Glen Arbor part-time resident publishes memoir of Palestinian journey

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From staff reports

John Farah, a longtime dentist in Ann Arbor who lives part-time at The Homestead in Glen Arbor, has published a memoir about his journey from Jerusalem to Michigan. He’ll hold a book reading and signing for Imagine: A Palestinian Journey on Friday, Feb. 2, from 4-6 pm at Imagine Fitness and Yoga, 3100 W. Liberty Rd. in Ann Arbor. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from the event will go to St Andrew’s breakfast program for people experiencing homelessness in Ann Arbor, and 75% to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency helping war victims in Gaza.

Farah wrote most of the book during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I started it to let my kids and family know about my journey,” he told the Glen Arbor Sun. “A Palestinian growing up in Israel, sympathetic to Jews suffering in Europe and always feeling because of their history they will do the right thing towards Palestinians.” Farah has never been to Gaza.

The book is not political, but a memoir of his journey to southeast Michigan, said Farah. He last visited Jerusalem together his wife Jackie in April 2013, two days after the Boston Marathon bombing. Farah shared his experience running the Marathon that day. He also co-authored the 2012 book Let’s Pick It Up a Bit — an everyman’s guide to running.

Outside of dentistry, Farah’s interests span a broad range, from photography, writing, and gardening to snowboarding and fitness. He has completed 137 marathons and more than 400 road races in a 40-year running career. Farah earned his D.D.S. and a joint Ph.D. in Aerospace and Biomaterials Engineering from the University of Michigan.