Opinion Analysis by Tala Al Otaibi, Contributor

May 15th, 2021

May 15, 2021 marks 73 years since the worst incident that occurred in Palestinian history took place. 1948 was the year that officially marked the beginning of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. What began as “evictions” turned into mass murders that went on for decades. Now, we can only see history repeat itself as the state of israel has continued to threaten the eviction of the residents of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem. Currently, the current crisis occurring is happening right around the anniversary of the 1948 Nakba, a day which Palestinians have dreaded for generations.

73 years later, the israeli government is still participating in an ongoing Nakba. The recent situation in Sheikh Jarrah is just a matter of history repeating itself. But this time, the voice of the Palestinians is the loudest it has ever been. The residents of Sheikh Jarrah, including Mohammed and Muna El-Kurd, are documenting everything and speaking out on the issue. Along with them, several Palestinians are providing live updates and documentation on what is happening in Palestine by the minute. Today, unlike in 1948, we are witnessing the recurring Nakba happening right in front of our eyes on mobile phones and television screens.

73 years later, the world decided to listen. #SaveSheikhJarrah and #FreePalestine have been trending all over Instagram and Twitter for the last several days. Palestinians and non-Palestinians alike are coming together to raise awareness on the issue, reposting information, pictures, videos, interviews, and donation links. Even though social media platforms like Instagram have been taking down the posts as a result of “technical issues”, the world is not staying quiet. Even more so, protests have been ongoing in many regions worldwide – including the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Jordan, and more – as a means of showing solidarity and fighting for the freedom of Palestine. Today, the world is watching and listening.  Despite many people in different regions around the globe fighting with the Palestinians and showing solidarity, there remains quite a number of people who are in support of israel. 

73 years later, the people of Palestine are still hurting. On the 10th of May, the israeli forces attacked innocent civilians in al-Aqsa mosque during their prayer. The forces attacked with rubber bullets and grenades with the excuse of “restoring order”, as israelis took to the streets to celebrate the “defeat” of Palestinians when they saw the mosque going down. That same night, the forces proceeded to bomb the city of Gaza, killing dozens of people in cold blood. On the 11th of May, Hamas fought back by firing rockets at Tel Aviv. For the Palestinians, it was a moment of pride, where Eid had come early for them this year. For the Palestinians, it was a step closer to getting back what is, and forever will be, rightfully theirs. 

Every day in Palestine, hundreds are arrested, injured, killed – including innocent young children from the age of 1. Every day in Palestine, the Palestinians fear for their lives. Every day, they are fighting back – for their families, their homes, and their country. As citizens of the world, it is our job to raise awareness on the issue and do what we can in order to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine. You do not have to be Muslim, Christian, Jew, or Arab to be supporting the Palestinians in their fight. You only have to be human. 

This year, like every year, we remember the Nakba day with a heavy heart. 73 years later, we are still angry. This year, we are calling on the international community to break the silence. We are calling on the international community to acknowledge the crimes that the occupational state of israel has committed for decades with no consequences. It is time for them to be prosecuted for all that they have done and for all the human rights violations that they have committed. 73 years later, we are still hurt and broken.

This year, like every year, we remember the Nakba as a symbol of strength and resilience. We remember the Nakba by continuously fighting back. This year, we honor all the lives taken and remember their names. We honor our families, our grandparents, our neighbors, and our loved ones by speaking up and showing up.

73 years later, the genocide against Palestinians is still taking place. Yet, no matter what, the Palestinians remain strong and resilient. Palestine will always be the land with an abundance of culture and history. Palestine will always be the land of giving. 73 years later, we continue to fight for our freedom. We continue to pray and believe that Palestine will be free.