Malta & the Nakba: A Story That’s Still Unfolding

In the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital, stands a small, unassuming plaque on St. George’s Square. Engraved in Arabic and Maltese, it commemorates the Nakba, the Arabic term for ‘catastrophe’, marking the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. But the Nakba’s story doesn’t begin or end in 1948. It’s a tale that’s still unfolding, even here in Malta.

The Nakba’s roots trace back to the late 19th century when Zionist immigration to Palestine began. By 1948, with the creation of Israel, around 700,000 Palestinians were displaced. Today, that number has grown to over 5 million refugees scattered across the globe, including Malta.

Malta’s connection to this story is often overlooked. Yet, it’s home to one of Europe’s oldest Palestinian communities. Many arrived in the 1950s, escaping conflict and seeking a better life. Today, they’re part of Malta’s multicultural fabric, running businesses, working in various sectors, and contributing to Maltese society.

Malta’s role in the Nakba narrative isn’t merely passive. In the 1950s, Malta served as a transit point for Palestinians seeking refuge in Europe. Today, it’s a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, obliging it to protect refugees. Yet, challenges persist. Palestinian refugees in Malta face issues like statelessness, limited access to education, and employment barriers.

Local NGOs like Aditus Foundation and JRS Malta work tirelessly to support these communities. They advocate for better integration policies and fairer treatment of refugees. Their work underscores Malta’s role in the Nakba’s ongoing story, highlighting both its responsibilities and potential.

Malta’s Nakba story isn’t just about the past. It’s about the present and future too. Every time a Palestinian child grows up in Malta, every time a refugee finds opportunity here, Malta writes a new chapter in this ongoing narrative.

Dr. Rami Khouri, a prominent Lebanese journalist, once said, “The Nakba is not just a historical event, it’s a continuing process.” In Malta, that process is unfolding today. It’s a story of resilience, of struggle, but also of hope and opportunity.

So, the next time you pass that plaque in Valletta, remember, it’s not just a marker of a past event. It’s a testament to a story that’s still being written, right here in Malta.