Remembering the Nakba: 77 years and ongoing

Every year, on May 15th, the day of the official establishment of Israel, Palestinians and those who stand in solidarity with them mark Nakba Day. This day of commemoration reflects upon the culmination of the Zionist settler colonial project, the  impact of which was, and continues to be, the fragmentation, dispossession, and displacement of the Palestinian people, as well as the national liberation struggle Palestinians have waged in return.

The Nakba is not only a historical event. It is an ongoing process of dispossession and attempt at erasure that continues to shape the lives of Palestinians everywhere.

This year, Nakba Day comes once again amidst the most catastrophic assault on Palestinians in decades. Since October 2023, Israel has waged an ongoing genocide on Gaza, killing over 50,000 people and repeatedly displacing the majority of the population, some 10 times or more.

Most recently, the Israeli cabinet approved plans that aim to permanently seize control of Gaza, and forcibly remove its population, whilst using starvation as a weapon of war, and extending its clear campaign of ethnic cleansing further.

At the same time, the Israeli military have continued their forced displacement of Palestiniansin the West Bank, launching operations in Masafer Yatta, the Jordan Valley, Jenin, and beyond. Palestinians face house demolitions, land confiscation, checkpoints, curfews, and daily violence, all part of the same system of erasure that began in 1948.

And yet, Palestinians continue to resist. Despite the systematic obstacles placed in their way, and the displacement that continues for almost a century, Palestinians remain committed to their right of return, justice and freedom.

Across the globe, people are joining together in solidarity. From student encampments to demonstrations, boycott campaigns to legal action, millions are refusing to be complicit in genocide. 

At Makan, we believe education is a powerful tool in the struggle for justice and liberation. To mark Nakba Day, we are hosting a mini-series of online sessions exploring the history and ongoing reality of the Nakba. To learn more about the history of the Nakba and how it impacts Palestinians today, explore our resource hub and our social media post on Instagram. You can also check out our interactive explainer for a deeper understanding on The Right of Return and the Future of Palestinian Liberation.