In 2019 I visited the Bedouin village of Umm al Khair.
There we were hosted by a charismatic activist Awdah Hathaleen: so bright, so full of energy, so vivid in my memory, and latterly producer of Oscar winning film NO OTHER LAND. it’s very hard to believe he’s no longer with us because he was murdered by a marauding Israeli settler only a week or so ago – still at large.
On that same trip, we met Awdah’s uncle, esteemed elder activist and village protector Hajj Suleiman. He stood with one fist raised in a gesture of absolute defiance protecting his people from all incursions. Soon after that, as he was peacefully protecting unregistered cars from being towed away, he was also murdered by an IDF soldier, who simply mowed him down under his truck, dragged him along as he carried on driving.
What mindless, criminal, destructive behaviour from a murderous Israeli government now with a callous plan to take over the whole of Gaza.
I want to celebrate the humanity of every Palestinian I met emanating a will to survive in the face of destruction, starvation and imminent death boosted by an incredible resilience known as Sumud. I think again about a people embodying kindness, curiosity, a longing to connect with the outside world, wanting only to live in peace. Wake up Hackney Council to the horrors being committed, and take action to cut all ties with a war machine.
And honouring Awdah Hathaleen: as one friend and journalist put it: May his memory be a revolution. Sumud.