Dear Kawther Salam:

I have heard of you most recently through the website of Gush Shalom. My apologies to you that I can't write this letter in Arabic. I do speak and write Hebrew though, if that would be of any help.

Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am a rehabilitation counselor in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. My primary work is with people with traumatic brain injuries. I have been in this field a very long time and published numerous articles and one book, Effective Empowerment. My book is meant as a guide to developing " integrated educational environments " .

I am also a literary writer and have published short stories and poetry. Presently, I'm in the midst of putting up a professional website which will be called, " adventurous words " .

As a Jew, I am deeply ashamed of what takes place in Israel every day. Last night, I attended a wonderful meeting with speeches by two members of Ta'ayush. It gave me hope to see that people are beginning to realize what is going on there.

I don't know what I can do to help, except that I'm writing as many pieces as I can and trying to get them into reputable publications. If there's anything I can do to help you, please, I would like to know. I can't imagine how hard each day is for you, knowing you live under such oppressive conditions. I'm sending one of my poems with the hope that you will know, some people do care and are trying to make change.

Once again, I hope that I can help in some way. If I can, please, feel free to email me at any time.

Best Wishes,

Ilanna Mandel