76 years ago on this day, the ancestral village of Beit Daras in northern Gaza, Palestine was attacked by Jewish militias, marking the beginning of the Nakba, or the Zionist ethnic cleansing of Palestine. Over 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes as a result.
Watching the current genocide in Gaza today, I am reminded of the fate of my village and ancestors who were forcibly removed from their homes. My father, Ramzy Baroud, has researched and chronicled the history of our family and Beit Daras, providing insight into the rich past of the village.
The village had a long history, with my great grandparents living off their farm and selling goods in the local markets. In March 27, the village was attacked by the Haganah Zionist militia, leading to a brutal siege and massacre. Residents tried to resist, but were ultimately expelled from their homes.
My grandparents, Zarefah and Mohammed, along with their families, became refugees in Gaza, leaving behind their beloved village. The pain of their loss weighed heavily on them, as they struggled to rebuild their lives in the crowded camps of Gaza.
As the current generation faces a new wave of violence in Gaza, the memories of Beit Daras and the Nakba remain fresh in our minds. The resilience of our ancestors in the face of adversity inspires us to continue the fight for justice and the right of return to our homeland.
Despite the destruction of Beit Daras, the dream of rebuilding the village and honoring the memory of its former residents remains strong. We will continue to preserve their legacy and work towards a future where we can once again call Beit Daras our home.