A Land Twice Promised: Audience Responses

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Annette Herskovits, CA
I learned a lot -- especially from the stories of your mother, grandmother, uncle. I have been trying to understand how Israelis and Jews can blind themselves to the suffering they have caused and cause Palestinians. These stories provided pieces of that puzzle. I do not speak lightly -- I am a holocaust survivor (a hidden child) and the child of holocaust victims.

Farzana Razvi, Islamic Center of Rochester NY
Believe me it was one of the greatest experience of my life and I hope and pray that we'll experience many more in peace insha'Allah.

Madison Rubenstein, age 12, MN
I absolutely LOVED it!!! I had tingles up my spine the whole time. There are no words to describe how much I love your storytelling! It made me think differently about Palestinians and Arabs. I never thought about their side of the story.

Amy Gapp, NY
I was very moved - you truly took me to Jerusalem. I really appreciated the Israeli perspectives of the mother & grandmother - I am usually surrounded by Palestinian voices.

Benjamin Pratt, VA
I felt much more invited into the experience than I did with theater... there I was an observer, here I felt more compassion and sadness...you invited us into our own grief and it is grief that leads to healing and not anger...

Tina M., KS
I employ an Arab woman who has been traditionally "sided" with Palestinians her entire life. She is one of several of my staff who attended your performance. She told me that after watching your work, it was the first time in her life that her way of thinking has been challenged to change and she has begun to discuss this with her own family. You must know that your work matters and to continue to work for healing and peace.

Anat Yitzhaki, Israel
A powerful experience...I found myself experiencing emotions of pain, laughter, shame, identification and helplessness.

Dexter Fox, VA
We were both overwhelmed by your work and insight into these complex political issues. Allowing us to see their ramifications on a human level was quite a revealing experience. Thank you. It is the mark of a true artist to show us the human side of larger than life forces.

Masami Kojima, Washington DC
I have seldom been so moved. It is an outstanding show which should be presented to as wide an audience as possible!

Sana Kifafi, Washington DC
This was a wonderful piece of story which touched me personally. As an Arab American and being Palestinian it makes me understand more about things because I’ve never been or visited Palestine.

Gemma Grott, CA
I wanted to deeply thank you for the significant work you are doing. The story is perfect in the way it balances the personal with the political into a seamless whole... I was humbled by the humane, gentle, honest and thoughtful answers you gave.

Bob Griss, Washington DC
I think of your play as one of the most effective embodiments of the common vulnerabilities and common dreams for peace of Palestinians and Israelis.

Deb Bishop, NY
It's the first time I have heard conflict told in a woman's/mothers/friends voice. Even though you spoke of raw emotions and horrific events that I cannot imagine growing up in, you told it in a way that was not threatening or angry. As you moved from your story to your friends’ story your compassion and responsibility to truth never faltered.

Lynn Haynes, VA
I was soooo moved! I kept thinking that if the whole world could see that show, perhaps you could end the war, change the world…Thank you for a wonderful and insightful evening. I wonder if you know how differently your audience hears news reports now. You should.

Audience member, Minneapolis, MN
I found myself responding to the emotion portrayed on the “Arab” side – which I did not expect. It did challenge some of my “perceptions” although I do still believe that what is being done by Israel currently must be done.

Audience member, University of MN
The stories were really well-told – very balanced. One was able to abandon one’s own, pre-conceived notions and regard all those involved in the same light. A very powerful way to lend humanity to the conflict.


A Compelling Performance
of Palestinian & Israeli
Women's Stories.

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An excellent collection… the whole family will enjoy hearing all these stories several times over.
- The Sacramento Bee