Photo: Reuters file
Publication date: Sunday, October 6, 2024, 6:00 a.m.
On the eve of the first anniversary of the ongoing war in Gaza, Palestinians in the UAE are finding solace and strength in their common heritage. As the effects of the ongoing war affect all aspects of daily life, many people feel a new sense of belonging, deepening their bonds with their homeland and each other.
For Salma Abdullah, 31, the war brought her closer to her identity. “Emotionally, I am overwhelmed with sadness and regret, but at the same time I have a deeper sense of myself as a Palestinian,” she said.
โWhen you live far away from home, it’s easy to feel alienated, but this continued situation has reawakened my identity and brought it to the forefront.โ This feeling is echoed in my hometown. I empathize with the many foreigners who find themselves rekindling their cultural identity and seeking emotional support from their communities as they follow the development of the community.
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This conflict has also significantly changed the daily lives of Palestinians. Shahid, 24, another expatriate living in the United Arab Emirates, spoke of the constant anxiety and feeling of helplessness that is part of her daily life. โI was shocked when I heard the news,โ she said. “My whole routine changed. I started staying up late, glued to the news, checking on my relatives. It felt like my world was divided between here and Palestine.” For many Palestinians, staying connected to their homeland means more than just watching the news: it’s about constantly checking in on family, ensuring their safety, and coping with the weight of being far away. .
Greater sense of unity
Despite the geographical distance, the conflict fostered a greater sense of unity among Palestinians in the UAE. Community events and small acts of solidarity have brought people together in unexpected ways. Nour Bassam (18), an expatriate who was deeply affected by the war, reflected on how the fundraising event became a deep memory.
โDuring the community fundraiser we organized, we felt a strong connection. It wasnโt just about raising money, it was about coming together and supporting each other in spirit during such a difficult time.โ
These moments of solidarity created spaces for Palestinian expatriates to express their identities more openly. Salma said: “When I see other people wearing keffiyeh or posting about this situation online, I feel like I’m part of something bigger. I talk to friends who understand how I feel. Small moments like this make us feel connected despite the distance.โ
make their voices heard
The conflict has led many to become more involved in advocacy and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the Palestinian cause, such as by attending vigils and participating in social media campaigns. Ta. Shahid said participating in the candlelight vigil in Dubai was a particularly powerful experience. “Standing next to my fellow Palestinians, I felt united in the midst of pain,” she said.
Although the situation remains dire, debate over Palestine’s history, culture and identity has intensified. For Nour, the war was a reminder of the importance of unity. “We are not only united by tragedy; we are united by a common sense of resilience and hope for a better future.”
Through community events, advocacy, and sharing of cultural practices, Palestinian expatriates in the UAE are forging connections that not only provide comfort during difficult times, but also reaffirm their identity and collective strength.
Salma says: “We may be far from home, but the conflict has shown us that our sense of identity and community is stronger than ever.”
For Palestinians in the UAE, the war has not only tested their resilience but also served as a reminder of their enduring unity and the strength that comes from coming together.
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