Living Between Conflict and Misunderstanding: Teh Palestinian Experience Today
During a routine virtual meeting at the end of a demanding week, my colleagues eagerly shared their weekend plans from the hospital. Though physically present, my mind was elsewhere-focused on a message I had sent earlier to a friend trapped in Gaza.
the Lingering Silence of One Tick
I glanced down at my phone screen. The message displayed only one tick.
For those who use WhatsApp,one tick means the message has been sent but not yet delivered; two ticks indicate delivery; and two blue ticks confirm it has been read.
In everyday life, this delay is usually insignificant.Though, when your friend is confined within Gaza’s conflict zone, that single tick can trigger profound worry and uncertainty.
The Invisible Obstacles to Interaction
Messages may remain undelivered for many reasons: perhaps his phone battery died-a common issue given Gaza’s ongoing power shortages lasting nearly three years-or cellular networks were disrupted during military strikes. Yet beneath these technical explanations lies an unspoken fear: that he might no longer be alive amid relentless violence and destruction.
I kept refreshing-still just one tick.
Cultural Identity Under Constant Scrutiny
Back in the meeting room as conversations wound down and weekend plans took shape, I stole another glance at my phone-still one tick remained.
This moment encapsulates what it means to be Palestinian today: bearing the heavy weight of your homeland’s suffering while expected to maintain professionalism and composure in daily life.
The Politics Embedded in Cultural Symbols
Soon after,someone commented that my virtual background could be interpreted as “possibly anti-Semitic.” It was merely an image showcasing figs, olives, pomegranates, oranges, watermelon slices alongside glass bottles-a quiet tribute to Palestinian heritage. Yet now even such cultural expressions risk being misconstrued as antagonistic or provocative symbols.
The Emotional Toll of Prejudice Within Institutions
This led to questioning-and possibly disciplinary action-simply because I chose a background reflecting pride in my roots.
Meanwhile… still one tick on that message from Gaza.
I felt silenced and exposed. How could celebrating art and culture be twisted into accusations of hatred? Why did an image spark more controversy than the real-time devastation unfolding thousands of miles away?
A Widespread Pattern of Suppression
- This experience is far from unique; many Palestinians or allies face similar challenges within organizations pressured by external forces aiming to mute voices advocating for justice or recognition worldwide-including healthcare settings where neutrality should prevail.
Then finally:
- The appearance of two blue ticks confirmed he was alive.
A Story Beyond text Messages: Endurance Amidst Turmoil
The reply arrived quickly-they had escaped their home before dawn carrying children through long hours without food or shelter-but survived this terrifying journey nonetheless amidst bombardment and chaos across Gaza’s neighborhoods now scarred by conflict intensified as 2021 with over 4 million residents affected by repeated hostilities annually.*
A Stark Contrast Between Worlds Lived
I wrestled with how to convey what unfolded during our day-that while he fled danger on foot under airstrikes, I faced accusations over fruit imagery . that while his family endured unimaginable loss,
I was branded racist for symbolism representing resilience.
Navigating Erasure And Misrepresentation Every Day
- Pain becomes politicized;
- Your moments of joy are seen as provocation;
- Your cultural emblems are labeled offensive;
This persistent erasure distorts our humanity-it demands we defend our very existence simply because we are palestinian today.
A Lifelong Dedication To Justice Within NHS Walls
After 25 years serving within NHS institutions-not just professionally but personally-I stand united with colleagues pursuing legal protections aimed at preserving healthcare spaces free from political censorship designed to silence voices like mine.
The Pursuit Of Justice Is Both Ethical And Legal
What occured wasn’t merely unjust-it violated fundamental rights upheld by democratic societies where speaking out against atrocities should never invite punishment but rather require safeguarding.
A Plea To Prioritize Humanity Over Politics
This story isn’t about comparing hardships but exposing systemic cruelty inflicted upon palestinians globally-weather under bombs or suspicion-we endure continuous attempts at delegitimization.
Reclaiming Our Narrative And Right To Exist
Being Palestinian must never equate with criminality-even though global perceptions frequently enough suggest or else.
