Jonah also followed carefully the newly formed group. He wasn’t convinced Hamas could benefit his people by declaring open warfare with Israel. He feared more death and bloodshed of innocent Palestinians caught in the political turmoil between warring factions.
Jonah took a wait-and-see attitude towards the group.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated in what would be known as the First Intifada. At the forefront of the Intifada were Palestinian teenagers who would attack Israeli patrols with rocks and Molotov Cocktails. The IDF soldiers met these attacks with a fierce response and many of the teenagers were killed. At the same time, turmoil was raging within the borders with approximately one thousand Palestinians labeled as informers who were killed by Hamas. There were no trials or formal charges raised against these informers. They were executed in what some would call revenge murders.
November 15, 1988: Yasser Arafat and the PLO proclaimed the independent State of Palestine and claimed the PLO to be the only legitimate governing body of Palestine. In a December speech, Arafat promised future recognition of Israel and renounced terrorism.
Howard Lieberman
Howard was on an assignment. He had been to the college bookstore several times. The first to buy his required educational material, and the rest of the time to watch Michelle Branson. He even went through the checkout where she was working. She paid no attention to him whatsoever.
I must find another place to meet her. The bookstore is too busy.
Howard resorted to following Michelle. I hope she doesn’t spot me. This could be very embarrassing.
Howard noticed that Michelle spent Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the library. He thought she looked at him a couple of times. By coincidence he was standing at the card catalog when she came to look up a book. Seizing the opportunity, he spoke to her, “I see you spend a lot of time here.” What a stupid thing to say.
“Yes, I do,” replied a polite but cold Michelle as she rummaged through the cards.
“My name is Howard and I’m here for graduate work from London.”
“That’s nice.” Michelle then turned and walked away.
Howard retreated to his books. That certainly was a bust. I should have kept my mouth shut. I better stay away from the library for a while.
A couple of weeks later, Howard was picking up some items from the university bookstore. Fumbling in the checkout line trying to get his wallet he heard a voice say, “Are you ready to check out, Howard?”
It startled Howard to hear his name, and looking up he saw it was Michelle at the cash register. Not knowing what to say, he replied, “Yes I am, thank you, Michelle.”
“You know my name?”
Howard pointed to her nametag and they both laughed. It broke the ice.
Michelle’s voice softened as she said, “I haven’t seen you at the library lately.”
She’s noticed! “I’ve been behind on my Criminology studies and had to spend extra time getting caught up.” This was a lie, for Howard was at the top of his class and homework assignments were easily completed within a couple of hours.
“Well, I would like to make up for my rudeness. If you’d like we can go for coffee after I get off work, which is about eight o’clock.”
Howard couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Michelle was asking him to have coffee. He never could imagine a woman approaching a man. Different cultures, different expectations!
“I would like that,” said Howard. “I’ll be back at the bookstore at eight to meet you.”
“Okay,” said Michelle as she turned to help the next customer.
Howard left the store as if he was walking on air. I marvel yet despise the brashness of American women. If I must marry one, it’s only to fulfill the cell’s destiny and complete the mission. I’m not completely ready for the cultural differences, but I must prepare myself or wreck the mission.
Howard, arriving early, paced back and forth in front of the bookstore waiting for Michelle.
Michelle bounded out the door giving Howard a wave. “I saw you arrive. Are you always so punctual?”
“It’s a British habit,” Howard again lied. He was never on time for anything. He soon understood that in England, if the train left at two o’clock and you were one minute late, you got to see the back of the train in the distance.
“I know a small café featuring French pastries and espresso,” Michelle said as they walked. “It’s only a couple of blocks away.”
As they ate, Michelle grilled Howard. “Where are you from?”
“I grew up in London,” Howard lied.
“What college did you attend?”
“Cambridge.”
“Cambridge, that’s impressive. Why did you select George Washington for your graduate work?”
“My studies are in Criminology and the university has an excellent program. Of course being located in Washington, D.C., there is a greater opportunity for employment after I graduate.”
“Are you’re planning to stay in the United States after your master’s degree?”
“Yes, the opportunities are greater here. I’m interested in opening my own security firm.”
After fifteen minutes of asking questions, Michelle paused. “You’re very shy and I’m doing all of the talking, and you haven’t asked me a single question.”
“I really don’t know how to act in the presence of a woman. I’ve never dated or even had coffee with a member of the opposite sex.”
Michelle was dumbfounded. “You mean to tell me you’re twenty-two years old and you’ve never been out with a woman?”
“Yes, that’s true. I was so busy studying for my degree at Cambridge; I never gave it a thought. In high school I was too shy to ask any of the girls out.” I’m telling the truth. El Huda had no women.
Michelle teased him. “What made you attracted to me, for you were the one who spoke first?”
If I tell you the Muslims For Justice picked you out to be my wife because of your father’s connections into the U.S. Government, I wonder what your reaction would be. Breaking out of his thoughts he lied again, “I’d seen you several times in the library and I can’t explain why I had the attraction.”
“Well, I was very rude that day, but I had an argument with my old boyfriend and he had me very upset. He’s Jewish like you. I should have known better, getting into an affair with an older man.”
