LIBYAN HOSPITALITY...

"The level of hospitality and generosity that greeted us at every home we visited was unparalleled to anything I had experienced in the United States, or even Singapore.

We were invited to homes of relatives for lunches and dinners almost every day during our first few weeks, either in Tripoli or Khums. Regardless of their financial circumstances, every house we went to slaughtered a lamb in our honor, served us their best foods and gave Layla and me lovely gifts, often in the form of jewelry..."

THE LIBYAN

Esther Kofod

www.estherkofod.com

I don't think I shall ever again experience the phenomenal feeling of being so welcomed as I did in Libya. It is what I have missed most about living in America, but I hope I have retained some of that Libyan in me. Such epic hospitality can only be the result of a kind and generous culture. It is evident in the character and personalities of almost all the Libyans I have known. 

It has always been my dream to return to Libya one day, to visit family and old friends, and meet the descendants of  a man I shall always revere as my hero, my father-in-law. He epitomized to me the meaning of family. He was the force that held us all together, and without him, I fear that the familial thread will one day slowly start to unravel. Just as Libya is unraveling now...

THE LIBYAN by Esther Kofod, Review by Oni Bella

Thank you, Oni Bella!

LIBYAN ARTISTS...

"In 1977, Ghaddafi deviously arranged for a "literary" festival", inviting prominent and promising artists and writers to attend. After all the participants showed up, he had them arrested and thrown in jail, where they were interrogated and tortured, many for almost ten years."

THE LIBYAN
Esther Kofod

I have often thought of all that talent, holed up in Abu Salim, their creative souls and minds mingling with the squalor and perversions of brutality. Many survived, and some have gone on to produce even better work of art and writings. I would love to read and learn more about them and their stories. How pitiful, that Gaddafi found even talent a threat. Libya would be better today if he had heeded their message and shared the beauty of their art.

When I joined Twitter about a year ago, I knew nothing about how it worked, and definitely had no idea of its potential. Through Twitter, I have literally been connected to the world, and more specifically, back to Libya in a way I would never have thought possible. I have not only made some amazing Twitter friends, but I have also been introduced to some outstanding Libyan artists. I am so moved by their talent that I want to share some of them with you. These are, of course, only a few of them. I would be honored to be introduced to more...

Bashar Shglila, Photographer. "Ride Like The Wind"

Najla Fitouri, Painter. "Lost Everything, Nothing Left But Love"

Ehsan Azzuz, Digital Artist. "Tripoli With Roses"

Nader ElGadi, Photographer. "Eid Prayer At Murad Agha Mosque In Tajoura"

EID MUBARAK and HAPPY RAMADAN to my family and friends all over the world...

To my family and friends in Libya, I send you special prayers for a safe and peaceful Eid...

A LITTLE HUMOR TO SOFTEN THE TEARS...

God help Libya...

If the situation continues, this is soon going to be the only way out...

RAMADAN KAREEM to my Muslim friends and family all over the world...

RIP SALWA BUGHAIGHIS

"The revolution made us proud to be there on the frontline, and men were forced to accept us."

Salwa Bughaighis, Human Rights activist and lawyer.

Today, Libya lost another hero. Salwa Bughaighis was stabbed and shot in her home in Benghazi by several cowardly murderers. Today, a little more of Libya died with her, but her voice will continue to be heard. She was murdered only a few hours after casting her vote in the parliamentary elections. 

This heinous act was committed in the name of evil. My heart cries for Libya.