Something interesting which I was thinking of is freedom and freedom of speech which many explain in different ways. Some would say that there is nothing completely free of conditions while others would say that freedom can never be made if it is expected to be expressed according to certain rules. There are others who may consider this discussion about freedom of speech a way to put an end to it.

The most precious thing which moves a writer or a poet to write with passion, honesty, and from the deep of his or her heart is the belief that freedom of speech is something sacred and no one can take from him or her. I personally used and continue to follow my conscience whenever I write about humanity, life, and my people’s case because I always believed that I am free to say anything I want.

Since I started to think about life and ask questions about the human behavior I always felt that nothing would prevent me from writing what I believe should be written. I confess that some of what I wrote and said did not mean what I exactly wanted but I was always stubborn to confess this when someone tried to prevent me from saying what I was feeling because this made me feel as if someone is trying to rule me and take my right of expressing what I feel.

Even though I may disagree with someone I would never think of taking his or her right to say what they believe is right. I felt exactly the same way when I also spoke because I believed that the other side may behave in the same way I do. If we start to put rules to the way freedom should be made then soon it will be losing its meaning.

People were burned in the middle ages only for writing something which contradicted with rules which were made by the society. Women were called witches and men were considered renegades. Moses was expelled from Egypt because he raised his voice against slavery, Jesus was crucified for discussing religion and inviting the people to a religion of peace and forgiveness, and Prophet Muhammad was thrown with stones for his invitation to worship one god. What makes all these men similar and all the other messengers is that they were determined to send their message although they knew that they will be suffering from the consequences of their work but in the eyes of their god and their followers they were considered heroes, leaders, and free.

Humanity continued its fight to create a kind of understanding that everyone has the right to say what he or she wants to say but unfortunately this mission is not completely accomplished. Many would prefer to become slaves of one leader although they know that he is not leading them the way they want. The reason is their fear that they would be left with no one to lead. Others would prefer to support a fake leader only to prevent the other competitive from taking the lead.

These are usually called “Followers” or even slaves and of course not leaders. I honestly believe that the beliefs and values of each community affect those who live in it in a way which make them understand what is right and what is wrong. When you feel inside you a voice which asks from you to stand up and say that something wrong is happening do not fight yourself or you will lose the essence of who you are. It is not important if you are fighting an occupation or criticizing your own leadership because your mission is to keep on discussing what you feel is wrong or even right. There are people who may try to steal your passion and this thing which moves you with real intentions, so do not let them do this because the result will be that you will become another slave or a follower instead of a leader.

Those who claim that freedom of speech should have rules which explain how far someone can be free when he criticizes his government or anyone else are simply trying to kill the spirit of freedom because if they were not ready to listen to the other side and the hard words which could be said about them then I am sure that they are not the right people to lead. A leader’s mission is not only to lead but also to protect the sacred right of each of his nationals to express their opinion no matter what is said or made. I quote from Voltaire’s words: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This should be one of the standards which a leader should be acting upon.

I am sure that those leaders who were ready to accept the other side although they usually caused obstacles for their work lived much longer from those who chose repression and restriction. I am sure that each man who believes in freedom will be faced with repression and others who will always try to steal the flame which enlightens his heart and soul so make sure to turn the anger which you will feel into a determination to continue your journey until you accomplish what you believe in.

Ziad Khalil Abu Zayyad

A Palestinian-Arab living in East Jerusalem, Ziad graduated from College Des Freres in Jerusalem in 2003. Ziad finished his major in International Relations and English Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ziad is a former President of the Watan student movement at the university. He is interested in Middle Eastern political issues and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Founder of the Middle East Post and MEL (Middle East Future Leadership Network), he represents Palestinian youth at several international conferences.

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