In the West Bank, a retired chemistry teacher has converted his home into a museum of Palestinian heritage, amassing thousands of items that reflect the culture and history of his people. Awni Al-Thahir, 62, dons a traditional Palestinian costume, complete with a kufiya and an agal atop his head, radiating a unique spirit that imparts a distinctive character to his life experiences. He ardently endeavors to safeguard a heritage that he fears may one day be lost, offering the younger generations a rare opportunity to connect more profoundly with their heritage.

Al-Thahir's private museum encompasses various sections, each narrating a piece of Palestinian heritage in its diverse forms, including prayer beads, games, watches, phones, daggers, copperware, and more. He also showcases rare and valuable items, such as the license for the first radio device permitted in Palestine and coins dating back to different historical periods. To him, these pieces hold immense sentimental value, evoking memories of how his mother used basic tools to provide for their sustenance, and how they used to craft their clothing from sheep wool.

"I embarked on creating a museum for Palestine with the objective of drawing a comparison between the way things were a century ago and their state today. I gathered all these items in cabinets and tables, organized them into groups, each narrating a tale of Palestinian heritage in its various forms," Al-Thahir states.

He has expanded his project to include comparisons between Palestinian heritage and the heritage of other Arab countries, spotlighting the similarities and differences among them.

Al-Thahir's museum has evolved into a permanent sanctuary for those seeking Palestinian heritage, and he has become a reference for Palestinian culture. He mentions that anyone in need of a traditional Palestinian costume or old combat tools turns to him. When his grandchildren come to visit, he distributes old toys to them, observing them play, have fun, and temporarily forget their mobile devices.

"When my grandchildren come to visit, I share these vintage toys with them. My museum is brimming with them, and I possess more than 100 educational tools for children. I witness their joy as they play, setting aside their mobile devices," Al-Thahir says.

Al-Thahir refuses to succumb to the erosion and obliteration of heritage, describing himself as "a fighter against time and circumstances, striving to safeguard the heritage of his people from loss and distortion." He metamorphoses into a driving force that transports us to the bygone worlds in a unique and captivating manner. He lives with each heritage piece as if it were a new spirit, traversing generations and eras while elucidating its intricacies. A mix of pride and sorrow crosses his face as he asserts, "This is my wealth, and this is my legacy for my children, grandchildren, and all of Palestine."

"This is my wealth, and this is my legacy for my children, grandchildren, and all of Palestine," Al-Thahir says.

Al-Thahir dreams of establishing a national museum where he can exhibit everything he has collected, including treasures, antiquities, and memories. He aims to be of service to everyone by promoting Palestinian heritage, with the hope that his museum will inspire others to cherish and safeguard their heritage. He affirms that he will continue this mission indefinitely, for as long as he lives.

"I aspire to be of service to everyone in enhancing the presence of Palestinian heritage, and I am committed to perpetuating this message," Al-Thahir says.