This rap within the song “Choosing Sides” was written by Hmouda, a young rapper and producer from a refugee camp located in Jerusalem. In “Choosing Sides” Hmouda adds his reality and truth, which is not only an educational tool for others in the ensemble and all who hear the song, but also an interweaving of realities in which Israelis and Palestinians can share “space” equally. Finally and perhaps most importantly, Hmouda’s lyrics are humanizing Hmouda and his truths, but in general the experiences of Palestinians who live under occupation and oppression. This humanization comes from a place beyond victimhood, but rather a place of resistance, empowerment, and dignity.
At first when Hmouda joined Heartbeat, he barely spoke during dialogue or the music making process. Slowly though over the span of six months, he began speaking more and finding himself within the group. The music educator-facilitators of Heartbeat make sure to give young people who join the program time to present themselves as they grow into a family like atmosphere where there is place for everyone to be heard and supported musically and socially. After one year in Heartbeat, Hmouda began to say that because of Heartbeat, he felt like he “could not hate anyone” and that Heartbeat was one of the only spaces he felt like he could fully be himself. Now two years later after graduating from Heartbeat’s high school program, Hmouda has created an educational space like Heartbeat for young Palestinian rappers from his community to express themselves with words instead of violence.