Recently, the debacle between President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump regarding the donation of $221 million to the Palestinians and its eventual downfall has reminded me about my homeland: Palestine. This unfortunate reminder has only reminded me of my people’s misfortune, with this incident being one of many that my people have endured.

Born in America and raised partially in Palestine, I have been tied to Palestine in every step of my life. When I was a child, my parents, along with the rest of the family, were kicked out of Israel on grounds that were not disclosed to us.

Before being discarded and displaced by Israel, my family had been living there for centuries, and we surely proud of it. Following this incident, my family scattered around the world, finding homes in the U.A.E, Jordan, the U.S., and Canada. No matter how far they travel, we are constantly tied back to that place.

I aim to somehow allow my parents to visit their former home, and this is my goal for the future. I hope to allow my mother to visit the site of her former garden in Palestine, a place which she held dearly. This place was unfortunately bombed as she escaped Palestine.

For all of the bombs and bloodshed that has occurred in that place, I feel connected and appreciative of its beauty. It is my home, and I will surely not abandon it. I’m just at a crossroads regarding how I can help it. It’s a place I can’t help, and that kills me. I just feel…lost.

Now going back to the former incident regarding the two presidents, I feel this incident only confirms what my family has known for decades: the Palestinian people have been forgotten. Never mind that the US has donated more money to Israel that any other country in the world, who has been placing illegal settlements that are clearly against global law.

However, hope is not all lost. Palestine has been recognized as a country by more countries than ever in this modern time, and celebrities and other activists are bringing awareness to this conflict more and more. I truly hope that this can aid my people, but recent history has not exactly been the best indicator. All we can all do is hope.