Tragic farewell
Sir-- With great sadness, I received the news of the death of the prominent scholarly and cultural figure of our era Edward Said at the age of 68. He died in New York, far away from his original home Palestine where he was born. But his spirit and ideas will stay an example for millions of people who adored his efficiency and capacity in various fields such as literature, music, culture, politics, as well as his brilliant voice in defending the just Palestinian cause.Last year, I met him in Mainz, Germany, where he received the prize of Best Scholar in Middle East Studies, and almost 1,000 academics and scholars from all over the world were attending this marvelous occasion, as if they knew of his approaching death. Not one member of the scholarly committee of 56 voted no or abstained. A special musical session, performed by an Iraqi chorus, was dedicated to him on this occasion. At night, he was singing loudly repeating the songs of the Palestinian singer Mrs Kilani -- dedicated to Palestinian refugees -- full of joy and happiness. His humble style was amazing in speaking with everybody, answering, encouraging, commenting and attending different sessions of the WOMCAS, as if predicting death's approach.
I, with Michel Irving invited him to come to Denmark, and he answered that he would love to come to Denmark, because he never visited the country. But death cut short his willingness and our wishes to see him with us in Copenhagen.
Out Of Place, his last book, makes him visible "in" all places and hearts, especially among the oppressed Palestinians who saw him as their authentic real voice in the Diaspora. He was adamantly supporting our campaign for the Palestinian refugees to return to their homes after 55 years in exile.
Personally I wished from all my heart that he would be our first Palestinian president, but alas death always interferes to cut short our wishes. Edward Said conquered death by his daily contribution to the cultural monuments of our human values, and he will stay a brilliant shrine and a marvelous example of the strength of the will for our oppressed people, against the huge dark powers who try to suppress and destroy our dreams and our rights to exist on equal footing with other people.
Palestine with Edward Said was more rich, wide, critical, humane and sublime. Palestine without Edward Said is different, sad, missing one of its loyal voices who carried its symphony of freedom to the four corners of the world. With Said, Orientalism as methodology was changed forever, while the Orient and its people were empowered with more knowledge of their richness and roots. With Said, Palestinians and Israelis had a vision for a better future, personified by the long cooperation with the Jewish musician Daniel Barenboim, with whom he established a common group of more than 200 Israeli and Palestinian young musicians. With Said, culture, knowledge and power had different connotations where culture is seen as a symphony of all its variation, rather than the narrow-minded Samuel Huntigton's thesis of the clash of civilisations. With Said, universities and streets, the "intellectual" and the "normal" are one, philosophy, politics, art, music and thought are variations of the same humane. With Said, Marks, Conrad, Gramchi and Foucault were reread differently by crossing the borders of different disciples, and connecting knowledge to power to representation to decolonisation processes in the Third World.
The legacy you left for us Edward is our solace to your tragic farewell.
Mahmoud Issa
Senior Researcher
Information Department
The Danish Refugee Council
Copenhagen
Denmark
In his footsteps
Sir-- Earlier this year, I wrote 'Muffled media' (Al-Ahram Weekly, 27 February - 5 March) about the media blackout on Edward Said talk at UCLA. I wrote about how angry I was at the self-censorship of the Los Angeles Times, but what I did not write was how awesome it was to be in the presence of such an educated and humanist intellectual.When he took the stage that evening, the hall was packed with hundreds of people. He was greeted with a five-minute standing ovation. The lady to my right was an Arab professor from UCLA who was literally in tears. To my right was a young college student who adored his earlier literary works. A tired, weak Edward Said spoke and made the hair on my back stand as he discussed the then prospective invasion of Iraq.
At the end, there was a question and answer session. Of course, there was a heckler from the crowd. Then came a young Israeli exchange student to the microphone. She said "Professor Said, I agree with your presentation but what can I do?" Said said you are in a position of power and I, although an Ivy League professor, am not. Until this inequality is resolved the conflict will never be de-escalated. Said had a gift of reaching the hearts of people -- his true strength.
