On the journey from Istanbul to Amman
I was kindly helped at security in my layover 
As we all crammed through the so-called “line” with no structure 
We started as strangers 
But exited the metal detectors as friends
discussing our next destinations and helping each other to our gates 
 
On my journey from Istanbul to Amman
I witnessed a family get separated at the gate 
a sibling unable to join for the flight, maybe a visa issue
A young girl bursting into tears on the shuttle bus
She was instantly comforted by strangers around her
A young man kneels down to gently stroke her hair back and calm her down
He doesn’t even know her name 
 
On my journey from Istanbul to Amman
I switched seats with a random person so she could be with her friend 
The mother sitting next to me gives chocolate candy to another stranger to help calm down her kid
Four random Arab men become friends while sitting somewhat near each other 
It’s a bit loud 
But it’s ok, we all become friends with one of the men's daughter 
Who smiles at us and was quite the acrobat
Who also mysteriously had more snacks each time she ran down the aisle
 
And yes, most of the women on this flight are hijabi 
The world sees them as oppressed and helpless
And most of the men on this flight will be selected for “random security checks” in most airports 
The world sees them as a threat and dangerous
But these people are my people 
 
Oh how I missed the beauty and chaos of this part of the world
I have not smiled this much in the presence of total strangers in so long
It makes my heart ache all the more 
For this is what it means to be Arab 
To join together and help out children and friends
To comfort and give up seats and quickly connect 
There is no place in the world like it
 
I have no doubt that Gaza is the same
And yet the world calls them animals, terrorists, sub-human
They must join together to help children who are being blown to pieces
They help friends bury their loved ones or be able to eat another day
They comfort because they have all faced insurmountable loss 
They quickly connect over all fearing for their lives 
It should not have to be that way 
Their beauty should not have to shine in the face of darkness 
They are beautiful always 
Like on a journey from Istanbul to Amman