In what is referred to as the 2023 Nakba, thousands of Palestinians once again embark on a treacherous journey to escape the ongoing devastation across Gaza. Very little refuge remains in Northern Gaza following the destruction of schools, hospitals as well as refugee camps. This has forced thousands to take the journey toward the south of the Gaza strip, in the face of bombs, airstrikes and on-ground tanks. Many of the evacuees taking the journey showcase resolute persistence and hope.
Holding her daughter’s hand, one of the evacuees is a mother who tells her daughter of six how her 80-year-old grandpa had to evacuate his home three times. She tells her daughter how today, they are the ones leaving but they will return to their land. They won’t give up until the last drop of blood is shed. Such powerful words are there to empower her daughter, give her a semblance of hope knowing the uncertain danger they continue to face.
In the same vein, a mother of two becomes an iconic symbol of persistence as for five hours, she is seen dragging her two sons as they sit atop heavy baby carriers. Her inspirational act was celebrated across the world through creative illustrations and drawings made to honor the mother.
Along with the two mothers is a woman who has seen it all. 90 years of age, Anam was there during the Nakba of 1948, a time when she was displaced from her village due to the massacres committed against the civilians. All these years, she kept her return key in hopes that one day she would return to her village. Today, Anam once again immigrated for the same reasons as in 1948 and had to travel more than five kilometers to the southern Gaza Strip.
Even during a second Nakba, Palestinians showcase a never-ending persistence to keep their head high, keep fighting, and keep hoping for an end to the war.