Naksa Day

photo:Reuters

I think the Nakba day and Naksa day protests could have more significance than we attribute to them. While they are not accomplishing much on the ground - at this point - in terms of tangible results like returning land lost to Israeli occupation, they are demonstrating that Palestinians, like other Arabs, are no longer willing to wait for their corrupt and powerless leaders to fix their problems. They are taking things into their own hands through nonviolent (mostly) resistance, which at this point is mainly symbolic, but in the longer run has the potential to have real potency. Picture thousands or millions of Palestinian refugees simply refusing to accept the borders imposed by Israel and walking across the border en masse. Could Israel shoot them all down? The power of numbers can be compelling. While Palestinian activism isn't there yet, I think the so-called "Arab Spring" has the power to demonstrate this possibility. It seems to have shaken the leadership of both the Israelis and Palestinians out of their stupor to begin to at least think about re-starting the moribund peace process.

At any rate, I have compiled some interesting tweets by bloggers, activists, and photographers into a storify narrative - it shows the inside view of the day's events from a few of those who were there. Enjoy!