May 15 marks the 67th anniversary of al-Nakba, the catastrophe of Palestine that still haunts the conscience of every Arab on the globe. More than 700,000 Palestinians were driven out of their homeland to make space for the creation of the state of Israel. And while Palestinians commemorate their loss that continues to grow by the day, Arab leaders are in Camp David to lobby against their perceived enemy— not Israel— Iran.

Sixty-eight years have passed and the hundreds of thousands of refugees have become millions scattered around the world. Palestinians, who have deeds and keys to homes in what is today Israel, cannot even take a breath from their country. American college students, who are the descendants of European immigrants, take free “birthright” trips to Israel. 

Even after the Arab and Palestinian leadership gave up historic Palestine to establish a state in the West Bank and Gaza, the land on which the Palestinian state is supposed to exist is being chewed up by the Israeli occupiers. According to a UN report, in 2014 alone. Israel destroyed 1,177 Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Meanwhile, 15,000 Zionist settlers moved into the West Bank to live, on what the entire world agrees is stolen land.

What remains of Palestine on the agenda of Arab leaders is their shame for selling their people and history to remain in power.

Despite the setbacks and betrayals, Palestine had always remained a priority for the Arab masses. However, this year Arabs are too busy with their own miseries to mourn Palestine. Even local Arab Americans ignored Nakba Day, except on social media. 

But deep down, every person who is concerned about justice in this world has adopted the Palestinian cause as his own.

At The Arab American News, advocating for justice in Palestine will continue to be one of our core editorial principles. 

Palestine will not be forgotten.