The Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to “the violent expulsion of approximately three quarters of all Palestinians from their homes and homeland by Zionist militias and the new Israeli army during the state of Israel’s establishment (1947–49).” The Nakba is commemorated annually on May 15, the day after Israel declared its independence in 1948.
Between 750,000 and one million Palestinians were forced into neighboring countries between 1947 and 1949, with the majority seeking temporary refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Many of these families remain refugees today, demanding a “right of return” be included in any lasting peace between the Israeli state and the Palestinian people. As of 2021, there were approximately 8.36 million Palestinian refugees, including Nakba survivors and their descendants, according to the Institute for Middle East Understanding.
Palestinian refugees fleeing Galilee in October–November 1948. Source: Public domain
This systematic and deliberate “transfer” of Palestinians from their homelands — which is still happening today following Hamas’ “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” in October 2023 — has been called ethnic cleansing and compared to South African Apartheid by human rights advocates.
The artwork to the right, titled Staying Here, was done by Palestinian visual artist Abed Abdi, who was expelled from Haifa in 1948 and returned three years later. His artwork is inspired by memories of the Nakba and the continuing struggle for Palestinian freedom.
Additional Resources
Timeline: The Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) & Establishment of Israeli Apartheid, Institute for Middle East Understanding
The Wounded Memory of the Nakba by Basel al-Araj (The New York War Crimes)
How Do We Tell the Story of the Nakba When the Plot Hasn’t Ended? by (+972 Magazine)
How My Grandmother Remembers the Nakba by Tareq Baconi (The Nation)
Memories of Nakba From Those Who Survived It by Rod Such (The Electronic Intifada)
The Nakba Demands Justice by Kaleem Hawa (Jewish Currents)
We also recommend the Democracy Now! May 2024 interview with Palestinian historian Abdel Razzaq Takriti below.
Twitter
Google plus
LinkedIn