Before, during and for at least one hour after the event, there were lively discussions on Iraq and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. While Said was a unique man, his message was simple: "coexistence". I am sad that Said will not witness that dream in the Holy Land. Now that there is no longer the Said who so eloquently spoke and wrote, we as the people who believe in peace and justice must carry on the civil mission in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hekmat Sadat
Visiting Professor
Political Science Department, Pitzer College
Claremont University Consortium
San Diego, CA
USA
A disciple's tribute
Sir-- Perhaps the most suitable word to describe my relationship with Professor Edward Said is that of a disciple. The guru becomes a realisation of the disciple's highest ideals and an embodiment of a path. Through his life and work, Said has set new standards in ethics, academia and politics, becoming a source of inspiration for many through his books, lectures, and above all his person.Said had the courage to take sides and never allowed superficial neutrality to stop him from voicing the truth. He critiqued systems that subjugated people to oppression. "I am always on the other side of power," he once said. Said was a thorn in the side of power; he ruthlessly criticised Israel's war crimes against the Palestinians, the corruption of Arab regimes, and the US exploitative policies of the Arab East. He articulated the finest voice of the Palestinian narrative of exile and dispossession, while speaking about the Jewish experience. He advocated humanistic exchange between cultures: "We must let them [the Israelis] face our reality, and we face theirs," he told me.
My last encounter with him was last November at King's College, Cambridge. Despite his busy schedule and hospital treatment he made every effort to arrange a time to see with me. We agreed to meet shortly after his seminar on Vico. After the seminar, he asked me gently, "is it still alright for you to meet now?"; I was shocked by his concern, while he was the one sick with leukemia.
We walked into the College lounge, where he invited me to sit and asked me, "would you like some wine?" I replied affirmatively, asking if I should get the glasses. "No, no," he said, "I will get them, you sit down. Do you like cherry wine?"
We talked about many personal concerns for me as an Arab-Canadian who is seeking an academic life. Soon afterwards, Mariam, his wife, joined us. After a short conversation, he put his arm around her shoulders and told me, "my love bird". Not for a minute, did he allow his illness to prevent him from doing what really mattered in his life. He was a dove with the power of an eagle.
Said reached the highest possible levels of integrity, genius and elegance a man could achieve, on which he never compromised. He was a man of style, who had special twists to things, especially in the way he received people, the powerful satirical language he used, and even the way he dressed.
It is hard to imagine a second Edward Said. People of his quality make a single entry in human history, and like prophets, he joined the camp of the oppressed and left behind him both fragrance and fire. It is only true disciples who realise the duty of such an honour. Said's legacy is both a path and a torch for us to proceed forward on.
After Edward Said's journey, the path is paved and more lit, but he will be dearly missed.
Hakem Rustom
Social anthropologist and researcher
London
UK
Immortal words
Sir-- It is still very hard for me to believe that Professor Edward Said has passed away. I feel a deep grief for his death because I had such admiration for him that I often rushed to the newsstand to buy Al-Ahram Weekly and read his articles. When I heard that he visited Egypt last winter to give a lecture at the American University in Cairo, I abandoned my classes and went to listen to him speak. I will always remember his closing remarks at AUC. "Should the human conscience be ignored, the world would not gain anything." Professor Said, you were a frank and brave voice and a national symbol for your country.Ahmed Abdel-Tawwab
Al-Azhar University
Cairo
Egypt
Sober note
Sir-- I must add my voice to those who praise Edward Said. His eloquence, empathy and always insightful discussion of Palestine and Israel will be very much missed in the years to come. We have lost a sane and beautiful voice. May he rest in peace.Elizabeth Bishop-Martin
Athens, GA
USA
Humanist intellectual
Sir-- I am deeply saddened by the death of the Palestinian-American intellectual and writer Edward Said. I want to express sorrow for this incalculable loss to the readers and editors of Al- Ahram Weekly, on whose pages I frequently searched for and read Said's articles. It will be impossible to replace him and hard to learn to accept the final silencing of his incomparable integrity, passion and knowledge. Palestine has lost a brilliant son, one who never forgot her, and whose life's work was dedicated to rescuing an understanding of her tragedy from the guilty graveyard of forgetting, to which Western intellectuals had complacently relegated her. The United States loses its greatest and most accomplished humanist intellectual. Indeed, the world is poorer for his passing.Luciana Bohne
New York, NY
USA
Finding oneself
Sir-- I cannot believe that the death of a man who I have never met can raise so many emotions within me. The syntax of this language is too weak to describe these emotions of loss and despair.I was introduced to Edward Said's writing only two years ago by Professor Timothy Stevens, who is now the chair of the English Department of John Jay College. I had found Said in a crucial and critical time: a few days after the tragic events of 11 September 11, 2001. Those few months after 9/11 played a decisive role in formulating my personality and character. Right after 9/11, I shared the same feelings and emotions as my friends and colleagues did: revenge for the terrorist attack, sympathy for the victims' families, and a feeling of loss and sorrow. As a struggling New York City taxicab driver at that time who took this city as being both his home and mother, I felt as torn then as I feel today.
