*Reflecting on her upbringing, Farah says: "it was definitely tough, but I wouldn't change anything looking back".*

PART ONE: ROOTS OF RESILIENCE

Farah is the younger of two daughters born to the union of her parents. She was born in Dubai and raised primarily in Sharjah, part of the United Arab Emirates. Her grandparents were forced to leave their homeland of Palestine amidst escalating tensions and their involvement in politics.

Farah described her parents as strict, but noted that they still gave them freedom and enabled them to forge their own paths. She added that she and her sister were among the few girls in a predominately male family, saying that her parents wanted the best for their daughters in a world that is unfair to women. They had to take part in extracurricular activities, excel academically, and have a comprehensive understanding of the history of Palestine and its political landscape.

The legacy of Farah's grandparents' political activism profoundly influenced her early years. In addition to her regular schooling, her mother - a teacher - would also teach Farah and her older sister the history of Palestine. Attending demonstrations and political events was an expected part of their upbringing. Farah went on to say: "my mom always taught us that Palestine is the promise land, the best place on earth ... we were taught that you don't come first, the cause comes first".

“My mother would say you’re Palestinian first, and people will know that about you so you have to act accordingly ... you are your parents' children and your grandparents' children and whatever you do would reflect on them”

PART TWO: PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Growing up, Farah had to study the British curriculum. She chuckled and said: "the stereotypes are true"... explaining that there were expectations of becoming an engineer, doctor, or lawyer. Farah had an interest in molecular genetics and had been accepted to schools in the US and Canada with scholarships; however, after chatting with her mother, she noted that she would have to remain in the West if she chose to pursue this field as molecular genetics was not as advanced in the United Arab Emirates. Her next choice was dentistry.

Farah was successful in securing the single reserved seat at a University in Palestine for individuals who completed the British curriculum. There, she obtained her Bachelor's in dental surgery. She later went on to complete her Master's in Oral Medicine in Bristol, UK.

Farah remained in Palestine, working in a local dental clinic and later as a clinical instructor at the University where she had previously studied.

When asked about her family's thoughts on her going to live in Palestine, Farah admitted that her family were upset and concerned about her due to rising tensions and mistreatment by the Israeli government. She noted that her mother, however, was supportive and stuck up for her. Farah shared that her mother always wanted to return to Palestine herself, but her father is not permitted back.

PART THREE: NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS

Farah met Mohammad in 2016 while doing Brazilian Ju Jitsu at a local gym in Palestine. Their relationship naturally evolved and the pair were engaged by 2017. Over the first few years together, the pair overcame distance, general relationship issues, and stress from the tensions in Palestine.

In 2022, Mohammad was granted a transfer to Canada for his diplomacy work. Farah stated: "Mohammad always said: when you're Palestinian, you need a plan B". This is what prompted Mohammad to request a transfer. She added, "we wanted somewhere we can actually live, and possibly apply to stay". Farah's sister had already moved to Canada in 2019, and the pair had other extended family and friends in the area.

When asked about the positives she noticed when first arriving to Canada, Farah identified the abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, the number of parks and green spaces, and the availability and accessibility of clean water. She added that the people were kind and helpful, noting that "people try to help, even if they aren't in a place to".

Farah pointed to the job market and equivalency process as barriers. To continue her work in the dentistry field, Farah would need to complete a series of exams, or complete fewer exams in tandem with further schooling. The main things holding her back is the cost of completing this process, which can be anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000. She says: "the system is made to benefit those with money" and adds: "there has to be a better way". Farah believes that, despite some challenges, there are more positives than negatives when it comes to Canada's immigration policy.

Pictured are Farah, Mo, and Odin in their home. When asked how their relationship has changed since their arrival in Canada, Farah says: "we are less stressed, more relaxed, and can just breathe a little". She noted that their relationship has been more reminiscent of how it was in the beginning.

“People who tell you that there are more negatives are not prepared for what they're coming to or continue to live the same life they were living wherever they're from ... you need to adapt”

Presently, Farah divides her time between working part-time at a local Marshall's and serving as a CrossFit coach at a local affiliate gym. Farah expressed an aspiration to one day return to the healthcare field, but remains uncertain about the path to achieve this goal at this moment.

CrossFit came into Farah's life through Mohammad's persistent encouragement while overseas. Embracing the challenge, Farah tried it out and has been dedicated ever since. Farah noted that her CrossFit community has been one of her greatest support networks.

PART FOUR: BEARING WITNESS

For those who are unaware of the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Israel is engaging in constant raids and air strikes against the people of Gaza. Over 30,000 people have been killed by Israeli troops, including children and seniors. They’ve targeted journalists, hospitals, aid trucks, and other vulnerable areas. Those left have no access to aid, food, water, shelter, or safety. Children have been dying of starvation. There is so much more to this and I urge anyone to conduct their own research and educate themselves.

