Until we can come back home. Its cold in Germany, Mahmoud said. But the only thing that matters to him in this moment is finding. Then by boat? To be an adult. Isabel laughed so hard her stomach hurt. to go back for them. (Bishara 1993) The implication of such a position is that the Palestinian citizens in Israel do not take an active part in a classical anti-colonialist struggle, while . Complete your free account to request a guide. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Josef, a refugee, is somewhere across the Atlantic Ocean, 8 days from home, in 1939. Education, public health, and sports, they all said together. He travelled to Aleppo and Damascus in Syria. A pistol rang out again over the waves, and the crowd on the beach cried out in panic. Mahmouds father gives the man what he asked for and hurries the family away. No one wore their Jewish armbands on the ship, and there were no Js above any of the passenger compartments, because all the passengers were Jews. Luis didnt have time to answer. Did no one else see the Nazi flag overhead as we came on board? Will you not go to your own sons bar mitzvah, then? Josefs mother and Ruthie were already dressed in their nice Shabbos dresses. Mahmouds dad looked sheepish. Or its a twelve-hour car ride, non-stop. A new life. He hated that man. Mahmoud couldnt remember the last time hed seen his brother laugh, or cry, or show any emotion whatsoever. Yes. Mahmoud's Story - The Scholarly Teacher What was the name of the ship that Josef traveled on to move to Cuba? A hat to shield his face from the sun. Refugee (Alan Gratz) - www.BookRags.com Youssef is characterized as a caring father and husband, trying to shepherd his family to safety in Germany. Israel vs. Palestine Through the Eyes of Confucius | Teen Ink At first Josef thought the teacher was going to ask him to do a math problem on the board. Fight the tyrant Assad! Between Assad and Daesh and Russia and America, Mahmoud thought, there wasnt much of a Syria left to fight for. Josef! I know weve been talking about leaving. Safe on the sidewalk across the street, clutching Hana and Waleed, Mahmoud suddenly realized his mother had still been in the building. (including. She knew he would never have let her do it. It was big and heavy to begin with, and they had packed it with the gas cans, plastic soda bottles filled with fresh water, condensed milk, cheese and bread, and medicine. When she took Luiss hand, Isabel guessed she was his girlfriend. All we have now are two backpacks and our phones. I traded my trumpet, she confessed. Whats happened? Mr. Sarraf asked Mahmoud, and then he saw the missing wall and his eyes went wide. But you have fish to eat. No police cars or emergency crews hurried to the scene. I have his ticket, she told the sailor. They threw rocks and bottles. Aleppo had been an amazing city to grow up in. Eventually, Mahmoud and his family make it safely to Germany and are taken in by a host family, the elderly Saul Rosenberg and his wife, RuthieJosefs little sister, who survived the Holocaust decades prior thanks to Josefs self-sacrifice. Last updated by Jill W on 01 Sep 20:48 Answers: 1. Were not going anywhere soon. I can fix that! Isabel said. Across the room, Josefs little sister, Ruth, was still asleep. He howled louder than a fighter jet, and his parents didnt even tell him to hush. The pistol fired againpak!andping!the hull of the Castilloss boat rang as the bullet hit it. Mahmoud's . They fell on him, hitting and kicking him for being a Jew, and calling him all kinds of names. But the blow never came. Throughout history, there have been several instances of forced expulsions or individuals leaving for their lives or a better life. When his father is released six months later, Josef, his mother Rachel, his sister Ruthie, and his father, now traumatized by his experiences at Dachau, all board the MS St. Louis, which is set to take them to Cuba. No, we dont, Seor Castillo said. He smiled sadly and punched their tickets. No boat today. I parked the car nearby. Worse, the other policemen were running tooand they were all headed for the Castilloss boat! Ivn plopped to the dusty ground beside Isabel. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. The floor lurched up under Mahmoud and threw him and the table and chairs back against the wall of the kitchen. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Do you want to build a snowman? his father sang. No ambulances came to help the wounded. They left as suddenly as they had come, and Josef and his sister and mother huddled together on their knees in the middle of the room. The desks were wide enough for three students at each, and Mahmoud sat between two other boys named Ahmed and Nedhal. His legs were like lead, and his eyes lost their focus. And just in time. Mahmoud looked up at where his apartment had been. Buying a paper for your father? he asked Josef. Josef shuddered. Fidel Castro was an old man with liver spots on his forehead, gray hair, a big bushy gray beard, and bags under his eyes. Mahmoud told his dad that he wanted to board a boat and go to Italy, where he'd have a chance to go to school. They had all walked too far and seen too much. The girls yanked up the string, and they all dropped to the deck behind the rail where the man couldnt see them laughing. