Last night, Palestinians all around the world were united by one young voice from the Khan Younis refugee camp: Mohammad Assaf. Palestinians in Nazareth, Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, Naqab, Amman, Beirut, and Yarmok refugee camp in Syria (to name a few!) were all supporting the young Palestinian in the Arab Idol singing competition.  It is reported that 60 million votes got Assaf a well-deserved title. Assaf’s story resembles the resilience of every Palestinian;  his journey to success reflects the resilience of the Palestinian people and their persistence to reach their aspirations despite all the obstacles and challenges that they are faced with. Mohammed faced many barriers and obstacles on his journey from Khan Younis to Beirut, and was shocked at his own victory. Mohammed has made Palestinians unanimously jubilant and proud for the first time in many years, and has boosted young people’s morales.

We would like to congratulate Mohammad Assaf for his outstanding achievement.  We would also like to congratulate ourselves and the Palestinian people for producing such a talent.  Mohammad, you made us proud, you are an inspiration to all young people of Palestine and the Arab world, and you united us despite all borders and divisions. We wish you much success in your future endeavors and in continuing your journey of representing Palestine all around the world.