Palestinian Refugee Shares How They Came to Wisconsin

Lafarge, WI—A community came together in LaFarge, Wisconsin, to gain an understanding of the Gaza conflict. The event, hosted by Bob Goonin and Muhammad Kharbush, highlighted their experience and historical context with the forced displacement, violence, and the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in the Gaza region.

Kharbush, A Palestinian who grew up as a refugee in Lebanon, recounted his family's flight from Palestine in 1948. He described the trauma of displacement, the struggles of living in a refugee camp, and the history of how his family came to live on a farm in Wonewoc, Wisconsin. Despite these hardships, Kharbush pursued education and eventually immigrated to the United States.

Goonin, a local Lafarge resident and Jew, provided historical context for the Palestinian conflict. He emphasized the role of the Israeli occupation and limited access to resources in perpetuating Palestinians' suffering. Goonin has advocated for peace and Palestinian rights for many years. In 2019, he visited Palestine and consulted farmers about land, water, and energy issues, as he had experience working at Organic Valley and as a founder of Bring It Home Biofuels Cooperative.

The organizers expressed hope that the event would raise awareness of the plight of the Palestinian people and encourage greater support for peace and a change in U.S. policy toward the conflict.