The Unbreakable Bond Between Land and Identity: Lessons from Asala Sayara
Palestinian activist sister Assala Sayara shared deep insights into the connection between indigenous communities and their ancestral lands. She highlighted how this bond is more than just a historical or cultural tie—it is something intrinsic to identity, belonging, and survival.
Sister Assala Sayara explained that colonisers often fail to understand the deep-rooted relationship between indigenous people and their land.
“When I’m yearning, as an indigenous person, I’m yearning to be on my land; I’m yearning to feel the air of my land,”
This longing is not just about geography—it’s about a spiritual and emotional connection that defines existence. For Palestinians, their homeland is not just a place on a map; it is intertwined with their history, culture, and sense of self.
The Digital Age and the Normalisation of Injustice
She also addressed the growing sense of helplessness many feel when witnessing global injustices, particularly the genocide in Palestine. She noted that in today’s fast-paced digital world, such tragedies are often reduced to mere “content” on social media. The suffering of people is shared for clicks and engagement, rather than out of genuine concern or activism.
“What’s happening in Gaza, in the West Bank, across Palestine—it’s been going on for decades, but now it’s become ‘old news’ to some. The truth has turned into a trend rather than a movement,”
This reality highlights the importance of ensuring that advocacy is not performative. Real activism requires ongoing, committed efforts rather than momentary outrage on social media.
Resistance Through Storytelling and Recognition
Sister Assala spoke about the resilience of Palestinians and the power of their stories. She pointed to individuals like Bissan, a Palestinian journalist whose work in documenting the struggle has gained global recognition, including winning an Emmy award. While such honours are significant, Sayara cautioned against viewing them as the ultimate measure of success.
“An award doesn’t define the success of a person or even a people who are surviving a genocide that has lasted for more than 400 days,”
Recognition is important, but it does not erase the pain and suffering that drive acts of resistance. Every story of survival and perseverance is, in itself, a form of defiance against oppression.
The Expansion of Occupation and Collective Trauma
Sister Assala also shed light on the expanding Israeli occupation, noting its impact beyond Palestine, particularly in Lebanon. She shared firsthand accounts of how Lebanese civilians and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon have been displaced due to increased missile attacks.
The connection between Palestinians and Lebanese communities runs deep, as many Palestinians were forced to seek refuge in Lebanon following the Nakba in 1948. This shared history creates a collective trauma that persists across generations. Understanding these links is crucial in grasping the full scale of the ongoing struggle against occupation and displacement.
The Need for Genuine, Long-Term Activism
In response to these challenges, sister Assala urged Muslims and the broader international community to renew their commitment to advocacy and social justice. She stressed that activism is not about momentary outrage or following online trends; it must be a sustained and conscious effort.
By recognising the profound relationship indigenous communities have with their land, we can move beyond surface-level support and foster genuine solidarity. Understanding that resistance is rooted in deep pain and history can help create more informed and empathetic advocacy.
A Call to Action
Sister Assala Sayara insights serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of indigenous communities, particularly Palestinians. She challenges us to think beyond hashtags and fleeting social media movements. The Palestinian struggle is not a moment in time—it is a fight for existence, dignity, and justice.
If we are to stand for justice, we must do so with sincerity, consistency, and a deep understanding of what is truly at stake.