My Story by Jenna M
My name is Jenna, I am a French Tunisian woman and I have lived in Lancaster for nearly 2 years. I moved here for my studies at Lancaster University where I am hoping to graduate with a history degree in 2025.
I started educating myself on Palestine and Palestinian culture when one of my best friends arrived from Gaza to London when we were in year 7. I remember her opening to me and talking about things that happened to her and her family, and it made me wonder how such a calm and kind person could not be angry and upset at the world surrounding her. Her parents and siblings were the same, calm and very kind, their resilience and kindness almost scared me. I was not used to such humanity from anyone.
The reason why I began talking about Palestine and began getting involved with protests and events is because I could not understand why such amazing people were forced to flee their homeland because of a violent oppressor. I could not do nothing while people were being starved and murdered for being Palestinian.
I really believe that Palestinians are such resilient humans that have gone through experiences that I cannot begin to understand, me joining the Lancaster PSC helped me feel like I was doing something that would bring about change. I am also now heavily involved in protests because I firmly believe that we have a voice to stand for what is right. What happening right now has nothing to do with picking sides, and I choose to stand with Palestinians that have suffered for 76 years.
Standing with Palestine is not trend, we stand with Palestine because they have the right to exist without fearing for their life. I hope someday soon I will see a free Palestine.