Palestinians in Jordan seek return to homes lost in Nakba

In Jordan, many Palestinians continue to live in limbo, holding onto keys that symbolize their right to return to homes lost during the Nakba in 1948 and the Naksa in 1967. David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, underestimated the enduring memory of these events among Palestinians. Families like Omer's, who were displaced from Jaffa, have passed down keys through generations, representing their hope for return. Despite establishing lives in Jordan, many Palestinians, including restaurateur Ali al-Mashayekh, express a deep longing for their ancestral homes. The majority of Palestinians in Jordan have never set foot in the territories they fled to, facing barriers such as the need to visit the Israeli embassy to obtain permits. This situation has created a sense of indifference among many, who view their current lives as temporary until they can return to Palestine. The emotional weight of displacement is palpable, with families teaching their children about their heritage and the hope of returning to their homeland.