71 Years Since The Catastrophe

The Nakba: Remembering the Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians

71 Years Since the Catastrophe

In 1948, during the Palestine war, an estimated 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or displaced from their homes in what became known as the Nakba, Arabic for "catastrophe." Five Palestinian towns witnessed horrific massacres during this time. This forced displacement and exile have left an indelible mark on Palestinian history and identity.

The Nakba in Context

The Nakba occurred in the context of the British Mandate for Palestine, which ended in 1948. The Palestinian population, which had been living in the region for centuries, was marginalized and subjected to discriminatory policies. With the creation of the State of Israel, the Palestinian population faced systematic violence and expulsion.

Massacres and Displacement

The massacres in the towns of Deir Yassin, Safed, Lydda, Ramle, and Tiberias were among the most horrific events of the Nakba. Hundreds of innocent Palestinian civilians were killed, and countless homes and businesses were destroyed. The survivors were forced to flee their ancestral lands, becoming refugees in neighboring countries.

71 Years Later

Today, the Nakba remains a painful chapter in Palestinian history. The displaced families have never been allowed to return to their homes, and the Israeli government continues to deny their right to return. The Nakba continues to be commemorated every year, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for Palestinian justice and self-determination.