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. The soldiers in the Bisharas car begin shooting back and Mahmouds family runs away to avoid being caught in the cross fire and killed. Mahmoud started his journey in Turkey, where, like so many others, he was smuggled to Greece in a rubber boat. This wasnt what the tourists had paid for. As her grandfather arrived and helped Isabel get her father to his feet, she understood. It wasnt there anymore. The police were shooting at them! She dropped to her knees and pulled them both into a hug. toe in concrete dust. She had gone back for whatever she could take from the apartment. Mahmoud has already had much experience dealing with the trauma of war, as the Syrian Civil War has already been raging for four years at the beginning of Mahmouds story. She could see it in his wild look. The Brownshirt in charge laughed. Here, Mahmoud emphasizes that being invisible serves as a form of protection for him: the less he is noticed, the less likely it is for him to be attacked. There was a shattering sound in the next roomcrisssh! Youssef, no! Mom cried. Ahead of her, Seora Castillo staggered and lost her grip too, and the front of the boat slammed into the sand. What if there was a line of police waiting to arrest them at the beach? Papis eyes were wide as he stood from the kitchen table. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. They are reunited with, Mahmoud: Hungary to Germany 2015, 17 days from home, and other supplies. The MS St. Louis was a paradise. After halting the vehicle on the highway, what did the Serbian taxi driver do? If you dont take us with you, theyll throw him in prison. Seor Castillo paused his hammering for a moment, then shook his head. RAMALLAH, March 20, 2018 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas' speech at a Palestinian leadership gathering in Ramallah hit the front page headlines in Palestinian dailies on Tuesday. Please, take us with you!, At least take my sister! Mahmoud begged. Aaron Landau is a well-known actor. There werent the required ten men for the servicethere were a hundred men, probably more, all wearing yarmulkes on their heads and white-and-black tallisimprayer shawlsaround their shoulders. They came to a compartment with a man in the uniform of the Gestapo, the Nazis Secret State Police, and Josef stumbled. Klaus had joined the Hitler Youth not because he wanted to, but because German boysand their familieswere shamed and mistreated if they didnt. And this is Ruthie. They fail, but they are not sent back to Germany. What country is Mahmouds family trying to reach? He felt tears come to his eyes and wiped them away. The trick was to be invisible. A son on the way! Isabels father and grandfather yelled at each other about dictators and freedom and families and responsibility. In all the times hed dreamed of this day, his father had always been there to recite a blessing with him. Each one of these characters were refugees, each with a differant and unique story. Good and bad things happened either way. She wont take up any room!, Whether you were visible or invisible, it was all about how other people reacted to you. A specimen. Though the three harrowing stories span multiple decades and countries, all three children face a world that treats them as invisible. And Waleed was centimeters from joining them both. Trauma and growing up: The novel highlights the cruelty of having to become an adult. After Aleppothe near-constant gunfire and explosions, punctuated by the oppressive quiet of an entire city trying their hardest not to draw attention to themselvesthis place felt alive, even if it was dusty and cramped. Tonight. He only manages to survive by staying off everyone's radar. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. The soldiers direct them to a route that avoids the battles in return for a ride. High above her, Isabel saw people climbing out onto the big electric sign hanging from the side of a tourist hotel, and it gave her an idea. By tradition, ten or more Jewish men, a minyan, was needed for a public service. No! Isabel cried. They endure false alarms like this for a week straight, returning dejectedly each time to an abandoned mall that offers shelter. They used it on the door handles of cabins up and down the passageway on A-deck, then hid around the corner and waited. He hadnt forgotten that if he were wearing his armband, this The way the content is organized, One of the three protagonists of the book, alongside. But the only people who could afford to give her pesos were the tourists visitors from Canada or Europe or Mexico. It fluttered to the floor, the Star of David landing face up for all the world to see. Waleed? he heard his mother cry, and she came out from behind the pile of rubble with the Sarraf family, all of them covered in gray dust. Also, it is asked, How does Mahmoud travel to Germany? But the good people couldnt help you, either., Youre still alive, and so is your little sister, somewhere. The wall of his apartment exploded, blasting broken bits of concrete and glass through the room. Ivn, nail. People are rioting in Havana! Isabel