What comes to mind when I think of Palestine now?
Harsh but beautiful landscapes broken with white-walled villas and flat blocks. Pumping melodic soundtracks and dazzling choreography. Platters of welcoming food and drink, laughing and warm embraces.
But underneath there is something much stronger and more admirable: the spirit of struggle and a resilience which is remarkable. It is a word that immediately sprang to mind when we were planning our presentation on Palestinian life and there are so many obvious areas where it is evident: the defiance of Israeli military dominance and settler presence across the entirety of the West Bank; the forging of lives which cross communities as well as restrictive boarders; the refusal to accept that Palestine must be a land of limitations.
From 'resilience' came the words 'strength', 'unity' and 'tolerance'. An interesting mixture of passion and empathy has seemingly produced a society which challenges its occupation both physically and with a positivity that brings its people together, despite the Israeli tactics of division.
Strength can be seen in all areas of Palestinian life: strength in family bonds and cultural traditions, strength in conviction and determination (evidenced for me in the bright enthusiasm of many students towards their education) but also strength in terms of an infallible desire and belief in progress.
Throughout my week I have heard many Palestinians stress that their struggles are plentiful and very real in their dangerousness. I haven't however heard that anyone has given up the hope of fully reclaiming Palestine 48 or the occupied territories, that there is no hope in continuing the struggle, and that is something I know all my students will find powerful and inspirational too.
It is what the wider world should acknowledge about this wonderful place and its brilliant people: that instead of being taught to hate from suffering, you are taught to live and to education, to learn from each other. There is an openness to their discussion that invites tolerance and a hope that may, one day, unify the peoples here.
No comments:
Post a Comment