Our Favourite Music

We dedicated today's lesson to Aliya Badr who died yesterday of cancer. Aliya Badr was the friend, leader, and former English teacher of several of the women who come to the group at Dar Assadaqa. She taught for many years at Abu Dis Girls School and for two years at New Generation, both of which are linked now with schools in London. 

The women shared some of their memories of Aliya Badr and their admiration for her. Her father died early in her life and she cared for her mother and younger brothers and sister, all of whom grew up to be successful doctors and lecturers. 

Without doubt, she will be missed in Abu Dis. 



Today in the Women's group we talked about Music. The women shared many of their favourite music and singers. We talked about why we listen to music, sometimes for the beauty of it, sometimes because the words move us, sometimes to dance or to refresh our spirit.

"The voice is very strong." We spoke about music in relation to the Occupation, how it can lift the people and offer up a resistance and the will to keep going.

Here is some of the music we listened to today:

Perhaps you would listen to Fayrouz in the morning to enjoy the beauty of her voice or to soothe your anger if you are upset.

In the opinion of the Women's Group, Om Kalthoum has a voice that can make the entire Arabic world go silent in awe.

Abdel Halim Hafez is an old singer who died over 30 years ago but his appeal has not waned and young and older members of the group recommended his songs!