a poem about roots
Nora Lester Murad and Danna Masad with 18 Palestinian artists
Image: Fouad Agbaria.
A unique art book for adults, children, living rooms, and libraries, to inspire and activate. Poetry by Nora Lester Murad and Danna Masad. Visuals by Palestinian artists around the world.
In this historic moment when millions of people globally are forced to leave their families, cultures, and homes because of violence, poverty, and climate change, Rest in My Shade is both a poetry/art book and a tool for raising awareness among adults and children about the global challenges of migration and displacement. While giving voice to pain and disconnection from one’s land, it offers a window into displaced people’s resilience and strength.
“An exquisite love song to Palestine and all its wonderful long-suffering people, to patience, the joy of fruitful simple living, and the power of holy, resilient trees. May the energy of tending and protecting our ancestral nourishment long endure.”
“I celebrate this wondrous book. It illumines the world as olive oil might, regardless of the fire that’s touched it. Palestine and Palestinians continue to produce enduring imaginative art. They’re here to stay.”
“These exquisite canvases and poetic commentary …. resonate with the work of other indigenous eco-artists whose land and animals have been the unfortunate targets of colonial greed”
Creative ways to inspire and activate in your own community: Read Rest in My Shade with your family and discuss your own history of migration. Discuss Rest in My Shade in schools and faith groups. Gift Rest in My Shade to volunteers, sponsors, invited speakers, visitors, or distribute it to attendees at special events. Include the book in your organization’s catalogue or resource list. Help strengthen local philanthropy by purchasing copies in bulk for refugee and migrant organizations to use as thank you gifts. Keep a treasured copy as a reminder of the priceless value of home.
Image: Ismail Shammout.
A perfect gift, Rest in My Shade received support and is available from the Palestine Museum US. It is also available from your local independent bookstore, Interlink Books, Amazon or Wordery.
Image: Rana Bishara.