5 Things to Tell Our Children About Palestine

The Palestinian conflict is something we’ve been witnessing since we were kids. Our generation grew up to the image of Mohamed El Durra being shielded by his father as they found themselves caught in the middle of the Israel crossfire and making us understand the pain and devastation of what’s happening in Palestine.

However, nowadays, many mothers are keen on preventing their children from being exposed to scenes of death, violence, or blood, or anything that can cause them fear. This has allowed many children to grow up not knowing enough about what’s happening in Palestine.

#GazaUnderAttack

As the latest events unfolded and the hashtag #GazaUnderAttack trending worldwide, it is our obligation as mothers to raise awareness and make sure our children understand the real story. Especially with maps being included in our children’s textbooks at schools referring to the land of ‘Palestine’ as Israel instead.

As mothers, it is our duty to speak to our children, raise awareness about the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, and Palestine, and be a source of information that tells the true story. In a time like this, children need to be aware of one of the biggest Arab conflicts and understand our side of the story.

Our certified positive psychology and parenting coach, Rana Hany, explains 5 things to tell our children about Palestine:

• Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was the first ‘Qibla’ for Muslims and is considered the third holiest place after Al Ka’ba and Al-Nabawy Mosque.
• Palestine is considered a holy place in all 3 religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Palestine is an Arab country under occupation. We do not believe in Israel and it should only be referred to Palestine on the map. We also believe that Zionists are enemies and fighting against them is an honorable act.
• The citizens and people of Palestine are heroes who have the strength and extreme determination and fight for their land with so much courage.
• Allah promised us victory and that the land of Palestine will be reunited to its rightful owners.

While it’s essential to talk to our children about the Palestinian cause and letting them identify their Arab identity by raising awareness of the current situation and attacks on Gaza, we do not have to go into details that invoke fear. If the child starts feeling anxious, it is important to give them the space to express their emotions rather than change the subject.

Via: Mahmoud Shurrab – #GazaUnderAttack

Kids are subjected to history that is written by a British or American system at schools which tells a completely different story. It is essential that we inform them of the truth and they get their valid information from us before being brainwashed with the misinformation spreading around the world.

However, this doesn’t mean that we should expose our children to violent or bloody scenes. They do not have to see harmful images to understand the truth as it will only have a negative impact on their psychological and mental wellbeing.

It’s important to include our children in taking a positive stance and including them in the process of donating to Palestine through the Egyptian Red Crescent Institution. We can even encourage them to donate from their Eid money or pocket money and how every little help counts and each person has a role to play through prayers and donations.

We pray for the peace and safety of Palestine and every Palestinian citizen.

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