Palestine: Nakba – Catastrophe versus Independence

The 15^th May was Nakba Day in Palestine, a commemoration that has several different names. By the Palestinian people it is known as the ‘catastrophe’. By Israel, on the other hand, it is known as Independence Day.

So. Time for a history lesson. Waaaaay back in 1948, while the British were occupying Palestine (and once again my sincerest apologies for my country's complicity in this), it was decided that 'Palestine' should be declared 'Israel' – ignoring the slight problem of the people who actually lived there. So, to solve that problem, the Palestinian people were driven from their homes, their villages and their country (catastrophic!), in order to make place for this new country - Israel (independent!).

Most of these people thought that they were leaving for a couple of weeks. They didn't understand that this was for real - they thought that their homes and lives would be protected by their neighbouring countries, who would intervene to stop the invasion. That didn't work.

It is now 65 years later and the Palestinian people have not returned to their homes. 85% of the Palestinian population became refugees in 1948 – fleeing to the West Bank, to Gaza and to neighbouring countries like Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Few remained. The catastrophe became known as such. 

People kept the key to their homes when they left, anticipating their swift return – these keys are now treasured possessions – holding memories and a heavy symbolism of the right of return.

So, Nakba Day commemorates the catastrophe and unites the Palestinian people, wherever they are. The right of the refugees to return is absolutely key to there being peace in Palestine. Until now, the they remain displaced or in the diaspora. They are not welcomed by Israel, who terribly conveniently, control all of the borders of Palestine.

Ooh, and there's another thing. If you happen to be Jewish, rather than Palestinian, you are immediately welcome in Israel – whether you are from the USA, Russia the UK or anywhere else, if you are Jewish, you can live here. There is a program for young Jewish people called Birthright tours – a trip to Israel paid for by the Israeli government, including flights, accommodation, food and transport – it’s aimed at strengthening links between Israel and the outside Jewish communities and at encouraging people to live in Israel. This open, warm invitation to Jewish people is in harsh juxtaposition to the complete lack of rights for Palestinian refugees.

Besides their continued treatment of the Palestinian people, the state of Israel also discriminates against many other groups – Tel Aviv is infamous for racism and discrimination against refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants (see pictures by activestills of anti-refugee demonstrations here – scroll through to see more). On a personal level, having recently been to the Israeli Ministry of Interior to ask them to extend my tourist visa, I was asked immediately if I was Jewish. When I said no I was told - before the woman had even looked at my passport – that tourists don't get visa extensions, unless they have a real good reason, like being Jewish. 

In summary, the Israeli government honour the right of people who have never stepped foot in the country before, to come and live in Israel, whilst completely denying the rights of the Palestinians that they expelled.

Ethnic cleansing, pure and simple. But the Palestinian people will take their rights back, whether Israel is willing to give them or not. The Catastrophe one day will transform into Independence.