This piece immerses you in the vast Palestinian landscape. A woman, draped in the colors of the Palestinian flag, leans against a resilient olive tree. Her grip on the tree symbolizes her unwavering attachment to her roots, while her streaming tears silently convey her sorrow.

The olive tree, much like the Palestinian people, stands firm in the barren desert, its enduring roots a symbol of resilience. The remnants of its old trunk shelter the land, a poignant reminder of a people weathering adversity.

Beneath the tree, the soil is tainted by a puddle of red – a grim symbol of blood shed in the struggle for sovereignty.

In the hazy distance, the outlines of Gaza city and the Al-Aqsa mosque serve as haunting reminders of the region’s tumultuous reality. Black crows or ravens, like scavengers waiting for a fall, surround the woman. Their presence represents the malevolent forces hoping to benefit from death and destruction.

‘Mourning Under the Olive’ is a lament for the lost and a tribute to those enduring suffering. It calls for recognition of the strength and sorrow of the Palestinian people, aiming to stir empathy, understanding, and solidarity.

This piece serves as a potent reminder of human struggle, resilience, and loss. May it inspire you to stand in solidarity with those fighting for peace in their homeland. Please help me spread the word.