Even though New York City is known for its racial and ethnic diversity, I found myself lost as a Muslim and Pakistani American surrounded by other immigrants and "native" Whites. I had moved to the Untied States when I was 12 and had adapted so well that I had forgotten to read and write my native language. Before 9/11, I thought myself as being an American who shared the same concerns and ideologies as most of the people. But after 9/11, I felt rejected by a people who had labeled all Muslims and Arabs as being terrorists and fundamentalists seeking to destroy this Western civilisation, independently created without any contributions from anyone.
On the other hand, I also felt a rejection from my Muslim and Pakistani friends who despised me for being "too Americanised" in my appearance and politics. I felt that I had no identity: an American who is "too un-American" because of his religion and skin color, and a Muslim who is "too Americanised" to be called Muslim and Pakistani. The situation became even more complex after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Here I was, a "Pakistani-American" living a blissful life in the very country which I felt had declared a war on an impoverished country where many of my family members had grown up. I felt guilty for being here, for living this life while those whom I grew up with were being killed for "harbouring terrorists". "I couldn't be part of this machine," I said to myself, a machine so capitalist, imperial and colonial in its structure that it has disregarded the history, contributions, and lives of an entire civilisation of which I am a part.
I decided to buy Orientalism in which I found that Said and I shared the same experiences. I began to understand the stereotypes, bigotry and lack of critical thinking in my surroundings. I also began to think of myself as an exile. I had voluntarily left Pakistan because of its political corruption, lack of opportunities and an impoverished standard of living. I found myself as having two personalities, two languages, two nationalities. I was part of two cultures, and like Said, I have two nationalities but owe allegiance to none.
Through Said, I learned that cultures and people are not holy and independent, but are constructed and mutually dependent on each other's contributions to civilisation. Said was a complete man: a scholar who was qualified to comment with intellectual authority on anything, from music, literary criticism, philosophy, Spanish, Arabic, American, African and European literature, to the politics of the United States, Europe, Africa, South Asia and the "Middle East" (as he would quote for being a creation of European geographers).
Through him I learned to be critical and courageous while remaining honest and candid. I learned that as a first-generation immigrant who is part of two great cultures and languages, I could gain a critical insight into issues of power and politics. I understood the interdependency of cultures and civilisations, and the relationship between power, politics, and knowledge. Like him, I have become critical of oppression and an advocate of, as he would say, peace with justice. Edward Said was my personal hero and one of the most talented and tireless champions of Palestinian people and all of those who are oppressed.
He was a great man whom I never had the honour of meeting. I did however have the honour of reading his eloquent and moving essays and books, and listening to his fluent and poignant lectures. I have had the honour of living in the same time as him. Palestine has lost one of its most faithful sons.
Mohammad Usman Faridi
New York, NY
USA
From yonder years
Sir-- Would it be seemly to have a moment of silence for the valiant life of Edward Said? News of his death sent me into several moments of reminiscence about him from our first meeting in 1952 quite by a strike of good luck, and a coincidence that brought us together as confirmed members of All Saints Cathedral in Cairo, Egypt in 1952. He was nine years younger than I but with a far sharper mind, wit and writ, and an acute understanding of people and complex issues. We both left Egypt at about the same time, but he rose to a polymath scholar, an outstanding literary critic at Columbia University, and a great humanitarian.It amazes me that he was able to accomplish all that he has in writing inspite of battling for 10 years with the pains of leukemia and the advancing resoluteness of death. I really think of him as a Christ- like figure who fought for justice and equality for all men -- Arabs and Jews. He is the one who says that Sharon does not represent Judaism, and G W Bush does not represent Christianity. Edward Said may feel like an outsider who does not fully belong to the East or the West, but in my moments of silence I see him as the best exemplar of human nobility and love for all mankind.
