Crossing
Borders: The Search For Dignity In Palestine
In her debut memoir Crossing Borders: The Search for Dignity in Palestine, Christa’s journey of curiosity beginning in Jerusalem and Gaza while studying abroad in her father’s homeland of Germany at the tail end of the Cold War. Christa’s experiences open up a world of joy and heartache that transforms into a lifetime pursuit to make a difference in a land two peoples call home. Through Christa’s unique perspective as an American and mother of three Palestinians, we become familiar with both current and historic challenges Palestinians face living in the shadow of the State of Israel. Christa poses thought-provoking questions that are a test to us all as we collectively grapple with how to come together in a place that is increasingly divided in the mind and on the ground.
Told first person travel memoir, educational experience, and marriage, Bruhn is suited to share her view of the intimacies of life of modern Palestine. Straddling the fence are her three children born in the States but holding Palestinian credentials. Each lengthy stay in Palestine throughout the years to observe, learn, gather information for her advanced degree, or plant roots is a challenge to make a difference both in the lives of the Palestinians and those who monitor the “situation.”
With plenty of angst and blame and constant “what if”
sprinkled in with the obvious love and joy and recipes and culture in general,
the story is not a casual read. I often wondered how the author would view life
if she had gotten caught up in a different aspect the national heritage of the
geographical region. Muslim, Jewish, Christian has become a national political
identity, not a profession of belief, especially to this generation. One thing
for sure is that there has been a lot of undignified actions performed on behalf
of religion. Hopefully Bruhn’s story and plea for understanding and respect can
help bring dignity back to the table.
Recommended for those who want to learn more about Palestine from an inside view.
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