I had to debate with myself on whether to write about this but it shows such an endearing side of Abdullah. He had always been an open-minded individual and willing to try new experiences. For example, when we would visit my father it was expected we would attend Sunday church service as a family. Abdullah never objected and would insist on driving my dad and stepmom to the church. After the service my dad proudly introduced his Saudi son-in-law to the minister as well as other friends at the service. The minister was surprised and happy to have a distinguished muslim guest attend the service. They had a lengthy discussion about differences AND similarities between Christianity and Islam. And of course his willingness to attend the service in respect to my Dad just further endeared Abdullah to my Dad and stepmom.
Back in Northern Virginia where we lived at the time, our next door neighbors were Jewish. Not only Jewish but one of them was Israeli. We had a cordial relationship with them. After all, they were our next door neighbors and delightful individuals. Abdullah enjoyed some animated intellectual debates and discussions with them.
These neighbors would always decorate the outside of their house during Hanukkah with blue and white lights. It was similar to how Christians would decorate with red and green lights or muslims with white lights during Eid. Abdullah and I were outside walking and our neighbor’s were outside in their yard. As we passed them by, my dear husband greeted them with “Happy Heineken!” He did not realize what he had said and was surprised when all of us started laughing (the neighbors had an excellent sense of humor). But after he was advised of what he had said he was so embarrassed and profusely apologized. Our neighbors reassured him not to worry and that they knew what he really meant to have said.
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I think that is a great story! It is funny and sweet. My husband is Syrian/Iranian and he loves to talk with one of his professor”s who is Israeli. He had never met an Israeli before and she had never met a Syrian!
Thanks Valerie. I’m glad to hear that your husband is having unique experiences too!
I don’t see why you would hesitate sharing this story? If anything, it proves that Abdullah (May Allah have mercy on him) was an open minded person, who was not only eager to learn new cultures and beliefs but also share his own culture and belief. It also shows how confident he was of his religion.
Thanks for sharing this story, Carol!
Beautiful story Carol. I’m glad you shared it with us.
Oh that’s great! I love this story!
What a great story! It just goes to show that people CAN get along despite differences… I wish the whole world would realize this!
This kind of thing is common to see in India – people even go to each other’s shrine and pray there. Communal celebration of festivals is also common and no one thinks much about it. But I guess for a Saudi it was indeed commendable that Abdullah could walk that extra length with the people of other faiths,
I do not believe Abdullah was unique in his actions; it is just that because this is viewed as more of a sensitive topic, few Saudis are willing to share such experiences.
LOL Great story!
Carol, Your last comment kind of confused me. If he was not unique in his action then why would you say Saudis would be unwilling to share the experience? Are you saying that Saudis are friendly and tolerant but don’t want to let that secret out? LOL actually, I can relate!
How wonderful! I love his greeting to the Jewish neighbors!! Ha, ha!
What a great person! Love these stories!
That is so funny! What a sweet man.
But where did the nice Arab boy hear the name Heineken ? Inquiring minds want to know!
@Lynn, Yes….I am saying that Saudis are more friendly and tolerant than one may be aware!
@Jerry, I am sure you can use your imagination.
Appreciate the comments from all.
I just shows that we are are just people at the end of the day. When goverments get out of the way, we as a people can find common ground and be friends.
That statement is so very true.
how funny! i reallly love the heiniken part!
this post lets us in on what a trully amazing man Abdullah really was.
he had a great respect for those around him. that is very unique to find in someone.
you were trully blessed with a wonderful husband!
If I am allowed to give a “sneak preview” stay tuned for when Abdullah and his father-in-law (My Dad) met for the first time…. My Dad was an outspoken man who never feared to say what was on his mind… and Abdullah handled the challenges with his natural diplomatic aplomb.
that was fun to read,
I remember back While working for Lufthansa German Airlines, I was having training in Frankfurt. we had three Israeli’s with us in the group.
since I was the first Saudi to be there since 1979, They made two groups so I won’t have to be with them.
I told the Instructor that I’m okay with them, as long they are okay with me.
it was kind weird at the start but at lunch, dinner or at night at the beer garden we would sit together as we “myself and the Israelis” have same friends Italian, Bulgarian, Malta and Indian.
so we talked a lot, and we became good friends, we e-mail each other from time to time,
we should not label people, if we treat people with respect they would do the same to us.
keep these stories coming ^.^
cheers
@Saudimajix,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience too!