We constantly raise our voices to the skies, affirming that the battle for history is an epic struggle for our rights. We face relentless attempts to erase our existence, distort our history, and obliterate our collective memory. Our determination to survive is captured in the photos we take, the drawings we create of our homeland, and the interviews we conduct with those who lived through these historic events. These pieces of documentation serve as powerful reminders of how Palestine was taken from us.

As a Palestinian feminist, researcher, and activist, I have chosen to focus on the profound contributions of women during two key periods: the British Mandate era and the Nakba of 1948. Women leaders and writers played pivotal roles in these stories.

The Ambiguity of Armed Struggle: Unraveling the Story of 'The Chrysanthemum' in Palestinian History

Writing about the Palestinian armed struggle is akin to handling delicate jewels—information is often fragmented, and accounts vary from one source to another. This is evident in the story of "The Chrysanthemum," an organization founded in Jaffa in 1948 during the Nakba.

Some consider "The Chrysanthemum" a group providing medical aid to fighters, while others believe it was a channel for smuggling weapons. The uncertainty extends to the organization’s composition—was it made up of both men and women, or exclusively women? There is also debate over the identities of its founders, including the roles played by the sisters Muhiba and Nariman Khuarshied.

In 2008, we learned that Nariman Khuarshied, one of the key figures behind "The Chrysanthemum," was living in Cairo. Along with my colleague Raneen Jeries, a researcher at the Zakarat organization, I made the decision to meet her and document her story both visually and audibly.

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Nariman Khuarshied: 'I Am the Chrysanthemum'—A Journey of Courage and Sacrifice in the Palestinian Struggle

Thanks to Palestinian researcher Mrs. Amal Agha, who resided in Cairo, we were able to arrange a meeting with Nariman at her home. Despite her health challenges, Nariman welcomed us, moved by the fact that we had traveled from the 1948-occupied areas of Palestine to see her.

Nariman proudly declared, "I am the Chrysanthemum," when discussing the organization’s activities. She revealed that she personally fought on the frontlines, carrying weapons. Her testimony highlighted the collaborative efforts of both men and women in the struggle for Palestine’s liberation.

Nariman recalled the "Manshyia Incident," in which many Palestinian men were killed. This tragic event played a key role in the establishment of "The Chrysanthemum" and in Nariman’s life. She also shared newspaper clippings and proudly mentioned that she was the first woman to fly a plane after the Nakba. Interestingly, she never learned to drive a car despite her love for aviation.

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The Rediscovery of 'Labiba': Reviving Memories of Palestinian Women During the Nakba

In June 2022, while reviewing my archive, I rediscovered an interview I had conducted in 2005 with a remarkable woman known as "Labiba" (Um Mohammad Khateeb). This interview had been an essential part of my research into the role of Palestinian women during the Nakba.

Labiba’s story, recorded in Majd Al-Krum, provided unique insights into the experiences of women during the Nakba. Her testimony had a lasting impact on me, and I shared the recording with her granddaughter Dima.

When Labiba listened to the interview 17 years later, her memories of the Nakba were revived. She began recounting the horrific events of that time—collective killings, forced migration to Lebanon, and her return to Palestine. This moment served as a reminder of the importance of oral history in preserving personal and collective memory.

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A Nation Remains: Documenting Palestine's Resilience Through Art

In May 2023, the exhibition "A Nation Remains" opened at the Al-Aswar organization in Acre to commemorate Nakba Day. The exhibition featured my photographs and drawings, which documented depopulated Palestinian villages and cities.

While many have photographed these scenes before, my artwork aimed to bring a new perspective. I sought to capture both the devastation and the enduring beauty of the land through my paintings, illustrating the resilience of Palestine.

The exhibition attracted more media attention than I had anticipated. Many were curious about the name, "A Nation Remains." Through my work, I conveyed that despite the destruction of villages and cities, elements of beauty and hope persist. Trees and flowers, once buried beneath rubble, have found ways to grow again, symbolizing the resilience of the Palestinian people.

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The Palestinian narrative is an intricate tapestry woven from personal memories, oral histories, and creative expressions. Through the stories of remarkable women like Nariman Khuarshied and Labiba, we can see how deeply intertwined their lives are with the broader struggle for Palestinian identity and history. Whether through armed resistance, personal testimony, or artistic creation, these women have shaped the narrative that defies erasure and distortion.

My work as a researcher, activist, and artist strives to preserve and elevate these voices. The exhibition "A Nation Remains" and the stories I have collected are not just records of the past—they are a testament to our collective resilience and the enduring hope that Palestine, despite all odds, remains alive in our hearts, our memories, and our art.

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*All photos in this article were provided by the author.

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