Mornings In Jenin Analysis

There are many complex and controversial issues around the globe – with the number seemingly increasing on a yearly basis. While these issues frequently make the headlines, it is not very often that we are presented with a raw, emotional and human perspective on the way that these issues can impact people’s lives. Though the work is fictional, Susan Abulhawa’s “Mornings in Jenin” provides just that – a moving insight into the human toll that refugee conflicts can exact. “Mornings in Jenin” provides insight into the cultural, political and familial aspects of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Throughout “Mornings in Jenin,” the characters of the book find themselves at odds with the world around them, and this has a prominent cultural effect …show more content…
Since its independence in the 40s, Israel and the Palestinian Arabs have fought back and forth ruthlessly, each committing acts that they viewed as necessary, with the opposition viewing them as atrocities. For example, the book mentions several occasions where the Palestinian resistance attacks the Israelis – and likewise, when the Israeli forces attack Palestinian refugee camps in order to drive them out and make way for Jewish settlers. All of these events have an intense political charge to them – with each side, represented by various leaders over the years, making claims that the other is at fault for the situation. Another theme showcased within “Mornings in Jenin” is the importance of NGO groups and the United Nations. It is mentioned in the book that Jenin itself – particularly the Abulheja’s home was constructed with assistance from the UN. This makes me wonder how much more bearable the UN and groups like it have made life for Palestinian refugees – without this assistance would there be an even more striking crisis at hand? Or is this assistance contributing to complacency for those in this refugee situation? This seems like a very complex issue to analyze, and might have more to do with the larger refugee issue as a