For our March 2013 edition of This Week in Palestine, we collected a diverse selection of thoughts around humour from different perspectives. Opening with a contribution from Mrs. Maysoon Zayid, she starts us off by explaining what “humour” really sounds like from a Palestinian perspective. Mrs. Zayid describes herself as, “a Palestinian stuck in New Jersey.” She is an actress, writer, stand-up comedian, and the co-founder of www.arabcomedy.com. She has had a long-standing career as a comedian and performer, and is showing no signs of stopping. Her piece titled, “Pain & Time,” is a reminder of the kind of “humour” we had during the days of Ghuwwar Al-Tosheh and Juha. Cynical in approach, these two characters shaped our sense of comedy in Palestine. Dr. Ali Qleibo has a very interesting account of “humour,” which he links to the Arab social context. Known for his anthropological approach, Dr. Qleibo, yet again, amuses us with his findings and research.

Having collected Palestinian political jokes since 1988, Dr. Sharif Kanaana shares the political witticisms he has gathered in the last 25 years. (Read his jokes in Arabic. Then you’ll laugh!) There is a special appearance from Ms. Daphne Muse, a writer and social commentator who I happen to know personally and have experienced her sense of humour. Ms. Muse is also a social activist and educator who hosted Mrs. Rosa Parks herself during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Her article, “Humour, Struggle, and Resistance: Laughing to Maintain Our Sanity While Climbing to the Mountaintop,” is filled with passion, life, witty anecdotes, and advice that only a grandmother could give.

There is something for everybody! So, go on and look and see what you’ll find.