Palestinian State
Some of you know I have had a soft spot for Palestine long before coming to the Arab World. Since my arrival I have met so many Palestinians who have shared their stories with me. They are heartbreaking and frustrating because of the blatant injustice they have suffered. Being here has given me the opportunity to gain a different (but still very elementary) perspective that I wanted to share with you...
Imagine you are living side by side with people of all religions and races for hundreds of years. Israel does not exist, this place is called Palestine. But Palestine is a sacred place and in our recent history we have seen Jewish extremists claim this land as their birthright. History unfolds and the Jewish settlers- actually many of them were refugees welcomed into Palestine- took this land and called it the state of Israel. Not only were Palestinians forced off their land and out of their homes, but families were torn apart and murdered. This is what the Palestinian people will never forget.
Some Palestinians became refugees while others remain in what the world now considers to be Israel and the Palestinian Territories. They live under occupation where they are treated not like 2nd or 3rd class citizens but worse. They are openly discriminated against and live under conditions most of the international community condemns. Today, Jewish settlers continue to move into what little remains of Palestinian Territory. These settlers are from around the world including America, who previously had not set foot on this soil, were not born there, nor were there parents or their parent’s parents born there. They come to occupy a site they consider theirs based on ancient texts- ignoring the real families and people who call this place home.
How would you feel in this situation? Would you negotiate with the government who did this to you and your family? No. Would you agree to receive a meagre percentage of land that was yours in the first place? No. Would you sit by quietly while more Jewish extremists settle inside what remains of Palestinian Territory? No. Would you accept the constant discrimination, the Separation Wall, and lack of basic rights and freedoms? No. And what about Gaza? There is very little information reaching John Q Public about this place which is essentially a large prison.
To the Arabs, Israel does not exist- it never has and never will. It is Palestine. It has become painfully obvious no matter what Palestine does they will never legally and peacefully achieve the justice they deserve. The message taught to each new generation of Palestinians is this- one day we will return. In fact, a symbol of the Palestinian pursuit of their homeland is the key. When the Palestinians were forced from their homes they still had their house keys and have kept them for when they return home.
Please understand that Palestinians and Arabs do not hate Israelis or Americans. But their governments are allowing human rights abuses to occur. Many people have told me one day there will be a war. A war that Palestinians need to fight and will happily die for. I am beginning to understand this.
Thinking of home but happily abroad,
Carrie
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