Simple Ways to Help Palestinians Thrive Not Just Survive

Meha Siyam, J.D.

“Handouts might not end global poverty, but work -real work- just might.” -Leila Janah, Give Work

When thinking of the issue of Palestine, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the political or human rights issues of the occupation, violence and oppression. This is an enormous problem, where does one begin to resolve it? As an attorney, I thought working in human rights was definitely the way to go. So I moved to Ramallah, got a job in the human rights field and went to work. Even though I loved what I was doing and the people I was working with, I realized after almost two years that this was not the best route for me. Human rights work is extremely important, and the documentation and pursuing of legal channels to resolve the continuous infringment on Palestinian rights and freedoms is inimitable. However, it's all about looking to the long-term and being equanimous in the face of many disappointments.

Hiking trip in Wadi Al Kuf, Hebron Photo by Jehad Dawoud

For me, being patient and watching the very little positive progress that was being achieved due to the corruption within any justice system was very difficult. I truly admire my co-workers and other colleagues in the field for their perseverance and unparalleled efforts in a very brutal landscape. I, as more of a sprinter than a marathon runner type, sought to look for a route that can give me more tangible and faster results, no matter how small.

One way to stay hopeful in these dark times is to look at Palestine on the micro level, by looking at the individual living in historic Palestine or as a refugee outside of Palestine. Giving this person the ability to provide for themselves and their families is one of the best means of uplifting the Palestinian spirit and giving it the space to thrive. Contributing to someone's dignity in having work rather than accepting a handout gives them the agency and autonomy over their lives which inevitably spills into benefits for their families and communities overall.

There is a sense of worth that comes with work that cannot be filled with any type of aid. This support is especially needed for Palestinians who are forced to encounter threats against their autonomy everyday due to the occupation.

1. Support Palestinian entrepreneurs

While living in Palestine I noticed a movement of young entrepreneurs coming on the scene. They create incredible products from bags, soaps, clothing, jewelry, furniture and more. All of these products had the Palestinian identity embedded in them, but taken to new creative levels. They’re not the same boring keychain you get for all your cousins after you visit Palestine for the summer. A lot of these artisans started having small pop up shops at restaurants and coffee shops in different cities. Then, Ramallah’s Municipality took on the initiative to host a large open air market every summer in the downtown area to encourage these artisans and give them a place to market their products.

Similarly, another source of support for Palestinian entrepreneurs is BuildPalestine, a global initiative that is working tirelessly to connect people with social enterprises and non-profits in Palestine. BuildPalestine provides a crowdfunding platform as well as helps Palestinians connect with resources and opportunities to make their ventures successful. Their website, www.buildpalestine.com, is an incredible resource filled with organizations and campaigns in Palestine offering supporters from anywhere in the globe the opportunity to contribute financially, through volunteering or by conducting expert workshops.

2. Visit Palestine

Tourism that is centered on supporting Palestinians is very important. PACC’s Homeland Project is a great way to not only keep the connection between the diaspora and Palestine strong, it is also a great way of supporting Palestinians economically. By staying in Palestinian hotels and shopping in Palestinian shops you are adding wealth to a region that is in great need of reinforcement. Every little bit counts.

So visit Palestine as much as you can. There is so much more to do than just sit around your grandmother’s house looking for a WiFi signal. There are numerous groups in the cities that host entrepreneurship, hiking, art, rock climbing, sports, music activities and so much more. Participating in something that interests you will make your summer more productive, fun and would allow you to meet many new interesting people. One of BuildPalestine’s community members is Hantourism, “A collaborative local Palestinian tourism initiative that serves as a booking platform for community-based tourism and activities and services.” Their website is hantour.ps. This can be used to book different activities throughout your trip for groups or individuals. Moreover, BuildPalestine has a comprehensive list of organizations for any field of interest that you can collaborate with.

3. Buy Palestinian in the USA

The next step forward is to bring these goods to markets outside of Palestine to provide the disaspora population with the means to buy Palestinian products and support the Palestinian economy directly. This will give these artisans the ability to increase their income, provide for themselves and their families and as they grow they can start hiring more employees. This could lead to a palpable improvement in the staggering unemployment rates in the West Bank of 18% and 52% in the Gaza Strip in 2018. So instead of buying that perfume set from Macy’s for your friend’s graduation party, buy something distinctive because it is handmade in Palestine. They are not just souvenirs, think of buying Palestinian for all of your gift giving needs.

In response to the added difficulties COVID-19 has inflicted on Palestinian artisans we started an initiative to market their products here in the United States. The usual summer markets that help artisans sell most of their goods are cancelled and they are facing extreme financial hardships. Please visit @thevillagebazaar1 on Instagram and shop products from Palestinian artisans to help them through this difficult time.

These artisans are extremely talented and deserve our support. Remember you can always be more intentional when buying that birthday gift for a friend or housewarming gift for your cousin.

Supporting Palestinians economically gives them the strength to stay and resist. Existence is resistance.