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Palestinian I am, 2003
From the series: Negative Incursions, 2002
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Statement of the artist:
Palestinian I am
Everyone wants to have an identity. This is the right of every individual. An individual
has the right to choose who they are. The Israeli authorities believe there is no such
thing as a Palestinian. In many ways, identity is the most fundamental thing in each
subject's life and gives to every person a feeling of belonging and location. For me, my
nationality is my identity, my land is my identity.
On 7 June 1967, the Israeli army completed its occupation of East Jerusalem and the
West Bank. Ignoring the United Nations and the international community's position
and violating international law, the Israeli government unilaterally decided on 25 June
1967 to annex occupied East Jerusalem. Israel considers Palestinians who live in
Jerusalem as mere residents in the state of Israel and not citizens. Thus, they have no
rights as citizens, but have to shoulder the burden of residency.
When I was eighteen years old, I applied for my first travel document; I completed an
application form on which I stated my nationality as a Palestinian. When I received my
travel document back from the Israeli authorities, had been changed to Jordanian. I
have no choice but to carry, until this day, a travel document, stating my nationality
that is not of my choosing and one that I feel does not represent me.
Rula Halawani |
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