Rima Joins Gather Goods “Watermelon Stories” Series
On Sunday, I had the honor of joining Gather Good for their second edition of Watermelon Stories, a series that highlights first-hand accounts of resilience demonstrated by local Palestinians. It was an emotional, empowering, and healing morning at the N.C. Museum of Art. People from various ages and backgrounds gathered to listen to me tell the story of my family and my personal experience living as a Palestinian citizen of Israel for the first 15 years of my life.
While it brings pain, the story of my family’s history through 1948 Nakba is filled with resilience and strength. A history that although once tried to be erased, ultimately shaped me into the woman I am today.
I learned so much about myself and my ancestors as I prepared for my speech. Although I didn’t know it then, as a child, I have always been an activist for change as I reflected on attending segregated schools where the history of my people was not allowed to be taught. In rebellion to what I knew was not right, at the age of 14, I organized a sit-in at my high school and encouraged my classmates to join in solidarity. It’s this same mindset that has led me to be outspoken through my life and through my business about the Palestinian liberation movement, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ+ rights.
In preparation for this event, I had the opportunity to not only reflect but also learn more about my family’s history. Through my research, I learned the story of my great-grandfather, Naim, who pre-1948, was an importer of cane, jute, and straw for furniture and rug making. Naim refused to be a refugee and flee to neighboring countries. However, he and his wife and five children, including my grandmother, were internally displaced from Haifa to Nazareth and his land and storage warehouses in Haifa were forcibly taken.
As an interior designer who is also working on a new furniture line (surprise!), I found this information to be a full circle moment. Not only does my now deceased great-grandfather share a similar passion with me, but I am grateful to share his courage and strength to stand up for what we believe in.
When I was asked by an audience member how allies can help Palestine, I said by doing what we’re doing now and that’s showing up, asking questions, offering a listening ear, and sharing the stories of Palestinian people. As we continue to uplift Palestinian voices, let’s continue this conversation that has no end.
If you’d like to learn more, Gather Good convenes at N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh every Sunday for walk/runs and creative activities. Follow the group on Instagram for the latest activities.
With love and light,
Rima
We wrote about the inaugural Watermelon Fest held back in May, which raised more than $70,000 for charities helping Palestinians with basic health and human services.