said. Im hot, Ruthie said, pulling at her coat. How else am I going to play Angry Birds? He was joking again. Ill find you again. Plan. the leader of Syria in 2015. Josef's journey. Without Russias gas, they couldnt run the tractors to change the fields over to food, and without the extra food, the Cuban people began to starve. Despite her grief, Isabel is able to persevere and guide her family to reach the shores of Miami. She wanted to stay in Germany, Evelyne said. Two giant tan smokestacks stuck up from the middle of the ship, one He was about average height for his age, and he wore a gray double-breasted pin-stripe jacket, brown trousers, and a white shirt and blue tie. Lights came on in houses nearby, and curtains ruffled as people looked out at the noise. What are Mahmoud Bishara's character traits? | Refugee (Alan Gratz Mahmoud Bishara. We sent them back to Europe and Hitler and the Holocaust. The other policeman shook out his long black hair, and Isabel was startled to realize it wasnt a policeman at all. When the refugees reach Austria, people greet them with cheers and throw them food, water, and supplies. She grabbed her trumpet, gave it one long, sad look, and ran out the back door. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Thats what they wantedto get out of Syria using the fastest path possible. Isabel had lanky limbs and legs and was eleven years old. Struggling with distance learning? LitCharts Teacher Editions. This is what they do. His sister. Grade: A. Entertainment Weekly Harrowing, timely. People Magazine Nothing short of brilliant. Kirkus Reviews, starred review Memorable and tightly plotted. Publishers Weekly, starred review tatatat!and bullets pinged into the car. Syria was ruled by Bashar al- Assad, who had twice been elected president when no one was allowed to run against him. There was a small group of them, up on the rocks overlooking the inlet. With his fathers mental health deteriorating quicker, Josef threatens him to ensure that he can pass the medical inspection to get into Cuba, reversing their roles as father and son. Lebanese Shia Muslims - Wikipedia Six months and eleven days! the Brownshirt said. Get out of the car! he cried. Everywhere around them, people fled into the streets, covered in gray dust and blood. More importantly, we have our lives. They were deserters, and deserters were shot. One of the soldiers cocked his rifle. The day they had gotten Papas telegram, Josefs mother booked tickets for all four of them to the only place that would take them: an island half a world away called Cuba. Then he folded his hands over his stomach and said a brief prayer before reciting the first chapter of the Quran, the most holy book in Islam. Youve put us all in danger! Seor Castillo batted Geraldo Fernandezs arms away. He was Luis Castillo, Ivns older brother. Move. They were men, mostly, many of them shirtless in the hundred-degree August heat, their white and brown and black backs glistening in the sun. She put the little kitten back under her house and ran inside for her trumpet. She lunged for her children, but one of the Nazis grabbed her nightgown and pulled her back. It collapsed onto the sixth floor, and then into Mahmouds apartment, and on down like dominos. The man reached out for them. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. But Mahmoud did everything he could to hide his size and his face, to stay under the radar. Ivn, nail. Ivn handed him another nail. As another boat passes by and doesnt acknowledge them, Mahmoud begins to realize that being invisible is not always the best solution, as no one can help him. (In five days, Papa hadnt come out of their cabin once, not even for meals, and Josefs mother had barely left his side.) I needed something big and thick for the bottom of the boat, he said. Refugee: Chapter Summaries | SparkNotes Hush now. They cowered together on the floor as the shadows picked up Ruths bed and threw it against Your mother is pregnant, for one thing! Lito said. Mahmoud - Refugee Action Come on, Evielets do the bathrooms on A-deck! The girls tore away, and Josef huffed. Fatima! It was night, and a waning moon peeked out from behind scattered clouds. Both sides oppose ISIL, the combination of ISIS and al-Quaeda, and the Kurds, supported predominantly by the USA, are fighting ISIL as well but support neither Al-Assad or the rebels.) Dad started the engine, put the car into gear, and they were off. Please! Mahmoud cried. Mahmoud has already had a lot of experience dealing with the trauma of war, as the Syrian Civil War has already been raging for four years at the beginning of Mahmoud's story. He scared Josef too. He dragged Waleed with him toward the front door, but Waleed pulled back. There was blood in his hair, and the area around one of his eyes was already turning black. notice him, maybe pull him and his family out of line. Then she had it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com, Al-Assad took military action against the rebel Syrians. What nation and city had Mahmoud and his family been waiting in line to enter? Why did mahmoud and his brother receive poos of displeasure in the boat? The guards stand down, unable to stop Mahmoud without causing a fight. The two policemen had hit the surf and were running high-legged through the waves. They become friends with Josef and Ruthie in Refugee. Halfway to the ground, the building shifted again and the concrete stairs broke away from the wall, leaving a five-centimeter crack. They get people into the EU. The EU, Mahmoud knew, was the European Union. Or run away. Mahmouds father, Youssef, meets them outside in the car and tells them they are escaping the country right away. Bicycles swung around and pedaled back. