“Mayroun”—named after a Palestinian village west of Safad whose residents were forcibly displaced—was a workshop organised by RO’A Center as a space for engaging with the Palestinian narrative as knowledge, memory, and belonging.
The workshop took place over three days in the Dead Sea region on the eastern bank in Jordan and brought together the historical dimension of the Palestinian narrative, explored with historian Dr Johnny Mansour through an examination of the decisive turning points in the history of the Palestinian cause, and the emotional and nostalgic dimensions of lived Palestinian experience, explored with Tareq Bakri through personal stories from forcibly depopulated Palestinian villages.
More than 20 participants from across historic Palestine and the diaspora came together in a shared space for dialogue, reflection, and collective storytelling. They examined the relationship between memory, place, and history, and how these elements intersect in shaping individual and collective identities.
The workshop’s outcomes were developed through reflection and drafting sessions facilitated by Jehad Harb. These sessions focused on transforming the discussions and lived experiences into critical insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of identity and belonging and to reimagining both across time.
“Mayroun” is part of RO’A Center’s vision to create inclusive spaces for dialogue and represents a conscious effort to challenge the forced fragmentation and social divisions among Palestinians.
