The flag was raised as a symbol of pride, resilience, and a promise to remember the community’s identity amidst ongoing adversity. The ceremony was not merely a political statement but a profound expression of solidarity and a call for peace and dignity. Assemblyman Alaa Abdelaziz, noted for being the first Palestinian and Arab American elected to the city council and later as an assemblyman, addressed the gathering, urging the community to remain engaged and proactive in their advocacy efforts. He highlighted the progress made by the Palestinian community in New Jersey, noting their contributions as business owners, educators, and community leaders.

The meeting also featured the notable narratives of Palestinian fathers who have faced unimaginable losses due to ongoing violence. These stories vividly illustrated the harsh realities faced by Palestinian families. One particularly moving account was shared about Muhammad Abul Kumsan, who returned from a routine visit to government offices to find his family had been killed during an Israeli raid. This tragedy highlighted the cruel irony of life in conflict zones, where such profound loss can occur unexpectedly. Another father in De Albala was described digging through the rubble of his home with his bare hands, searching for his family after an airstrike.

Further stories underscored the difficult choices faced by Palestinian parents. A father at the Rafa crossing, despite being cleared for evacuation due to his foreign citizenship, refused to leave without his son, buried beneath the rubble. His words, “I will not leave him behind. He’s my son. He’s not just a number,” resonated deeply with those present, emphasizing loyalty to family amidst dire circumstances. Khaled Napan, known as Abdul, became a symbol of grief when footage emerged of him cradling his granddaughter. Tragically, both his grandchildren and himself were later killed in airstrikes, highlighting the generational impact of the violence.

During the meeting, Basm Sharat, the Palestine Education Director at the Palestinian American Community Center, addressed the audience with a somber message about the ongoing situation in Palestine, describing the conditions in Gaza as acts of genocide. She highlighted the suffering endured by Palestinians and presented the event as a moment of community solidarity during a particularly painful time. Sharat honored the fathers who have been lost to violence and spoke of a general atmosphere of grief while also recognizing the strength and resilience of the community.

The meeting also addressed broader themes of justice and advocacy. Several speakers called for an immediate ceasefire and a reevaluation of U.S. policy towards Israel. They characterized the situation in Gaza as genocide, drawing attention to the high number of civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure. An individual from the Arab-American Civic Organization expressed frustration with current policies, emphasizing the need for change.

A notable moment during the meeting was the reading of a letter from Lika Kurdia, a Paterson resident detained by ICE. The letter expressed solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and highlighted the pain endured by families in conflict zones.

The event concluded with cultural performances by community members, further underscoring the resilience and unity of the Palestinian community in Paterson. These expressions of culture and identity served as a powerful reminder of the community’s enduring spirit and determination to advocate for their rights and dignity.