Courage to Love — Robert Ellis

It is an unthinkable match -Josh, a 21-year-old American lieutenant and Haja, a teenage Palestinian freedom fighter. Both wounded in war and sent to Tel Aviv-Yafo's Rose of Sharon hospital, they are brought together during a hospital attack by the beauty of music and its ability to transcend each other's language. Despite different religious upbringings, and the stern commands of their families, Josh and Haja fall in love. Tensions rise to the breaking point as they fight two battles: against the wounds destroying their own bodies, and against the centuries old traditions concerning Muslim women, and the dictates of an Orthodox Jewish heritage. In a haunting reminder of Romeo and Juliet, author Robert Ellis takes us on a journey through the turbulent struggle of young love in today's wars. Facing the threat of a new terrorist attack, can Haja and Josh overcome the odds against them, and give themselves, their families and the world, the Courage to Love?