Palestine Lives: Memories and Hopes for the Future
Posted on Tuesday August 12, 2008
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.
Anti-Zionist Orthodox demonstrate outside the annual conference
of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) to protest
the existence of the so-called 'state' of Israel.
Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews protesting the desecration of graves
by a highway construction project near Haifa were attacked and
brutally beaten by private security guards hired by the Ministry
of Transportation.
View Videos and photos of the brutal and violent event ....
Following a demonstration in Jerusalem protesting the
violence and grave desecration, Zionist police burst into an
Orthodox Jewish Synagogue and attacked Jews in Prayer for the
Passover Holiday.
Read More....
Statement by Neturei Karta Orthodox Jews on the "Barrier
Wall" in Palestine
