Do not yearn for times that are past, but recognize that you have been given a foundation of faithful service, even as you build a foundation for what is yet to be.
[Adapted from Bilal Al Issa, “Grounds for Peace—Nakba Day,” 2022, in Project Zion podcast]
My story is not unique—it’s the story of millions of Palestinian refugees worldwide.
I’m originally from Al-Khalisa, a village in the northeast of historic Palestine, near the Golan Heights and the Lebanese border. My grandfather, now 91, was 18 when he fled during the Nakba, when Zionist militias ethnically cleansed our village. Those who remained were killed. Al-Khalisa was one of 540 villages erased. My grandfather and others fled to Lebanon, settling in the Tall al-Za’tar refugee camp in Beirut.
My parents were born in Tall al-Za’tar but were later displaced during the Lebanese Civil War, victims of another massacre and ethnic cleansing. They moved to different places before ending up in Shatila refugee camp. One of my grandfathers survived the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
I was born in Lebanon in 1987, but due to the ongoing war and the Israeli invasion of 1982, we were forced to flee. By chance, we ended up in Denmark, where I have lived since childhood. I am a third-generation refugee—my parents and grandparents before me were also refugees. My grandfather remains in Shatila, just 150 kilometers from his village, which he hasn’t seen since 1948.
While living and working in Palestine, I visited Al-Khalisa and shared videos and pictures with my grandfather. It was deeply moving to see him recall every detail—where people lived, the mosque, the school, the family cemetery. He also worked in Haifa for years, and when I shared old photos, he instantly recognized landmarks like the port.
Seeing my grandfather still waiting to return after 74 years is heartbreaking. Yet, this is not just his story—it’s the reality of millions of Palestinians.
Prayer Phrase
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10).
Prayer
Pray for community initiatives.
“Community Advocate, bless the success of community initiatives to support refugees. May these efforts bring positive change and support.”
Today’s Prayer for Peace
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