“Hani!!! What an interesting name”

Well, thank you

“What kind of name is that?”

It’s an Arabic name

“Oh, where are you from Hani?”

I am originally Egyptian

Hmm, with a suspicious voice, “what religion are you?”

I am Muslim

“Oh,” with a look of disappointment and despite “you aren’t one of those radical terrorists, are you?”

No, I am not

Do I look like one to you?

“Well you never know what one looks like nowadays? You have to be careful, you know”

Yes, I understand, and I assure you, I am not one of them

“That’s good to know, so how do you feel about the Arab-Israeli conflict?”

That is an issue that requires a lot of time, and an open mind if you wish to hear my opinion on it

“So do you hate Jews as all Arabs do? Are you anti-Semitic?”

Hate is such a strong word, and I know better than to hate another being just because of what they are

“But Are you anti-Semitic?”

That is not possible; I would suggest that you look up the meaning of the word before you use it so loosely.

“What are you trying to imply? Are you saying that I am ignorant?”

I am not saying anything, you are the one who said it, but if you must know; I am not anti-Semitic. It’s impossible to hate my own people.

With a look of confusion, “what do you mean your own people? I thought you are a Muslim-Arab!!!”

Yes, I am Muslim and an Arab, which also means that I am very much Semitic.

“Pardon me, I must make a phone call”