In a poignant display of remembrance and resilience, thousands of Palestinians convened near Haifa, northern Israel, on Tuesday to mark the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” commemorating the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 war that led to Israel’s establishment. The gathering, known as the Return March, witnessed flag-waving demonstrators, many draped in keffiyeh head scarves, as they marched along a dirt path, demanding the right of refugees to return to their homeland.
Despite the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, where tensions persist, this annual demonstration was permitted to proceed, underscoring its significance amid escalating conflicts. Amidst the sea of Palestinian flags and the chants for liberation, the crowd carried symbols of resilience and solidarity, including water bottles and strollers, signifying a multigenerational commitment to their cause.
One striking emblem was a half watermelon, adopted as a Palestinian symbol following Israeli restrictions on displaying the flag’s red, green, and black colors. Amidst calls for ending the Israeli occupation, Fidaa Shehadeh, coordinator of the Women Against Weapons Coalition and a former member of the Lydd Municipality Council, emphasized the interconnectedness of liberation and the right of return for refugees.
For Shehadeh, whose family was forcibly displaced from Majdal Asqalan during the 1948 war, the struggle remains personal. Like many Palestinians, she identifies as an internally displaced person, highlighting the enduring plight of refugees even 76 years later. She shared the story of her relatives in Gaza, who, after escaping bombardment, find themselves displaced once again, uncertain of their return to their homes.
The demonstration echoed with the voices of those yearning for justice and recognition of their rights. As the world watches the turmoil in the region, this gathering serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Palestinian people and their unwavering commitment to reclaiming their homeland. Amidst the complexities of conflict and displacement, the demand for the right of return remains steadfast, echoing across generations and borders.