Crossing Over - by Deena Ragless (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Growing up in Australia after arriving here at age five, my life did not differ from most others. Although half Jordanian and half Irish, I look more Irish than Jordanian due to my fair complexion. Of the nine first-cousin girls in my family, six look Middle Eastern, and the remaining three, of which I am one, do not.

Many people encounter potentially debilitating changes and challenges throughout their lives, through no fault of their own. Wars, divorce, retirement, sickness, accidents, and pandemics can all change people's lives. Others may not encounter such monumental changes, but they may face change due to their beliefs or ideologies being challenged. Such is my case.

Reading a book in 2014 changed my life, including my understanding about the ongoing tension between Palestine and Israel. It also revealed my true nationality. I discovered that I was half Palestinian because of my maternal grandparents, which I immediately embraced. I started looking further, and what I confronted resonated deeply, challenging me to consider and change parts of my belief system.

Crossing Over reveals a biblical foundation and an overview of what has been happening in Palestine and Israel over the years, including key events since 7 October, 2023. Because of its content, I hope you will become enlightened about the injustice occurring in one part of the world to the people I belong to. I hope you will no longer shrug your shoulders or give it a cursory glance, but instead engage yourself further and tell others what you are learning.