“We are All Bleeding” by Amira
Reflections from a Palestinian in Diaspora
It’s been a very difficult time for many people around the world since things have escalated in Palestine, and humanity has been tested. However, it is especially difficult for the Palestinians who identify with and see themselves in the people of Gaza, including myself. As a teenager in America, who can go to school and who is provided with food, shelter, and safety, I recognize and appreciate my privilege. I feel guilty that these blessings that I often take for granted, and are a constant part of my life, are simultaneously being taken away from my people.
While walking through school, I can’t help but feel that whatever I’m doing is pointless when the blood of Palestinians is being poured into the streets of Gaza. When I look at the horrific images and videos coming out of Gaza, I see the faces of the generations of my family before me, and of all of my loved ones who are Palestinian. Although turning away is tempting, the obligation I have to represent and speak for these people is so much stronger. And yet, even my posting and speaking still doesn’t feel like enough. It is difficult to find a balance in which you are still doing all that you can for Palestine, while not becoming mentally and emotionally drained. I am now anxious, and constantly question the intentions and thoughts of those around me. However, I remind myself that I must also remain calm and composed so as to not appear aggressive or sensitive.
As I prepare for college, I fear that I am not doing enough to represent my people well. I fear that I will waste the opportunity given to me, one that was so brutally taken away from the children of Gaza. While right now is terrible and needs immediate attention, I am constantly thinking about the past years when the terror wasn’t so rapidly unfolding, but was so prevalent and just as terrible. I think of how the poem I wrote about Palestine in fourth grade still applies today. The poem was about a song I’ve listened to since I was younger, “Look Into My Eyes” by Outlandish, which has sadly stayed relevant. It frightens me to think that the current state of Palestine could remain the same in the future.
It has been a joke for a long time that Palestinians will always find a way to mention Palestine, and I’ve personally played into that joke. I will always find a way to bring up my culture, whether it be through clothing, jewelry, or school projects. Although humorous, I feel we do this because Palestinians understand the significance of having a voice and representation. The pain that has been passed down through generations has formed an unbreakable connection between all Palestinians. Now, as an ethnic cleansing takes place, the representation of our people has never been more important to us. It’s as if we all share the same blood; and so when the people of Gaza are bleeding, we are all bleeding.