Interviewee: Mohammed Abd Aziz
Interviewer: Yasir A Darwish
Relationship: Neighbor
Date: March 13, 2001

Struggle for life

What is your full name?

Mohammed Abd Aziz.

What is your nationality?

Palestinian.

What is your date of birth?

August 17, 1961.

Where were you born?

I was born in Ramallah, West Bank.

When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?

In 1989.

Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?

I left my country for some freedom and a chance for a better life.

What did you like/dislike about your home/country?

Actually I liked everything about my country, accept for the politics situation, exactly the occupation.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Because my sister live in the city.

How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?

I came to United States by airplane.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

When I came, I stay with my sister until I find a nice house across the street.

With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]

With my ex-wife.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your home town and why?

I mostly remember AL AQUA mosque, because it's the most holy place in our country. It's really mean a lot to us Muslim people.

How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?

First it was really hard in this country on me because everything was different about our country and the I get used to it little by little.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

Actually our mind when we came to this country we think everything like the way we see on TV or the pictures our family send us is like the pictures in the malls or in very nice areas. But when we came here, we find the truth. I was absolutely the opposite of that.

What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?

I came to find a better chance - me and my family - and better job to support my family than back home and I'm still working on it. It very hard to make it, you have to to work very hard.

What are the differences between when you came here and now?

It not very different actually. The city getting bigger and but it seem to be the same.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

All my family and the people I love.

What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?

It's the main problem. It the language and I have problem with my ex-wife and end up with divorce.

How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?

Just $300. My father give to me.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

By the time you stay in a place you get used to it and little by little I get used to the street, the stores, to the places and my sister help me a lot like in the neighborhood.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I don't think it's worth all the changes. It's any chance to go to another place new. Other new people, and having new chance. It's worth trying.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

It's high school diploma.

Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?

I can't answer this question by yes or no, but it's really, I feel like I am sorry because I lost a lot of time in and out my country away from my friends and the people I raise with, and my family, but I can't really answer this question.

What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?

It's all reasons make me want to go back where I came from. My friends, my family, my roots, my culture, and everything I have or everything I own there in the country as a mater of fact.

Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, where did you get money?

My first job I was very very hard, and I feel sorry about it because I work with my in laws in a food and liquor store and I was forced to have a first job because I have to work and get money. I didn't like my first job because the liquor is against my religion. I used to put a lot of hours for minimum wage.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I LOVE AMERICA!