The nakba is a central event in Palestinian history. The term, which means "catastrophe" in Arabic, marks the mass displacement and dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Understanding the nakba is crucial to grasp the roots of the modern Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the lived reality of many families today.
The nakba refers to the events of 1948, when the creation of Israel led to the forced displacement and expulsion of more than 700,000 Palestinians from their homes. Many villages were destroyed, families separated, and livelihoods lost. This trauma has shaped Palestinian identity ever since. Each year on May 15, Palestinians commemorate Nakba Day, remembering those who lost their homes and reflecting on ongoing displacement.
For many Palestinian families, the nakba is not just a historical event. It is a living reality that continues today. In an article by Amnesty International, Zuheir Rajabi shares his experience facing eviction from his Jerusalem home—a house passed down for generations since his grandmother first bought it after being forced out of her original home in 1948. Despite ongoing legal battles and mounting pressure, Rajabi insists, “This is my home, and I will never leave.”
Such stories highlight how generations of Palestinians continue to live with the consequences of the nakba. Many are now at risk of a new wave of displacement, driven by ongoing policies and settlement expansion.
While the original nakba occurred over 75 years ago, its effects persist. Displacement, loss, and the denial of the right to return remain central issues. According to a recent opinion piece in Haaretz, many Palestinians feel that the nakba continues in the form of current events in Gaza, the West Bank, and throughout Israel itself. The trauma of expulsion lives on in families, shaping how they view the world, grieve, and hope for the future.
This ongoing nature challenges the idea that history is only about the past. Instead, the nakba shows how history can define daily life, influence policy debates, and motivate activism for justice and recognition.
Acknowledging the nakba is vital for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. For Palestinians, recognition is not just about revisiting pain. It is about affirming their history and identity. For Israelis and the broader world, understanding the nakba can help pave the way for empathy and informed discussion.
Writers like Rana Salman urge Israelis to recognize that the trauma of 1948 has not ended for Palestinians. Only through mutual recognition and dialogue can both peoples move forward. Ignoring the nakba, on the other hand, risks perpetuating misunderstanding and division.
To learn more about the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian families and the broader historical context, consider reading the following in-depth resources:
The nakba is not only a chapter in history books. It is a lived experience that continues to shape Palestinians' lives and the broader conversation around justice and peace in the Middle East. Recognizing the nakba is the first step toward building understanding and finding solutions for lasting peace. Continue to explore, learn, and listen to the stories of those affected for a more complete perspective on this crucial issue.