Last month I was honored to be presented with Timor Leste (formerly East Timor’s) highest honor, The Medal of Timor for contribution to the country’s human rights and democracy. The Medal was presented at a ceremony by Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos Horta, followed by a celebration at our non-profit AJAR’s office. About 200 people, mostly human rights defenders and survivors of serious violations, joined hands to dance the amazing Timor “tebe tebe” solidarity dance that was so important to bring people together and maintain hope during the dark days of the 24 year-long Indonesian military occupation. Traditionally it is the women who hold the power to drum the powerful beats behind the dance, circling with drums under their arms.

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Oh Le Le Le (Music Video): https://youtu.be/bHRMwfG5fkM?si=l_PFbEjBht6voS1p