Reflections from My Visit to Israel, Jordan, and Palestine Amid the U.S. Election

By Hisham Jabi

This past Tuesday, November 5th, I landed at Dulles Airport at 3:30 PM, returning from an intense and eye-opening three-week journey through Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. The entire region felt weighed down by a dark, pervasive sense of despair, as the enduring impact of war and political uncertainty pressed heavily on every conversation and interaction I had.

The war in Gaza and Lebanon has left behind an overwhelming air of distress. People across these countries struggle with a growing sense of helplessness, and little hope surfaces when discussing the path forward. Questions about the implications of the U.S. election dominated many of my discussions, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts. Yet, despite the curiosity, there was little optimism. The conversations that struck me the most, however, were those in the West Bank, where daily survival has taken precedence over political discourse.

During my visit to my hometown, Nablus, I took a taxi to meet my family. The driver, his voice trembling with exhaustion, shared that he had only earned 13 shekels yesterday, equivalent to a mere $3.60—not even enough for a loaf of bread. This struggle for basic sustenance is an all-too-common reality, and the economic fragility has only deepened fears. Many worry that a U.S. administration led by Donald Trump could drastically reduce US aid, exacerbating an already dire situation. Intellectuals in the region conveyed a stark skepticism, noting that even under President Biden, the unprecedented support given to Israel during the war left many disillusioned, feeling that U.S. policy may not be as responsive to their struggles.

The war in Gaza has inflicted such profound and unrelenting suffering that it has numbed entire communities. A local resident described this collective pain, saying, "The agony has become so overwhelming that we no longer feel it. It has drained our capacity to grieve." The statement echoed sentiments of emotional fatigue, where loss and sorrow have become a daily, unending burden.

The Search for Self-Reliance and Reassessment of National Strategies

In my meetings with officials from the Palestinian National Authority, a recurring theme emerged: European support is gradually strengthening, but expectations of a transformative U.S. policy remain bleak. Yet, what stood out most was not an emphasis on external interventions but a call to action for Palestinians themselves. More than ever, there is a realization that we must shift the conversation inward, asking, "What can we do for ourselves?"

The Palestinian national agenda has long been fractured by divisions between the West Bank and Gaza. Even before the war, our institutions struggled with inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of accountability. The political infrastructure, plagued by stagnation, has not had a truly representative government since the 2005 elections. These challenges underscore an urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of our governance and societal priorities.

Unity and Self-Determination: A Vision for the Future

The question that looms large is: Where do we go from here? How can we foster a new era of leadership that unites rather than divides? The answer cannot rest on external political shifts or on hoping for change from the White House. It must come from our commitment to self-reliance and strategic action.

A Vision of Resistance through Existence

My vision is clear and rooted in the concept of "resistance through existence." We must help our people to resist the forces of occupation by fortifying their ability to live, grow, and thrive on their land. This means empowering communities, farmers, teachers, youth, and entrepreneurs to build a sustainable and resilient future.

Strategies for Empowerment and National Rebuilding

1. Reunify West Bank and Gaza Institutions under the PLO: Creating a cohesive and unified governance structure is essential. The PLO must reassert itself as a unifying umbrella, guiding and representing the collective will of the Palestinian people.
2. Hold Democratic Elections: One year after the war ends, supervised by a coalition of international and national observers, we must ensure free and fair elections to rejuvenate our leadership and restore democratic legitimacy.
3. Maximize Diplomatic Efforts: The Palestinian Authority's achievements on the global stage must be built upon. We must translate diplomatic gains into practical benefits for our communities, while strategically aligning with allies who are committed to our cause.
4. Implement Serious Reforms: Administrative efficiency is crucial. By cutting down on bureaucracy and eradicating corruption, we can create institutions that serve rather than hinder our people's aspirations.
5. Invest in Education and Innovation: Our future lies in the hands of our youth. We must develop an education system that equips them with skills to innovate, adapt, and lead, ensuring they are prepared to build a self-sustaining and prosperous society.
6. Support Livelihoods and Economic Initiatives: Concrete support for farmers, job creation programs for youth, and educational improvements are not mere policies but lifelines for our survival. Every project should aim to strengthen our people’s connection to their land and bolster our economic independence.

The Palestinian Spirit: Building Beyond Resistance

Our struggle is not only about resisting oppression but also about existing with dignity, thriving, and envisioning a future where our children can dream without fear. We must act decisively, embracing our collective responsibility. Instead of waiting for external forces to build our nation or liberate our land, we must begin the work ourselves. The time to act is now, guided by a vision that honors our past struggles while actively shaping a brighter, more resilient future.