior. I had always been a sports geek, so naturally my dream was to be a sports reporter. Specifically, a Chicago Bulls beat writer. But that all changed when my ancestry, culture and story were deemed unworthy by one of my college advisors, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist.
At one point while working for my college newspaper, the Columbia Chronicle, one of my sports columns was censored for a week because the content was Palestine related and was unflattering to Israel.
After a week filled with arguments, compromises and stress I was finally able to publish the column I had written, but under one condition: I had to disclose my Palestinian descent, as if thats the only possible reason to be critical of Israel.
Selfishly, I had always hoped to steer clear of reporting about Palestine, but that particular situation changed my mindset. I imagine my experience isn’t unique to me in the Western world. And it was this troubling experience which gave me the idea to create Palestine in America.
The United States needs a publication that has a Palestinian voice with a dedication to Palestinian interests; A news outlet that dedicates itself to holding the U.S. accountable for its role in the brutal occupation of Palestine; and highlight the beautiful Palestinian-American culture that has flourished throughout the United States.
Each summer Palestine in America will publish its annual magazine to go hand-in-hand with the online publication. The magazine would not be possible without the help of great writers who contributed, designer Leila Abdelrazaq, media liaison Adeeba Mabruk and those who donated to the project though GoFundMe.
Everyone that helped us up until now, I thank you. And anyone looking to help in the future, I welcome you.
