Bashert by Lior Samson

Author:Lior Samson [Samson, Lior]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Gesher Press
Published: 2020-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

22

2003 — Migdal turned from the sweaty men in the tiny room to look out the narrow window for a moment. The sun, just set, had left the sky above the Old City ablaze. He let the beauty of it wash over him, let the whispering voices of Jerusalem’s winding streets and jumbled buildings remind him of his promises, remind him of why he was here, in this small room, with these people.

When he turned back, he was smiling, but Hashim knew him well enough to know this did not mean he was happy.

“Migdal, Migdal, is this really so big a thing we ask?” Hashim spread his arms in a dramatic gesture that turned his robe into a black sail in the slight breeze coming through the window. “It’s just another business deal.”

“I cannot, you know that, Hashim. It is simply impossible.” He thought of tearing the paper in his hands into small pieces but instead simply placed it on the table and slid it across to Hashim. Hashim pushed it back.

“Since when was anything impossible for Migdal Rozeyn? You have done it before. The impossible. This impossible thing, in fact. Oh, yes, we know all about it. You can do it now for us, for us all. It is about balance, about restoring balance.” A resonance had entered Hashim’s voice, as if the bass boost on a boom box had just been turned on.

“It is not the same, Hashim, and you know it. Your client will use it. Israel did not, will not.”

“And since when do you know the Minister of Defense? Or those ultra-orthodox jackals who surround him and howl in his ears? Since when do you know his mind or his heart?”

“I know him well, like a brother. Didn’t you know he actually is my brother,” Migdal said, trying to lighten the tone.

“Ah, so your family tree has branches I would not have imagined, my American cousin. And did you not once call me brother? Have we not traded as brothers, with trust, with fairness?”

“I am not your American cousin. I am an Israeli citizen. And this would not be a fair trade. It would be treason, betrayal, not just of me, but of the whole organization. It would be an abrogation of what we are all about. For me to agree would betray you as well, Hashim. Were such a thing ever to be discovered, even hinted at, Trade Now would be doomed. You would be out of business.

“No, we do not trade in death. I will not be a part of this, not in any way.”

“You misread the request. It is for medical research. The lab is a legitimate scientific endeavor. The research they undertake will enhance the prestige of the Palestinians in the eyes of the world scientific community. It legitimates us as contributors to learning and progress.”

“Hashim, you yourself do not believe that. How can you expect me to believe it? You know. All of you know.” He turned to the two silent men seated just beyond the dimming light from the window.

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