2018 is the 70th anniversary of the Nakba (Palestinian catastrophe) which started before the state of Israel was created and continues today.

In 1948, 1.4 million Palestinians lived in 1,300 Palestinian towns and villages all over historical Palestine. More than 800,000 of the population were driven out of their homeland to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, neighboring Arab countries, and other countries of the world. Zionists managed to take over the lands from 774 towns and villages and destroyed 531 Palestinian towns and villages between 1948 to 1950 In that period Zionist forces also committed more than 70 massacres in which more than 15 thousands Palestinians were killed…

Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh, May 15, 2018

For more analysis consult Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh’s chapter on “refugees”  in his 2004 book on “Sharing the Land of Canaan”.

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Notes from the Massoud Nayeri:

• This is the modified Nakba artwork which I designed in 2011 when the first massive Palestinians attempt to Return had started.
• The Key: symbol of returning home
• The combination of key and map: to show number 4 in 1948
• The shape of 8 (in 1948): This is to resemble Handala the famous and beloved character of the late Naji Al-Ali, Palestinian cartoonist.
• The red flame: to show that the flame of resistance and sacrifices of Palestinians is alive and burning.
• The word Nakba in English and Arabic.

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Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh is Founder and Director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History.

Massoud Nayeri is a graphic designer and an independent peace activist based in the United States. He is a frequent contributor to Global Research.

Featured image is from the author.