"Understanding the Nakba: From Protests to Commemoration"

Nakba Day marks an ongoing and exhaustively documented historic catastrophe, a catastrophe on which the State of Israel as we know it was built. Contrary to popular belief in Israel, the only documented case in which Arab leaders called upon the Arab population to flee was in Haifa. With limited exceptions, Palestinian refugees were never allowed to return to their homes and land, a declared Israeli policy that was drawn up already during the war. The Nakba is reaffirmed in every encounter with a soldier at a checkpoint, every land expropriation and restriction on movement, or war on Gaza. Recognition and solidarity with the Palestinian catastrophe and pain comprise a real chance for a peaceful and secure life in Israel.