70. Gaza City, 1999 - Freedom Day

In which Tariq rises to the occasion.

Tariq pulls out all the stops. Francois and Eleanor are pleased.

Tariq

Tariq feels a sharp stab of anxiety as Eleanor walks toward him. She’s looking positively regal in her long blue evening gown, her dark hair swept into a graceful updo. But she’s smiling broadly. As she approaches, she reaches out both her hands, taking his in hers.

“Tariq, you’ve done a magnificent job here. Well done. We could not have done this without you,” and she looks around the room, filled to capacity with guests. “And you helped to get Arafat here—Francois is so pleased,” she looks over towards where Francois and Arafat are deep in conversation. “It’s a tribute to everything he’s built here.” She looks back at Tariq. “We should still give him his own farewell party in June, I think though,” she says, musingly. She gives his hands a squeeze, then lets them go. “Anyway, well done, truly, and thank you.”

Tariq feels himself blushing.

“And I owe you an apology,” Eleanor surprises him. “I’ve been—” Eleanor looks down at her evening shoes, “rather harsh. The last few months—” her voice trails off, while one foot taps gently. “They’ve just been very…stressful. But you’ve come a long way, and now we have a truly functional office in Gaza. Thank you,” she says again, looking him in the eyes now..

Tariq swallows and nods, not sure how he’s expected to respond. He doesn’t want to do anything to set her off. “I appreciate your guidance, Miss Eleanor,” he manages. “I’ve learned a lot from you too.” And it's true, he has. While he still finds Eleanor and Francois intimidating, with Wissam and Nagla’s help he’s feeling much more sure of himself now. And he knows with Francois finishing his posting and returning to South Africa in six weeks, Eleanor is going to need him to do even more.

“I need to get back to work,” Eleanor says, looking over her shoulder, surveying the room. “Make sure you enjoy yourself this evening too, Tariq. You’ve earned it,” and she moves back into the room, smiling as she greets the head of UNRWA.

Tariq takes a deep breath, absorbing her words. He lifts his chin and stands a little straighter. He has a respectable place in Gazan society now, and that means more than Eleanor can possibly understand.

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Bonus Material

• South Africa’s Freedom Day reception

• Hotels and hospitality in Gaza. And Gazan’s indomitable spirit.

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