Life Through Her Eyes: 39. One Year Today

                                               Holding on 

I remember history class 

When we learned about genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid

I remember my surprise to learn about the capabilities of human kind

As if a switch was turned on, activating my survival instinct and my rebellious side 

I was a calm timid kid, hated confrontation, resisted conflict, and could never fight

That day, when I realized that as Palestine 

I had to yank my rights for the rest of my life

That day, when I realized that as Palestine 

I had to fight for every inch of me

I started training for my life, one day at a time.

I needed to take back what’s mine. 

The harder I resisted, the tighter the chains would be. 

Now I’m older, now I’m stronger 

 I’m living genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid

I’m astonished to learn how fragile humanity can be

As if a switch has turned on, activating my limitless rage and the revolutionary in me 

I was a reckless teen, I was very resistant, 

I was the loudest in every fight, and loudly confrontational  

Today, when I finally realized that I am her and she is me

Today, when I finally realized that she is not a part of me but the whole of me

I survive my life, one day at a time I’m holding on to what is mine
And even when the tightest of chains are limiting me, 

I will not let go

Even when my lungs have burst and my voice is being silenced, 

I will not let go

Even though my people are being slaughtered and murdered, 

I will not let go 

And when this apartheid occupation is committing genocide, and ethnic cleansing on my people for the 365th day,  

especially then 

I will not let go

About the Author

Rand is a 26-year-old Palestinian. She is the youngest of four children; she finished her undergraduate studies at Bir Zeit University, Ramallah, Palestine. During her university years, Rand grew more interested in the humanitarian structure and the Palestinian cause from a humanitarian point of view. Through volunteering and networking, Rand received many pieces of training in crisis management, and emergency navigation, as well as, humanitarian structure, signature, and localization allowing her to employ her knowledge in her career and as a volunteer with many local and international humanitarian organizations. Moreover, Rand is a very expressive artistic person who attempts to share her human experience through pen and brush. She is captivated by sunsets and Palestinian beauty.

All photos in the series are by Rand.