An Interview with Brigitte Gabriel
If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for?
I would wish to live well into old age and witness and share in my children’s lives. I became an orphan at the age of 22. My greatest sadness is that I was robbed of having my parents share my life with me. I wish they could be here to see what has become of me, and to be there for my family. I never want my children to go through life like I did.
What book has changed your life, and how?
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This book really showed me that leaders must stand up and be counted, that they must have courage and commitment or society will pay a heavy price.
What’s the last totally selfless thing someone did for you?
I received an email from an American working in Turkey who read my previous book Because They Hate—he said it changed his life. He went to Israel to Jerusalem where my parents are buried along with Oscar Schindler to pay his respect to them. He sent me the photo. I was so honored and touched, I cried.
Besides writing, what other forms of art and creativity do you indulge in?
Belly dancing. I love to belly dance and do it to relax and rejuvenate. It is great exercise, and it lets me reconnect with my culture and enjoy my femininity. I love the music.
Do you cook? If so, is there any particular dish that you've mastered and would like to share?
I love to cook and spend time in the kitchen, creating the most delicious food and sharing it with my friends. During the holidays, because we don’t have any extended family, we invite all our friends who do not have families in town to our home. I spend four days cooking and preparing exotic foods-- I cook stuffed grape leaves, Tabuli, backlava and sushi--among many other dishes. This gives my children a sense of having a large extended family and teaches them hospitality.
