Chronicles of perseverance [Sumoud]

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In a region characterized by expansive landscapes transcending temporal and spatial bounds, a scenic tableau emerges featuring sprawling olive groves, time-honored towns, and venerable religious edifices. Within this expanse resided a populace whose existence was interlaced with the enduring fibers of adversity, grit, and unyielding optimism. For over seven and a half decades, Palestinians have endured the burdensome yoke of occupation. Their daily lives have been fraught with narratives of genocide, persistent harassment, discrimination, and the specter of violence perpetrated by occupying forces, casting a shadow over their aspirations and pursuits.اضافة اعلان

Nasr, a boy with eyes shimmering with curiosity, embarked on his daily journey to school. His backpack, laden not just with books but also the heavy burden of uncertainty, weighed down his small frame. The path to education wound through a labyrinth of checkpoints, where vigilant guards meticulously examined every step, turning his morning stroll into a precarious gamble.

Nestled within the embrace of ancient walls, the Palestinian family sought solace and a semblance of safety within the confines of their home. However, even amid this sanctuary, tranquility hung by a fragile thread. Each insistent knock on the door wielded the ominous potential—a stark prelude to an eviction notice, an invasive search, or a far worse fate. Within those walls, the home became a paradox—a haven of refuge laced with vulnerability, a sanctuary perpetually besieged by the specter of unwelcome intrusions. Each rap at the door could herald the arrival of settlers seeking to claim ownership of the house or land or authorities searching for the elderly, a child, a woman, a youth, or a girl who dared raise their voices against the occupation, whether in the streets or through a daring post, casting a chilling shadow over the family's precarious peace.  

In Palestine, people are not merely growing up; they are growing up carrying broken hearts, haunted by the trauma of manifold losses—whether it is their homes, cherished family, friends, neighbors, their lands, or trees.

In a world where families eagerly await the growth and prosperity of their newborns, a stark contrast emerges in the lives of Palestinians.

For them, the arrival of a new life is shadowed by the grim reality of potential harm, destruction, and tragedy at the hands of the Israeli army.
In Palestine, people are not merely growing up; they are growing up carrying broken hearts, haunted by the trauma of manifold losses—whether it is their homes, cherished family, friends, neighbors, their lands, or trees.
Although the world dignifies death with graceful closure through ceremonial respects, Israeli policy withholds the bodies of deceased Palestinians, employing it as a form of collective punishment. Israel's brutal practice detains the remains of deceased Palestinians, depriving families of closure and the dignity to grieve their loved ones, robbing them of the opportunity to honor the departed by their cultural and religious traditions.

While cities around the globe flourish and expand, offering promises of development and growth, Palestinian cities face a different fate—confiscation, blockades, destruction, and violation, leaving behind the scars of relentless attacks.

Amidst the world's admiration for blooming nature, trees, and gardens, Palestinians witness their cherished landscapes and vintage trees wither and crumble under the relentless assault of bombs and bulldozers, erasing the beauty they once knew.

The world's care and compassion for animals stand in sharp contrast to the heartbreak Palestinians endure, as their beloved animals become victims of brutal attacks, torn apart or left to suffer amidst the chaos inflicted by Israeli aggression.

Even though public spaces are cherished by people worldwide, Palestinians must risk their lives to reclaim safe public spaces under occupation.
Although the world dignifies death with graceful closure through ceremonial respects, Israeli policy withholds the bodies of deceased Palestinians, employing it as a form of collective punishment. Israel's brutal practice detains the remains of deceased Palestinians, depriving families of closure and the dignity to grieve their loved ones, robbing them of the opportunity to honor the departed by their cultural and religious traditions.
And when the dignity of life is celebrated globally, for Palestinians, it remains a stolen right, stripped away by the occupier, leaving behind a profound sense of loss and injustice.

At the same time as the world's media portrays humanity in its diverse forms, Palestinians find themselves misrepresented. They are either demonized, becoming targets of aggressive hate crimes, or used as a canvas for unresolved eugenics and prejudices. This denies them the simple recognition of their shared humanity.

In the heart of the multifaceted struggle, amidst the cycle of dehumanization, occupation, and uncertainty, lived a spirit unbroken. It is a spirit of resistance, of resilience, of [Sumoud], of unwavering hope, and of an unyielding belief in a future where the heavy cloak of occupation would be lifted and where freedom prevails.


Wafa Alkhadra is a university professor and spearheaded the conceptualization of Barefoot Nisswiyya and the innovative Ishrah research methodology.


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