The nakba

May 15th marks the Nakba Day, or the "Day of Catastrophe," for the Palestinians. On this day in 1948, when the State of Israel was established, over 700,000 Palestinians were forced to flee their homes and lands, which later became Israel. Since then, every year on May 15th, Palestinians around the world commemorate the Nakba by holding protests, rallies, and gatherings to demand their right of return, freedom, and independence.

The Nakba was a turning point in the history of the Palestinian people. It uprooted them from their ancestral lands, destroyed their homes, and shattered their dreams of living in peace and dignity. The Nakba also created a deep wound that has not healed to this day. Palestinians who were forced to flee Israel became refugees in neighboring Arab countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Those who stayed behind became a minority in their own homeland and were subjected to discrimination, violence, and displacement.

The Nakba also marks the beginning of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which is still ongoing. The displacement of the Palestinians and the creation of the State of Israel were the result of a deliberate Zionist policy to take over land and displace the indigenous population. The conflict that ensued has been characterized by violence, human rights violations, and a lack of political resolution.

The protests held by Palestinians every May 15th are a reminder of the injustice that befell them and their ongoing struggle for their rights. The protests take different forms and are held in different parts of the world. In Palestine, demonstrators often gather near the border fence separating Israel and Gaza. They hold signs calling for the right of return, the end of the blockade on Gaza, and the liberation of Palestine. In some cases, the protests turn violent, with Israeli forces responding with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live fire. The clashes have often resulted in fatalities, injuries, and arrests.

In other parts of the world, such as Europe, North America, and Australia, Palestinians and their supporters hold rallies and marches to raise awareness about the Nakba and Palestinian rights. They also organize cultural events, such as concerts, film screenings, and poetry readings, to celebrate Palestinian culture and resilience.

The protests on May 15th are not just a commemoration of the past; they are also a call to action for the future. Palestinians continue to demand their right of return, which is enshrined in international law. They also call for an end to the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza and for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. These demands are not only just but also necessary for the sake of peace and stability in the region.

However, the Palestinian cause is not just a matter of political rights and freedoms. It is also a matter of human rights, social justice, and dignity. The Nakba has created a humanitarian crisis that has affected generations of Palestinians. The refugees who were displaced in 1948 and their descendants continue to live in dire conditions in refugee camps, denied basic rights such as education, healthcare, and adequate housing. The Palestinians who live in the occupied territories face daily humiliation, violence, and discrimination under Israeli occupation. The Palestinians who are citizens of Israel face institutionalized discrimination and marginalization.

Therefore, the protests on May 15th are also a call for the respect of human rights and dignity. Palestinians demand an end to the Israeli occupation and colonization of their land, the dismantling of the apartheid regime, and the recognition of their right to self-determination. They demand an end to the violence that has been inflicted upon them for decades and for justice to be served for the victims of Israeli crimes.

In conclusion, the protests held by Palestinians every May 15th are a reminder of their ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and independence. The Nakba Day is not just a commemoration of the past but also a call to action for the future. Palestinians demand their right of return, an end to the occupation and colonization of their land, and the recognition of their right to self-determination. They demand an end to the violence and the violation of their rights and dignity. The Nakba is not just a Palestinian issue; it is a human rights issue. It is time for the international community to recognize this and support the Palestinian people in their just struggle.