Palestinian activist Eman Abdelhadi has been on the front lines of the struggle for Palestinian freedom and justice for many years. As a witness to the ongoing oppression and violence faced by her people, she has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the history of imperialist support for Israel’s colonial conquest of Palestine and the urgent need for global solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle.
Abdelhadi begins by explaining the roots of the conflict, which can be traced back to the late 19th century when Zionist leaders began promoting the idea of a Jewish state in Palestine. This was fueled by the rise of European imperialism and the desire for a Jewish homeland, but it came at the expense of the indigenous Palestinian population. The British Empire, which controlled Palestine at the time, played a crucial role in facilitating the Zionist project and disregarding the rights of the Palestinian people.
In 1948, the state of Israel was established through the forced displacement and expulsion of over 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and lands. This event, known as the Nakba, marks the beginning of the ongoing Nakba (catastrophe) for the Palestinian people. Since then, Israel has continued its expansionist policies, seizing more Palestinian land and subjecting the Palestinian people to brutal military occupation, apartheid, and settler colonialism.
Abdelhadi emphasizes that this is not a conflict between two equal sides, as often portrayed by the media. It is a struggle for liberation and self-determination by a colonized people against a powerful oppressor. The support of imperialist powers, particularly the United States, has enabled Israel to maintain its occupation and continue its violations of international law and human rights.
But despite the overwhelming odds, the Palestinian people have never given up their resistance. From the armed struggle of the 1960s and 70s to the popular resistance of today, Palestinians have shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of oppression. They have also built a strong civil society, with grassroots organizations and movements working towards justice and equality for all Palestinians.
Abdelhadi also highlights the role of international solidarity in the Palestinian struggle. She stresses that this is not just a Palestinian issue, but a global struggle against imperialism, colonialism, and oppression. The Palestinian people have always stood in solidarity with other oppressed communities and causes, and it is time for the world to stand with them in return.
The recent escalation of violence in Palestine, with Israel’s brutal bombardment of Gaza and attacks on Palestinian worshippers in Jerusalem, has once again brought the Palestinian struggle to the forefront of international attention. But as Abdelhadi points out, this is not an isolated incident. It is part of the ongoing Nakba that Palestinians have been facing for over 70 years.
She calls on people around the world to educate themselves about the history of the conflict and the ongoing human rights violations faced by Palestinians. She urges them to take action by supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and joining solidarity campaigns. She also emphasizes the importance of holding governments accountable for their support of Israel and demanding an end to the occupation and apartheid system.
Abdelhadi’s message is clear – the Palestinian people will continue their struggle for freedom and justice, but they cannot do it alone. They need the support and solidarity of people around the world to achieve their aspirations for self-determination and a just peace. As she says, “Palestine is not just a cause, it is a people fighting for their dignity, their land, and their future. And it is time for the world to stand with them in their struggle.”
