Gazans Preserve History While Media Forgets It
Al-Monitor quietly reports Gazans are 'racing to preserve cultural heritage damaged in war.' A noble endeavor, indeed, as if 'damage' is an accidental byproduct. The article meticulously avoids uttering the word 'destruction' or, heaven forbid, 'cultural erasure.' Remember when the Al-Omari Grand Mosque, dating back to the 7th century, was shelled? Or the Byzantine church mosaic at Jabaliya? This
isn't just 'war damage'; it’s a pattern. The methodical targeting of Gaza’s historical sites—churches, mosques, libraries, universities—echoes a broader effort to erase Palestinian identity. While cultural workers scramble to save archaeological remnants, politicians like those in Washington, who voted to send billions more in 'defensive aid' (HR 815, 2024), conveniently overlook this systemic
demolition. Perhaps their historical preservation budgets are tied up in AIPAC donations. (According to OpenSecrets.org, Senator Schumer alone took $185,059 from AIPAC in 2022.)