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.
Disclaimer:
Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Jordan News' point of view.
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