“No to disorder, Libya is one tribe…One nation, one country, Tripoli is our capital”-Posters in Benghazi
By: Hanin Bengezi
“God is great, God is great and all thanks are for God.” These are the words resonating through the city tonight. This is not a new tradition but a daily one that begins before sunset prayers and ends when the call to prayer is recited. But as I sit writing, these powerful words of God continue to be recited night.
Last night a representative in contact with besieged cities in Western Libya relayed news that freedom fighters are close to Tripoli. This resulted in excitement and optimism that translated into late night prayers and takbirs spreading throughout mosques and squares of Eastern Libya.
This is the least my people have done in support of our capital Tripoli, and cities of Misrata, Zawia, Western Mountains, Gheryan. The sense of unity and connectedness I have witnessed within the two weeks I have been here is for the eyes to see and the heart to feel. Signs calling for unity fill Benghazi’s streets. Poetry, songs, and speeches calling for freedom of our struggling western cities fill Benghazi’s courthouse. Hands are raised high as the imam recites prayers calling for the destruction of the tyrant’s regime, and tears are wept as prayers call for the freedom of our besieged cities.
“We are one hand, one heart,” says one protester, “Libya won’t be free until our dear capital is free.” Such are the ideals of unison my people continue to live by as the struggles rages on. Men and youth dream of being on the frontlines along with our heroes in western Libya. The lucky ones who managed to reach the frontlines dream of dying in dignity and honour for a free and united Libya. Just a few days ago, the city of Al-Marj said its goodbyes to yet another hero who left it all to fight along with his brothers in Misratah. Those left behind, men and women, have joined the hundreds of organizations to assist with collecting aid, weapons, and arms for our struggling cities. Free Libya channels have dominated television sets and radios everywhere, all ears waiting for the extraordinary moment when Libya’s freedom becomes a celebratory reality.
“Why doesn’t Benghazi start school for children?” I asked, “Look at Misrata, most of their schools have started.” This was an issue that lingered my thoughts for a while, but not anymore. “Misrata is in a state of war,” I was told, “their kids are mentally in need of educational and interactive programs to relieve them from the harsh realities of war. Here in the east we find it difficult to go back to school meanwhile the west is struggling.” Unity and support have become a priority for a nation who was denied of it for 42 years. Words of praise and love, for our struggling cities, linger through every tongue and touch many hearts. Let’s be inspired, this is our time to come together, join hearts, and unite for Libya.
I love posts like this. Sound amazing. By the way, I think 20 years ago I was against Gadhafi without knowing it, since I used to wash my car using a green cloth :)
Comment by TheThinker1958 — July 17, 2011 @ 19:29
Hamdullah
Comment by carla khalifa — July 17, 2011 @ 22:47
Another fantastic post Hanin, well written and providing us with the facts on the ground. Mashalah
Comment by om.amer — July 18, 2011 @ 11:41
Please keep these great articles coming!
Comment by Kayria — July 21, 2011 @ 23:05
nice……………………it really helped me
Comment by monalisha — November 13, 2012 @ 03:14
Nice one Hanin …you are grate writer Mashallah!
Comment by Omran Abdurrahman — April 15, 2013 @ 00:44