What Does It Mean to Be Palestinian? More Than a Heritage — It’s a Fight for Survival

What does it mean to be Palestinian? It means everything. It's the soul of a people, the memory of the land, and the resilience of a culture that refuses to be erased. Let me tell you what it means:

It’s the Accent, carrying the music of our ancestors.
It’s the Thobe, each thread stitched with pride and history.
It’s Tatreez, embroidery that speaks without words—a tapestry of identity.
It’s the aroma of Za’atar & Zeit, the simple yet sacred taste of home.
It’s the sweetness of Kunafeh, crafted with love and shared in celebration.
It’s the steadfastness of the Olive Trees, whose roots run as deep as our ties to the land.
It’s the Afandi, the citrus of Palestine, fragrant and bright, picked from groves we’ve nurtured for generations.
It’s Curly Hair, kissed by the sun, a natural beauty reflecting our bond with the earth.
It’s the Keffiyeh, draped across shoulders, a symbol of resistance recognized the world over.
It’s the music of our Patrimonial Songs, the verses of our Poets, and the echo of our Dabke, uniting us in rhythm and movement.
It’s the spirit of the Pan-Arab Movement, a dream of unity and liberation.
It’s the phrase, “Aeesh Had?”, spoken with humor and heart, revealing the character of a people who find light even in darkness.
It’s the triumphant Zaghrouta, a cry of joy and defiance, heard at weddings, protests, and every moment of significance.
It’s Dalouna Falasteeni, the songs that keep our spirits alive through every trial.
It’s the timeless art of Glass Blowing, fragile yet enduring, just like us.
It’s the profound act of planting seeds, whether they grow into figs, grapes, or almonds, knowing that even if we are not there to harvest them, someone else will.

It’s a heritage that goes beyond the individual, rooted in a collective memory and a shared future. It’s holding onto our language, traditions, and spirit, no matter how much they try to take from us.

To be Palestinian is to carry your homeland in your heart, even when you are denied the right to walk its soil. It is to endure, to resist, and to create beauty amidst struggle.

You ask what it means? It means everything.

Written By Dhamiri