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'Dream of Return and Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine' by Palestinian artist Fidaa Sammar

Fidaa Sammar, like other Palestinians, is optimistic that the Israeli occupation will disappear from Palestine.

April 7, 2018 at 11:58 am

When the President of the United States made his decision which could deprive Palestinians of Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, Palestinian artist Fidaa Sammar painted a 7 metre-long mural to show her support for the Holy City. She has thus also denounced Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Palestinians of Jerusalem withstand humiliation, brutality and violence at the hands of the Israeli occupiers in the hope that with their steadfastness (Sumud), one day it will all end and the beautiful city of Jerusalem can return to life. It has, after all, been at the heart of Palestine for millennia.

Palestinians resist the occupation by trying to live as normal a life as possible, despite the violations of international law that threaten their safety and demolish their homes, schools and healthcare sector. They remain committed to raising a new generation devoted to protecting their human rights and struggling peacefully to end the occupation.

In Fidaa’s mural, Palestinian identity is reflected by the shape and content, which includes the map of Palestine in the colours of the flag. Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are there, of course, and there is an image of a woman holding Jerusalem on her shoulders as a symbol of the steadfast role that women play in defending the Palestinian cause.

“Trump’s decision will never last,” says Fidaa. “Jerusalem is our capital and it will remain our beloved capital. I will continue to resist the occupation with my art.”

She is thirty-six years old and comes from Jenin in the occupied West Bank. Her work has spread beyond the borders of occupied Palestine, featuring in exhibitions and winning prizes.

Fidaa Sammar, like other Palestinians, is optimistic that the Israeli occupation will disappear from Palestine.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.