Mona Hanna-Attisha’s grandfather Haji’s mythical birds symbolize the importance of solidarity, collective action, and community support. Mona was raised by parents who fled Iraq after the Ba’athist Revolution transformed their homeland into a frightening place they no longer recognized. Both of her parents’ families had rich histories of activism and resistance—and when it came time for Mona to speak up about the violence, neglect, and environmental justice taking place in Flint, she drew on those core progressive values to fight for her community.
These values are symbolized by a bedtime story that Mona’s mother, whom she and her children call Bebe, tell Mona’s daughters Layla and Nina. The story centers on a flock of small birds, which Haji tended and fed every day, carrying him to safety after an accident—and in this way, Haji’s birds symbolize the rewards of community action. Alone, one bird cannot lift a man or make a difference—but the flock of birds works together to lift him up and fly him to safety, which speaks to the power of community, solidarity, and the hard but necessary task of looking out for one another. This represents Mona’s own situation as she fights for justice in Flint: alone, she could never have made a difference—but with the help of dedicated friends, colleagues, and supporters, she was able to help metaphorically lift the community of Flint to safety.
Haji’s Birds Quotes in What the Eyes Don’t See
“A small bird few down and tugged at the hem of his white dishdasha. The bird told Haji that he would take him to the doctor. But Haji laughed at the small bird, wondering how such a tiny bird could carry him. Soon another bird came and took the edge of his sleeve. Another bird came, and another, until hundreds of birds surrounded him. They each held a small piece of his dishdasha, and even his hair and his toes, and together the birds were able to lift him and fly him through the air.”
Haji’s Birds Symbol Timeline in What the Eyes Don’t See
