In the recent discussions surrounding the Gaza Justice Forum, narratives of loss and resilience take center stage, reminding us that stories of conflict are woven into the very fabric of human identity. With Dr. Wissam Atallah’s insights, we witness not just the strife of war but the enduring spirit of a people determined to reclaim their memory. As he reflects on his grandmother’s experience from the lost village of Damra, we understand that these histories are more than geography; they are living testaments to hope amid despair. What truly stands out in his testimony is the refusal to let memory fade into silence, a powerful call to humanity to bear witness. Indeed, the struggle isn’t simply against physical erasure but against the obliteration of a culture.
Meanwhile, the notion of October 7th being a singular turning point is challenged, as Dr. Wissam emphasizes the deeper roots of resistance that have long been embedded in the experiences of Gazans. What emerges from this discourse is a steady drumbeat of defiance against systematic violence, encapsulating the ongoing fight for justice that extends beyond borders. Hence, the Gaza Justice Forum serves as a rallying point, urging us to understand that every narrative, every march, and every legal battle is a seed for a future where peace and justice prevail. This is the essence of resilience—the unwavering spirit that compels us to confront uncomfortable truths and strive for transformation in a world often inclined to ignore them!
Erased Memories: The Legacy of Gaza’s Villages
Dr. Wissam Atallah often shares the tale of his grandmother, born in the small village of Damra. This village, once a thriving community in northern Gaza, now lives only in memory. Today, it bears the name Erez, a military crossing that symbolizes loss. For Dr. Wissam, Damra represents more than just a location—it embodies the erasure of identity.
He recounts how the British Mandate intensified the struggles of Palestinian farmers. Heavy taxes and armed militias stripped families of their livelihoods and dignity. When the Nakba unfolded in 1948, Arab armies urged villagers to evacuate for “two weeks,” promising a swift return. Families left, carrying only their keys and a flicker of hope. But those “two weeks” turned into decades of exile.
His grandmother eventually passed away in a refugee camp, never to return. The key she held became a symbol of betrayal and loss. It wasn’t just a token—it represented history’s broken promises and the weight of collective memory.
October 7th: Context and Misinterpretation
In the current conflict, Israeli leaders frame everything around October 7th. Dr. Wissam challenges this narrative, calling it a distortion. He reminds us that Palestinian resistance didn’t emerge suddenly. The UN Secretary-General himself acknowledged the longstanding roots of this struggle. History doesn’t begin with one date!
He recalls significant moments in Palestinian history: the First Intifada, the tragic death of Muhammad al-Durrah, and the haunting cries of children in distress. “They had no weapons,” he emphasizes. “Only fear and desperation.” What merits careful notice is, for Dr. Wissam, October 7th isn’t a beginning; it serves as a convenient pretext for justifying a long history of violence.
Defiance Amidst Destruction in Gaza
In January 2025, when the silence of war momentarily prevailed, people ventured back to their homes in Gaza. They faced the remnants of their lives—crushed homes and barren streets. Over 100,000 tons of explosives had ravaged the land, leaving destruction in their wake. Yet, they returned, not for comfort but to reclaim their roots.
Dr. Wissam views this return as an act of defiance. He stresses that international law recognizes forced displacement as a crime against humanity. Palestinians resist this oppression by asserting their right to remain. “To stay on the land,” he states, “is to affirm our existence.” In Gaza, survival transcends mere existence; it represents a political statement against erasure.
Lessons from Gaza: Hope Amidst Struggle
Dr. Wissam emphasizes that the events in Gaza cannot solely be understood through the lens of recent history. He traces back roots to events like the Basel Conference in 1897 and the Balfour Declaration in 1917. These moments laid the groundwork for the ongoing struggle. The Nakba, he asserts, is not just a singular event; it’s a culmination of decades of oppression.
He paints a vivid picture of the institutionalization of hatred. Israeli flag marches echo with chants of “Death to Arabs,” a sentiment that transcends mere words. This rhetoric becomes a doctrine, deeply ingrained in society. Dr. Wissam warns that when hatred intertwines with theology, it poses a threat not only to Gaza but to the entire region.
In closing, he reminds us that silence equates to complicity. The fate of Gaza represents more than just land—it reflects the essence of morality and humanity. Palestinians will continue to fight for their rights. Thanks for engaging with these stories; they remind us of our shared responsibility in the pursuit of justice! Source: Witness Eye
Gaza News
