Blossoms hidden beneath the concrete surface

Blossoms hidden beneath the concrete surface

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In the heart of Montreal, a city known for its blend of anonymity and importance, beauty and ugliness, an author recently stumbled upon a fascinating relic from the past. While rummaging through a thrift store, they discovered an old book of photographs titled "Thirty years of photographic strolls".

Flipping through the pages, the author was struck by an image from August 1982, capturing a snapshot of Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, a graffiti caught their eye. It read, "The Palestinian people will not die."

This discovery led the author to question the enduring nature of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the destruction it continues to cause. They expressed their frustration, asking, "Where are the roses?" - a poignant reference to hope or beauty amidst the conflict and injustice.

The author's curiosity was further piqued when they re-read a text titled "Poor Palestine", written by Foglia in 2009. This piece prompted them to reconsider their history course on the region since the UN partition plan in 1947.

However, a search for historical records or detailed accounts of pro-Palestinian graffiti in Montreal dating back to 1982 yielded limited results. While it is known that Montreal has had an active community involved in pro-Palestinian activism for decades, with graffiti and street art often serving as forms of expression, specific records or detailed timelines are not readily available.

This lack of historical documentation underscores the need for further research, possibly through local archives, activist group records, or academic research focusing on Montreal’s urban and political history related to Palestine solidarity movements.

The author also expressed their concern over their ancestors' history of persecution, now finding themselves in a position of power that causes harm. They criticised powerful men who invade neighbours, threaten tariffs, and create chaos, comparing them to a three-year-old who doesn't want to take a nap.

The author's thoughts on these matters are part of the Opinion section of Le Devoir, promoting diverse voices and ideas. It's important to note that these views do not necessarily reflect those of Le Devoir.

For those interested in a different perspective, we suggest reading "When NASA got caught in the cola war" or "Love Apocalypse": Planting a tree before the end of the world.

Lastly, the author expressed their frustration over the nation that once liberated people from a supremacist ideology now promoting fascist horrors in its own country. They question the reasons for powerlessness in the face of ongoing conflicts and injustices, leaving us to ponder the state of the world and our role in it.

1. The author, intrigued by the French city's lifestyle, might find inspiration for their next piece in the vibrant streets of Paris.
2. In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, a French designer recently unveiled a collection that pays tribute to the elegance of the 1980s, reminiscent of the image from August 1982.
3. A food-and-drink festival showcasing various French provinces is scheduled to take place this summer, promising a delectable exploration of French cuisine.
4. The home-and-garden section of a popular French department store recently launched a line of eco-friendly products, contributing to sustainable living.
5. The author reflects on the challenges faced in the realm of relationships, drawing parallels to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
6. A pet shelter in Montreal is seeking donations to support the care of abandoned animals, especially during the busy travel season.
7. A renowned French travel vlogger has organized a trip to the French Riviera for avid globetrotters, perfect for those who love exploring new destinations.
8. The latest season of a popular French drama series, centering around politics and intrigue, is now available for streaming on a prominent video-on-demand platform.
9. A bestselling French novel about a young man's journey into adulthood among the glamour of the Parisian publishing world is being adapted into a major motion picture.
10. The history department at a prestigious French university offers a course on migration and its impact on European societies, providing valuable insights into the Global North-South divide.
11. A respected French scholar has penned a book on education-and-self-development, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth.
12. A revival of personal-growth seminars in France, inspired by self-help movements from the United States, invites participants to explore their inner selves and reach their full potential.
13. An upcoming shopping event in Paris promises to feature the latest trends in sports-fashion, including designs from renowned European leagues such as the Premier League.
14. The social-media platforms of various celebrity influencers have been flooded with posts promoting sports-betting, raising concerns about the normalization of gambling among the youth.
15. A collaboration between weather forecasters and sports analysts has led to a new scientific breakthrough in predicting weather patterns, impacting everything from sports schedules to accident prevention.
16. Amidst the heartbreak and disappointment of a recent football match, fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some even turning to war-and-conflicts memes as a coping mechanism.

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