The statement caught Howard off guard. You’ve been another man’s lover. Even in Syria it’s still taboo to have sex before marriage. A man caught taking advantage of a young woman would have to answer to her father and brothers. It wouldn’t be a pretty sight. American women seem to go from man to man, I guess to find the one who gives the most sexual satisfaction.
Howard quickly recovered from his thoughts. He asked a couple of questions, already knowing the answers. “I don’t even know your last name.”
“It’s Branson,” Michelle replied.
“Are you Jewish?”
“No, I’m Presbyterian and wasn’t very compatible with the man when it came to religion.”
Howard covered himself. “I’m Jewish in name only. I don’t practice the religion at all.” For the first time in the conversation he didn’t have to lie. I’d better do some research on what a Presbyterian is so I don’t look like a fool.
Michelle interrupted his thoughts. “Your British accent has a tone to it that I don’t recognize, as if you know another language.”
Howard was astounded. This woman doesn’t miss anything. I must be very diligent. “The sound you hear is probably from my studies of Arabic. I took four years of Arabic language at Cambridge. The pronunciation of the English language has been contaminated by the Middle Eastern dialects, which are from the throat, where the English sounds are more nasal.”
Michelle accepted the explanation. She rose from the table, reached out and shook Howard’s hand saying, “I enjoyed your company very much and I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”
Mi
chelle handed him a piece of paper. “Here is my home phone number.” Before Howard could respond, she turned and left the café. On his way back to the dorm Howard thought, she’s different from anyone I’ve ever known, male or female.
Howard’s mind was so filled with the night’s activities that he walked past the dorm and was a half block away before he realized his mistake.
Howard continued to see Michelle on and off over the next few weeks, but never anything that would be considered a date. They met for coffee, a study period and even at a rally for the school basketball team. He finally got up the courage to ask her out for dinner.
Michelle replied. “I never thought you were going to ask me out on a real date. I was ready to ask you!”
Howard was never ready for her brashness, always becoming silent when she exerted herself.
They dated throughout the semester. I didn’t expect to be so attracted to this woman, but my heart has trapped me. I think she has the same feelings for me.
Howard’s research on Presbyterians left him more confused than before he started. Over dinner one night he said to Michelle, “I understood the roots of Christianity, but in the Presbyterian religion there are so many denominations I’m lost. Maybe you can explain it to me.”
Michelle was very practical. “I don’t know how to tell you about a complex religious group. You probably should attend church with me a few times and maybe that will help you. I’ve been attending church since I was very little and all I really know is that my faith in God, Jesus Christ and the Bible helps me overcome my doubts and fears.”
That’s not much different than Islam, except I use the Qur’an for my worship and guidance.
Howard and Michelle attended Sunday services at the Western Presbyterian Church near the university. He had to be careful how he approached the subject of Jesus as he reflected on what he knew. The Jews believe that Jesus was no more than a Rabbi who never completed the status of the Messiah and was made divine by the early Christian church. This is in stark contrast to the Islamic view of Yeshua of Nazareth, who was respected as a prophet and of virgin birth. There are twenty-eight references to Jesus in the Qur’an, none of them negative. I can’t mix my Islamic beliefs with the Jewish beliefs, tripping myself up. It’s easier for me to understand Christianity as a Muslim than as a Jew. Better to keep my mouth shut than to put my foot in it, especially since I have been invited to the Branson’s for Christmas.
On a very cold Christmas morning, Michelle and her father Ralph drove into Washington to pick up Howard. Ralph was very cautious about Michelle’s new friend. He shook Howard’s hand with a firm grip and eye-to-eye contact. Howard didn’t turn away or flinch. This was an old trick that Ralph used in auditing to size up a person’s characteristics and qualities. Ralph was a career government man. A diligent worker, he ascended through the ranks to his present position as head of The Office of Special Investigation and reported directly to the Comptroller General of the United States.
On the drive to his house Ralph spoke, “Howard, I understand that you attended Cambridge and you have a degree in Criminology.” He continued to probe. “What are your career ambitions and why the United States?”
“I hope to open my own firm offering a premier security service in the D.C. area. I was left a substantial amount of inheritance money and I can meet the requirements of the INS in establishing a business here once I complete my education.”
Michelle kept quiet.
Ralph continued. “It’s interesting that you want to enter into the security industry at this time. There’s a concerted effort by President Reagan to subcontract out many services and reduce the size of government. Your timing couldn’t be better.” Unlike the jerks my daughter has brought home before, at least this guy is intelligent, hard working, with ambition and moral character. I certainly like the fact he’s never dated before Michelle. Religion doesn’t seem to be a problem with him attending church with her.
The entire Christmas day went as well as Howard could expect. He reflected on Michelle’s mother Margaret. She’s a nice woman, but all her conversations are centered on the finest shops, shoe stores and boutiques. She has no clue to the millions of Palestinians who have to struggle to survive each day, living in squalor and poverty.