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. Shia should know their place! Isabel braced herself between two of the benches, trying to catch her breath. Refugee Character Analysis | LitCharts When Syria rioted, their leader Bashar al-Assad turned against his own people and has warred against them ever since. Head down, hoodie up, eyes on the ground. He then hears, cry out for help, but the dinghy isnt slowing down. Chabela! her grandfather shouted when he saw her. When Youssef and Mahmoud return to their cell and pass, Mahmoud: Hungary 2015, 17 days from home, refugee camp in a cold, muddy field surrounded by wired fence. And how exactly are they going to get better, Mariano? It took only two tries to get the scrawny calico kitten to come out from under the pink cinder- block house and eat from Isabel Fernandezs hand. The smuggler had just told them their boat wasnt leaving tonight. He was filled with sadness for the boy his age. I need your help in the shed. Ivn climbed to his feet. Left with no other choice, the family embarks and rides through the pouring rain headed for Greece. Waleed didnt seem to get excited about much these days. Mahmoud and his family had fallen into step with them and disappeared among their ranks. Create a list of books you want then share it with family and friends. Not without Josefs father. Record what books your kids are reading. Isabels mother, almost nine months pregnant, was the only one not helping to carry the boat. She had flawless olive skin, long black hair, and full red lips. It was just what the Brownshirt had told Josef. Mahmouds mother came out of the bedroom, where shed been folding clothes, and turned off the TV. Mahmoud grabs onto it, bringing Fatima and, the Coast Guard for them. Mahmoud had been going to meet his best friend, Khalid. Mahmoud is 13 years old in 2015, and lives in Aleppo, Syria with his father Youssef, his mother Fatima, his read analysis of Mahmoud Bishara Josef 's younger sister, who is six years old when they board the St. Louis to escape Nazi Germany. Refugee: Mahmoud: Aleppo, Syria - 2015 (1) Summary & Analysis Mahmoud watched as these two boys attacked the boy with the bread, a boy he didnt even know. Then, Mahmoud and, Mahmoud: Somewhere on the Mediterranean Sea 2015, 11 days from home (2), the bottom of the sea, and says a funeral prayer for him. What do Mahmouds family keep hearing from the boat smugglers? Mahmoud didnt like the sound of that, eitherto him, smuggler meant illegal, and illegal meant dangerous. One of the girls had found a long piece of string and was dangling it over the side, tickling the noses of passengers who were sleeping in chairs down on A-deck. And the worst part was, Klaus had joined them. Today, Josef said, I am a man. There were many hands to shake and many congratulations after the ceremony, but it was all a blur to Josef. No police cars or emergency crews hurried to the scene. Blend in. For the gasoline. Her grandfather was shocked. We have to go. But, the driver stops the car and points a gun at them, demanding almost all of the rest of their money. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. In all the turmoil, a policeman caught up with her father and grabbed him by the arm. No, we Isabel! Six of the best book quotes from Mahmoud Bishara, Please! Mahmoud cried. Mahmoud Bishara's story begins in 2015, during the ongoing Syrian Civil War. Mama put her hands on Josefs and Ruthies heads. Refugee is a young adult novel written by Alan Gratz and was first published by Scholastic Corporation in 2017. He put his hands over his heart. Refugee Flashcards | Quizlet The shadows tore down pictures, pulled drawers from their bureaus, and flung clothing everywhere. Josef and Ruth clung to each other, terrified and wet-faced with tears. They didnt call it that then. Which side do you support? The question was as dangerous as his gun. The author of the article focuses on what it was like for Mahmoud and his family as they made their way across Europe. Even though their apartment wasnt far away, Mahmoud led Waleed on a different route home every day. Isabel was eleven years old, and all lanky arms and legs. It wasnt just his building that had been hit, he realized. Clothes, food, sports, movies, travel, school, opportunity. Not nearly as many as there had been in Havana, but enough. Refine any search. It follows Josef Landau, a German Jew in the 1930s, who tries to escape Germany to Cuba, Isabel Fernandez, a Cuban girl in 1994, who tries to escape Cuba's hunger crisis following the dissolution of the Soviet Union to the US, and Mahmoud Bishara, a Syrian youth in 2015 whose house gets destroyed by a missile and whose family decides to seek asylum in Germany.