And why, why when the rest of the children were learning how to read and write, I was learning how to fight.

I take out an Arabic book by Ibrahim Nasrallah, a Palestinian writer who talks about resistance and love. I remember when I was an activist fighting for freedom and democracy, going out on protests and running for shelter, and writing.

Even though I m aware that I do hurt the feelings of some, I believe that we have to elevate the supremacy of freedom above religious sacredness (even if it represents the majority) and accept the famous adage that says I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it .