A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: An Inside Look at Tragedy in Jerusalem
In a special holiday episode, Democracy Now! delves into the heart-wrenching reality of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation through the lens of Abed Salama. Nathan Thrall, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy,” sheds light on the devastating circumstances faced by Abed and his family.
Abed Salama resides in Anata, a Palestinian enclave surrounded by the Israeli separation wall, commonly known as the “apartheid wall.” In 2012, tragedy struck when Abed’s 5-year-old son, Milad, perished in a fiery bus crash during a school field trip. The barriers posed by the separation wall prevented Abed from obtaining necessary permits to search for his son in Jerusalem, highlighting the daily struggles of Palestinians living in segregated communities.
Through gripping accounts shared by Nathan, readers are immersed in the lives of ordinary Palestinian families whose existence is marred by oppression and systemic neglect. Nathan’s in-depth exploration exposes the intricate web of apartheid policies that perpetuate suffering within these marginalized communities.
The book transcends a mere retelling of an isolated incident, weaving together narratives that underscore the pervasive impact of the Israeli occupation on every aspect of Palestinian life. Join us in this poignant journey to understand the profound pain and hardship experienced by families like Abed’s in their quest for justice and peace.