Thick Threads of Hope

Sumoud or steadfastness. An underlying theme or value that infuses all of the people we have spoken with throughout our time in occupied Palestine and Syria.

This concept was familiar to me before our trip, but only as an abstract concept. Now, I have had the privilege to bear witness to the individuals and organizations who truly embody sumoud in their work and everyday lives.

Whether it is the indigenous Druze community in the Golan who take pride in their Syrian identity by refusing Israeli citizenship; or the members of the Arab Palestinian LGBTQ group Al-Qaws that have those difficult conversations around queer experience with their family to validate their identity; or the human rights organization Badil who are advocating for the right of return for refugees under a democratic, one state plan.

After a being inundated with the heavy reality of the occupation, I am reinvigorated to hear the thick threads of hope that connect all those working tirelessly for Palestinian liberation.