Be the Flower in the Trash

Dalia Ziada: Moderate Female Muslim Voice for Truth and Peace

This morning, while walking on the treadmill, a routine I adhere to most mornings, I tuned into the "In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch" podcast featuring Dalia Ziada, an Egyptian writer. As Ziada delved into her insights on the intricate geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and resonance. Finally, here was a platform amplifying the voice of a moderate Muslim woman—a perspective often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

In her conversation, Ziada recounted a poignant anecdote from her youth, where her late father imparted a powerful lesson: "be the flower in the trash." This metaphor encapsulated the notion of standing up for truth and goodness, even amid surroundings fraught with negativity and opposition.

Her words resonated deeply with me, emphasizing the significance of female voices and perspectives in understanding complex global issues. As we navigate the tumultuous realm of geopolitics, it's crucial to heed advocates like Ziada, who champion peace, truth, and righteousness despite facing adversity.

Following the Oct 7th Massacre , Ziada expressed support for Israel. She has continued to voice support for Israel’s military actions against Hamas, sparking significant controversy and backlash in Egypt.

Despite encountering threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes, Ziada remained steadfast in her stance, advocating for peace and condemning the actions of Islamist organizations like Hamas. Her courage mirrors the wisdom instilled in her by her father, who urged her to "be the flower in the trash" and stand up for truth.

Listening to voices like Ziada's is essential, particularly those of moderate Muslim females, as they offer valuable perspectives in steering towards peace and understanding in the region. Take the time to absorb her message and recognize the importance of female voices

Here is a link to listen to Dalia.

Shavua Tov,

Kenden