I consider it a great honor to have known him and to have read his works. May God bless him and bless his loving family Mariam, Wadi' and Najla. Farewell dear friend, and flights of angels guard thee to thy rest.
Jimmy Beshai
Lebanon, PA
USA
Ideas transcend
Sir-- Edward Said's work had double impact on this world, firstly his counter-punch on classical studies of the East in the West. Secondly, and equally important, the transmission of liberal humanistic values to the Arab world. The latter, until recently, were perceived in the Arab world as exclusively Western values, yet what Said did was to show the world with its Arab and non-Arab citizens, the universality of the liberal humanistic tradition. Also, contrast to popular belief, its false representation in Western thought. Today the very fact that we see a significant number of Arab scholars, students and intellectuals embracing Said's work and vision is a remarkable historical achievement signifying a great transition in modern Arab thought.Sami Mahroum
Toronto
Canada
Marching on
Sir-- The death of Edward Said is a huge loss to all of humanity. As one of the most resounding voices for the struggle for universal peace and justice, Said's departure is indeed a very sad day for all of us. Whether we are Arabs, Americans, Palestinians, Israelis or simply peace-loving people, Said had something to offer to all of us. His sharp examination of the world we are living in, and his ongoing aspiration for a better world, and brighter future, makes it unbearable to think that he is no longer here with us.It is in Said's words that I always found consolation to my frustration with the myths propagating around my Muslim/Arab-American identity in the US and elsewhere, and it is in Said's writings that I always felt there is a reason for hope, a reason for a better future for all of us.
As I write these words knowing that Said is forever gone, the echoes of his words resonate in my memory, inspiring me to reclaim hope, and pledge to boost my energy and commitment to the noble cause of making the world a better place. Said may have died, and so did many and so will many, but Said will be always in our memory, his writing and his commitment will always be a candle light in dark days yet to come.
As we send our farewells to Said, we assure him that with an "elevated sense of individuality", a high "regard for individual life", moral "values that express love, intimacy and understanding" and before all with an ultimate regard to our "dignity", we will continue his journey, and we will ride the train of struggles until we reach the station of self-respect in which we could meet again with Gandhi, King, and Said. In our struggle, we will make sure that "Kids still go to school, doctors and nurses still take care of their patients, men and women go to work, organisations have their meetings, and people continue to live."
As we say farewell to Said, we assure him that with "dignity for ourselves," our solidarity with the Palestinian people remains not only as a symbol of our battle with prejudices, but also a principal element of our unrelenting resistance to all injustices. We assure him that we will catch up with "our own status" and make certain that "our representatives here and elsewhere realise, as a first step, that they are fighting for a just and noble cause, and that they have nothing to apologise for or anything to be embarrassed about."
As we say farewell to Said, we hope to be worthy of his trust and his "very high regard for the powers and gifts" that we possess "to struggle on" for our "vision of what" we "are and want to be."
Amir Salem
New York, NY
USA
Voice of humanity
Sir-- And so Said is gone. Much will be said in his honour; all of it deserved. A man of profound culture, a brilliant writer, a humanist in the deepest and best sense. Patriot and man of passionate conviction, Said nonetheless always stood above all for the creative individual; the complex variations that lie beneath the ready convictions of ideology and politics.I will leave it to others more qualified to celebrate his talents as a musician, critic and scholar. I remember him best for his unfailing courtliness, dignity and charm. Above all, one sensed in his feelings about Palestine -- and indeed in his feelings for all humanity -- true compassion and sorrow for suffering everywhere on earth.
Richard Mulliken
Jefferson, NY
USA
Most eloquent
Sir-- The work of Professor Said demonstrates that there are more effective ways to defend the Palestinian people against oppression. It is by way of eloquence and persuasion. His outstanding career shows there is one way to heal the grief of injustice, endure the loss of one's homeland, and regain one's dignity. It is to conquer the world of progress and achievement. Edward Said will no longer share his insights and caustic humour with the readers of Al-Ahram Weekly. His people have lost their most articulate voice, but Professor Said has left a message for the next generations and a model for them to follow.Pascal Nguyen
Sydney
Australia
Shining light
Sir-- It was a shock to learn of the death of Edward Said. He was a shining light in a world often dark and threatening. I will miss him greatly. And what a loss to Al-Ahram Weekly.Erik Mattila
California
USA
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 2 - 8 October 2003 (Issue No. 658)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/658/letters.htm