Ræða Ikram Zubaydi á samstöðufundi með Palestínu 29. nóvember s.l. í Norræna húsinu en fundurinn var haldinn á vegum Félagsins Ísland-Palestína í tilefni af alþjóðlegum samstöðudegi með palestínsku þjóðinni.
Dagurinn hefur verið haldinn frá árinu 1977 í samræmi við ályktun Allsherjarþings Sameinuðu þjóðanna.
It is an honor to be here with you today. When I was asked to choose the focus of my talk, I felt that the most important things to speak about are gratitude, solidarity, humanity—and my own story, which is similar to the story of many Palestinians.
In 2011, Iceland became the first Western European country to officially recognize the State of Palestine.
For us as Palestinians, this was more than a political decision. It was a human message that said:
We see you. Your struggle is real. Your identity matters.
This recognition gave us hope—a feeling that the world can listen to Palestinian voices, even when others try to silence them.
This recognition did not stand alone. Since then, Icelandic associations, organizations, students, activists, and ordinary people have continued to support Palestine.
We see this support, and we feel it. It is real, honest, and full of humanity.
Today, Gaza is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history:
- Severe lack of food and clean water
- Thousands of families without homes
- Hospitals destroyed or unable to work
- Children dying from hunger, bombing, and lack of medical care
Gaza is not just news. It is a place where people suffer because the world chooses silence.
In the West Bank, the situation is also getting worse:
- Increasing settler violence
- Daily arrests of children and young people
- Checkpoints that block work, education, and medical care
- Entire villages being forced to leave
Palestinians live under constant fear and insecurity. Even normal daily life becomes difficult.
My story is not unique. It is a simple Palestinian story, but full of challenges that no person should face.
I grew up in a reality where I did not have the normal choices that other people have. I could not dream freely, plan my future, or live my childhood in peace.
“One day, I was at my family’s house and decided to go back to Ramallah, where I work. I was driving my car, and my brother was sitting next to me. Suddenly, I got a call from my brother-in-law. He told me that I needed to be careful because the settlers had started attacking cars again. He advised me to avoid the main checkpoints and stay away from the roads they use.
But I told him that it was already too late because I was getting close to one of the biggest checkpoints near Ramallah.
Honestly, I felt scared and froze behind the steering wheel. Suddenly, my brother told me not to be afraid and to focus. Then he said, “Ikram, if this happens and the settlers attack you, don’t be scared. Hit whoever is in front of you and try to escape. Don’t hesitate. Try to save yourself. It’s better to stay alive and go to prison than to be killed.”
I was given only two options:
to be killed… or to kill.
And these are not real options.
I did not want either of them. I never wanted to be part of violence.
All I ever wanted—and still want—is to live a normal, simple life like everyone else.
To wake up without fear.
To walk in the street without watching the sky or worrying about soldiers.
To live as a human being, not only as a survivor.
I did not leave my home because I wanted to. I left because staying meant having no life at all.
And today, I carry the responsibility to speak for those who cannot speak.
This is why I stand here today: to say that your support matters. Your solidarity is powerful and meaningful.
We need more support for the Palestinian people in all their communities, especially women, because I strongly believe in their role in resolving the conflict, achieving peace, and raising a generation that values its Palestinian identity.
I also want to emphasize that the work and efforts of Icelandic institutions must continue, because this occupation is long, ongoing, and destructive. It destroys everything—people, homes, memories, and opportunities. Your continued support helps us remain strong and keep hope alive for a better future.
Iceland has been—and continues to be—a true friend of the Palestinian people. We see this, we value it, and we will never forget it.
Thank you for your humanity, your courage, and your voice for justice.
Birtist á Facebook síðu Félagsins Ísland-Palestína.