Farah expressed being lucky as her parents are not in Palestine; however, Mohammad's family and most of their friends remain there. She noted that they mainly reside in the West Bank area, which is considered "safer" than Gaza; however, there is escalation and "everyone is on edge". "In the first month, Mohammad was almost not sleeping", says Farah. There are constant air strikes and raids, people are unable to go to work, and businesses are struggling to stay open. This has impacted even Mohammad, who continues to receive his income via Palestine. Mohammad is not considered a true diplomat in Canada as they do not acknowledge Palestine as a state. Though their rent is covered, finances have been tight as Mohammad has only just received a percentage of his pays from last Fall.

“People at home are afraid to talk”, says Farah. She explains that the Israeli government have started taking people to jail for social media posts, and texts speaking to their current situation. The Israeli government often holds individuals without charge, trial, or access to their basic needs like food and warm clothing.

On a personal level, Farah explained that this is the first time that things are happening while she and Mohammad are not there. Though this is a relief, she says: “you feel a sense of survivors guilt”.

Farah says “it’s [the genocide] a very easy thing to ignore if you choose to”, especially as mainstream media does not provide much in terms of coverage. She noted that social media has proven helpful in this regard.

“It's easier to see Palestine as a region under constant war rather than see the Palestine people as people who have regular lives”

We spoke briefly on some of Canada's policies, including their continuing to supply arms and weapons to Israel. Farah expressed frustration at this considering Canada's pro human rights and international law stance. She noted; however, that the government is slowly seeing how upset so many Canadians are at this and seem to be making some changes. At the start of the genocide, Canada had pledged to accept 1,000 people from Palestine who had families in Canada. When asked about this Farah noted that there were so many stipulations, the last of which was "a security check ... done by Israel ... they won't let anyone leave ... not one person ... even Canadian [citizens] are stuck there".

When asked what she thinks the outcome will be, Farah says: "honestly, I don't know. Every day we say this is the worst day, but then they do something worse... what they're doing now has never been done before. They would conduct air strikes every Ramadan... it was expected, but this time, it's completely different. I can see so many ways of how things can get worse, but how can it get better? ... I have no idea".

Farah and Mohammad allowed my partner and I to celebrate Iftar with them and some friends. Iftar is when they break their fast during Ramadan. This is only a portion of the delicious food that was served.

PART FIVE: FAITH & HEALING

Farah is someone who is good at masking her emotions. She was brought up to not let anyone see weakness. So when she told me she cries at least once a day, it surprised me. She noted that she cries most when watching or reading the news. Farah advised that seeing friends enables her to "switch off for a bit". Having her sister around has also been a big source of support. Farah advised that she and Mohammad have weekly calls with their parents but expressed that it is difficult to get them to talk. She says, "this is something they've never witnessed before".

Farah and Mohammad also pray - they each participate in the five daily prayers, as well as dua, which Farah described as a time to talk to God that can be done anywhere and at any time. She explains, "we have a belief that God is always listening to you so it is favorable for you to make dua more because the more you ask of him, the more he will grant you"

Farah snuck away during the evening to pray. She allowed me to be in the room with her while she did so. Here she is in a traditional garb worn by women during prayer. I appreciate her willingness to be vulnerable.

When asked if her faith has swayed at all in the midst of everything, Farah says: “I find you can be pushed away or closer to your faith in times of stress and uncertainty – I was pushed closer”. She added that they’ve always been in the right place at the right time. Farah noted that she and Mohammad both grew up very liberal, but also conservative. Farah came back to her faith on her own and noted that it helps to have a greater power to talk to, complain to, cry to, and ask things from.

To end on a positive note, I want to share this quote from Farah on her personal growth and lessons learned:

"I think we've learned to appreciate things more - we do think of everything that happens and all the problems, but at the same time this helps us to not take anything for granted. We have had the privilege to eat ... our problems are nothing compared to what others are going through. But it doesn't take away from you having joy in other things ... we live in a safe place, it's so quiet and peaceful when we go out for a walk, we have water, and food ... counting your blessings and trying not to focus on just the negatives... it will only overwhelm you and paralyze you."

Farah's journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination. Through the ups and downs of immigration, a detour from her career, and the ongoing turmoil in her homeland, she stands tall, embodying strength in the face of adversity.

Farah's story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of staying grounded in our roots while adapting to new realities. It also serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the blessings in our lives.

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Farah for opening her home to me and sharing with me so much of where she came from and who she is. There was so much more I could have included in this story and I am thankful to have the chance to know Farah better. Thank you for your vulnerability.

SOME RESOURCES:

Due to the lack of mainstream coverage on the genocide in Gaza, Farah gets most of her news and updates through social media platforms, specifically Instagram, though there are limitations that comes with this. If you're interested, some Instagram accounts I would recommend include:

@cjpmeofficial
@letstalkpalestine
@werpalestine

Farah also recommended the following films and youtube channels for those interested:

-Israelism (2023) by Simone Zimmerman and Eitan
-The Teacher (2023) by Farah Nabulsi
-Omar (2013) by Hany Abu-Assad
-Tantura (2022) by Alon Schwarz
-ABTalks (Youtube)

Farah Allan