Howard and Michelle consummated their relationship on Memorial Day weekend at Michelle’s parent’s summer home, near the ocean in Bethany Beach, Delaware and were engaged on Michelle’s twenty-first birthday. When Howard presented her with a three-carat marquee diamond she almost fainted. Her father was even more impressed.
Daniel Schonfeld
Daniel wished he had a woman. He saw many pretty women and was attracted to some, but he didn’t date or socialize with them. This made his roommate Abba very suspicious and nervous, finally blurting out. “You never date and you never go to a club or any activity. Are you queer? I’m not crazy about sleeping in the same room with a queer.”
“No, I’m not queer,” responded Daniel who was quite disturbed at the accusation. “I’m engaged to a woman in England, therefore I don’t see anyone else.”
“How come you didn’t mention this before?”
“Didn’t cross my mind and I didn’t know you were so paranoid.” Daniel then pulled out a picture of a pretty girl with blond hair. Faris had written across the top of the photograph,
Daniel, I’m waiting for your return and counting the minutes, Love, Brenda
Abba accepted the explanation and the question of Daniel’s sexual orientation never came up again.
Jonah Meyerson
Ronaldo and Jonah were always together. They stayed out late on Saturday nights frequenting one of the many clubs in Gainesville.
I must keep up appearances of a typical college student, thought Jonah. At least I don’t have the same problems as Ronaldo.
Ronaldo had a steady parade of women hanging on him. The word was out. Besides being handsome, he had money. Ronaldo had an arrangement with Jonah to use his apartment whenever he was bringing a woman home. They never knew his real address and, of course, with his sister as his roommate, he would never have intercourse in the next room.
For Jonah it wasn’t the best of arrangements. He did have a sofa that made into a bed that was rather lumpy, but what bothered him the most was the sounds coming from the bedroom. Jonah at twenty-three had never been with a woman. He could only imagine the scene behind the door, where he could hear women making their sexual moans and the headboard banging against the wall. One night it had gotten so loud he had to get up and leave the apartment, hoping no one would see him in the state of his manhood!
After the spring semester of ‘89, Jonah went to work his summer job at Ceballo Landscaping Corporation.
“Please stay at my house,” said Luis, “We’ve too many empty rooms. I was thinking of many grandchildren when I designed this home. It would be my pleasure to have you as my guest.”
Maria was pleased that her father had invited Jonah to stay at the house and he accepted. She had purposely avoided Jonah over the past few months.
“What’s the matter with your sister?” asked Jonah. “I haven’t seen her in weeks. Is she mad at me for something I said or did?”
“It’s nothing like that. She’s overwhelmed with her classes, the labs and finals. She’ll be home in a week,” said Ronaldo with a little smirk.
When Maria did arrive by limousine at the house the following Friday afternoon, Jonah and Ronaldo were working at a site on the Intracoastal Waterway. She immediately changed into a one-piece high-cut bathing suit and went to the pool.
By the time the men arrived home they were sweaty and filthy. Even though they supervised, both were hands-on managers and didn’t mind getting dirty.
“Let’s shower and take a dip in the pool,” Ronaldo shouted as he went to his room.
Jonah walked out to the pool several minutes later. Seeing a woman on the chaise lounge he thought, Luis has one of his girlfriends here for the weekend.
&n
bsp; The look on Jonah’s face when Maria called his name was worth all the trouble she had gone through. “Jonah, it’s been months since I’ve seen you.”
It can’t be Maria! Jonah was looking at a slim Maria, who had spent hours making sure she looked perfect for the moment. Her bathing suit and cover-up were in shades of lavender and white, with sunglasses and sandals to match. Her fingernails and toenails were polished with the same shade of lavender.
When she stood to shake his hand, Jonah’s heart skipped a beat. I’m not sure if my task just got easier or more complicated.
Maria couldn’t be more pleased.
When Ronaldo arrived at the pool he shouted to Jonah, “She did all of that for you. You should be proud that you can implore that kind of power over a woman.”
Maria didn’t offer a response; she just gave a look into the eyes of Jonah that said it all.
Maria and Jonah found themselves alone at the house on Saturday evening. They had been dating for the past few weeks, spending most of their free time together or with her brother as a trio out on the town. Luis and Ronaldo were in Miami to attend a dinner for a Cuban developer and Jonah had taken Maria to a restaurant in Mizner Park, Boca Raton. It was just after ten when they arrived home.
“Let’s go swimming,” said Maria. “It’s such a beautiful night.”
“Give me a couple of minutes, I’ll be right down.” Jonah could hear from the bedroom Maria doing laps in the pool. She got ready awfully fast.
When Jonah arrived at the pool, he noticed that none of the parameter lights were on. He walked towards the light switch.
Maria called out, “Don’t turn on the lights, the stars are beautiful.”
The house located in the middle of the property was far enough away from adjacent city lights to allow the stars and the Milky Way to be seen. It reminds me of the nights in Ramallah when I was young.
Maria splashed the water. “Are you coming in?”
Jonah dove into the pool. Reaching Maria he placed his arms around her to only touch bare flesh. She’s naked! It’s always the woman who seduces the man, never the other way around.
The Third Cell Page 17