Issues

We asked you to tell us your memories of Palestine and your hopes for the future at this difficult landmark. Below are a few of the responses we heard.

“The Palestinian narrative commences with our Nakba 60 years ago, and continues to this day for Palestinians throughout the world. Attempts at peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must continue with the focus and vigor that the human dimension requires and deserves.”
-George Salem, Chairman of AAI Board of Directors

“The hope is still there. We never lost hope…”
-Anis Barghouti, former Palestinian Ambassador to the United States

“I was raised on stories of olive trees, learned my alphabet from peace processes. It’s only natural for me to continue to hope for Palestine.”
-Ryah Aqel

“My hope is that there will come a time when we aren’t transfixed on the violence and suffering of the Palestinian people, but rather the beauty of their land and passion of their people. One day, may the Arab people find stability, security, and sovereignty in a region plagued with unrest.”
-Sirene Abou-Chakra

“The resiliency of the human spirit is best captured by the youth of the Jenin refugee camp. Speaking with them is a mixed dose of reality, hope, and desperation, reminding you that peace and justice can never be separated.”
-Andrew Dalack

“My hope for Palestine is to see a peaceful coexistence of all of the people that currently exist there. My ultimate hope is to see two states that will exist side by side peacefully and independently and to see each state embodying peace, justice and freedom of expression for each of its citizens.”
-Abeer Saleh

“Visiting my family in Nablus, Palestine has always been the most welcoming, and one of the best memories I will forever cherish. I strongly desire peace in the future and assurance that my family will always stay safe.”
-Raya Abu-Zahra

“I’m hopeful, but it is depressing to still have to argue points about things that are factual. Because so few are aware of the facts of the Nakba, many people regard the truth as myth. Yet age old myths from the other side are still perceived as facts. When the truth is completely out there and acknowledged on both sides, we will have progress. Thanks to technology, individuals can now access and uncover the truth for themselves. As a result, we will have a more democratic vision of a realistic resolution.”
-Elena Farsakh

“I think we—as Palestinians—should shift our focus from a national framework to a humanist one. It is quite simple: just like all human beings on this earth, Palestinians everywhere deserve to live in peace with justice and dignity. It is our fundamental human right.”
-Janan M.