Palestine, our beloved homeland, is a tapestry of rich history, indomitable spirit, and unwavering resilience. Despite the adversity they have faced, the Palestinian people have preserved their identity and culture, which remains a beacon of hope for the future.

The Palestinian diaspora has exemplified remarkable unity and perseverance in the face of adversity. A prime example is the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund representing a Community in Chicago, which comprises an estimated 100,000 individuals. recently, raised a commendable $1.2 million to support the scholarship fund. This achievement is a testament to their collective spirit and unwavering commitment to their shared aspirations.

The Palestinian people are also united in their struggle against the erasure of their identity. When we visit places of rich historical significance, like Al Quds or Yafa, the changing names stand as stark reminders of this ongoing struggle. For Palestinians, names bear weight. They are embodiments of their lineage, history, and legacy.

Education is another key pillar of Palestinian identity and resilience. Our students, our youth, are the torchbearers of this vision. They shouldn't just graduate as doctors or engineers; they should emerge as leaders in their fields, equipped and prepared to steer their nation towards a brighter future.

Palestinian education must be tailored to the unique socio-cultural needs of Palestinian society. This means integrating leadership skills with core academic teachings. A degree should not be an end in itself; it's a beacon lighting the path to a brighter future for Palestine. Each student, regardless of their major, should emerge as a leader in their field, equipped to steer their nation forward.

Our universities emerge as the flag bearers of hope for Palestine. While they function under straitened circumstances, they are perhaps the most formidable institutions we possess to foster a brighter Palestinian future. Our academic institutions remain the pillars of our community and play a vital role in nurturing future leaders.

Our strength isn't just in our numbers but in our spirit. We are a people with a vibrant culture, unyielding determination, and collective resilience that has weathered countless storms. This resilience is mirrored in the eyes of our youth, whose smiles embody the optimism we all hold for a brighter Palestinian future.

The Palestinian identity is a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is nurtured by the unity and perseverance of the Palestinian diaspora, the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in their struggle against the erasure of their identity, and the commitment of Palestinian universities to educating and empowering the next generation of leaders.

The future of Palestine depends on its youth. They are the torchbearers of the Palestinian spirit, and their determination, dreams, and vision will shape the destiny of their nation.

There are many ways to support the Palestinian people in their struggle for justice and freedom, find your own way whether by donating, educating yourself about Palestinian issues, and get involved in your local community.

The Palestinian people are a resilient and determined people. They have faced many challenges over the years, but they have never given up on their dream of freedom and justice. We must stand with them in their struggle and support them in every way we can.