As part of the GENARRATION project, we had the privilege of conducting a face-to-face interview in Tallinn with Loor, a young Palestinian from Jerusalem. In this conversation, Loor shares her personal story, the challenges faced by Palestinian youth, and the importance of reshaping narratives surrounding Palestinian identity. The interview was conducted by our member Fatya, with questions prepared and editorial work by our member Sümeyye.
Fatya: Can you share your personal story and what it means to be a young Palestinian in Jerusalem today?
Loor: I grew up between Jerusalem and Ramallah. From a very young age, I had to cross a checkpoint and the apartheid wall, which affected my education, school, and daily routine. Growing up in Jerusalem was challenging in many ways. It is the hub of Palestinian identity, and within the Palestinian community, I was able to hold on to my Palestinian identity, despite the restrictions on movement and education. These restrictions define the daily life of Palestinian youth.
Fatya: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about Palestinian youth that you would like to challenge through your work?
Loor: Palestinian youth, like all young people, have dreams, goals, and aspirations. They are well-educated and ambitious, whether in academia, art, or other fields. I think it would challenge the narrative or the Western media narrative which often portrays Palestinians either as victims or as threats, but we choose life. We have dreams, and each Palestinian has a unique story, ambition, and goal. I think that’s kind of the narrative that I would challenge to understand Jerusalem or the Palestinians. I want to amplify these diverse voices so people can truly understand Palestinian realities.
Fatya: How do you feel international media portrays Jerusalem and its Palestinian residents? Which aspects are missing or misrepresented?
Loor: The Palestinian narrative is only portrayed through the Western media, filtered through that perspective and a double standard. Something I would like to change is ensuring Palestinian voices are heard, their narrative is understood, and recognising that these are people who want to live in dignity, have goals, ambitions, and a future they are working hard to achieve. That is something that needs to be challenged within the international media.
I think focusing on that and amplifying Palestinian voices is the first thing that needs to be addressed within international media platforms.
Usually, Palestinians are portrayed by people who have never spoken to a Palestinian, have not visited, and have not seen the reality on the ground. The misconceptions they build in their heads shape their discussions about Palestine as if they understand it or know the solutions, without truly engaging with Palestinians or understanding what they want for themselves.
That is something I try to challenge and would push the Western media to change—listening to what Palestinians have to say about their own future. It is really important.
Fatya: How does GENARRATION seek to reshape the narrative on Palestinian identity and everyday life in Jerusalem?
Loor: GENARRATION is a great project because it brings youth from different backgrounds into a safe space where they can express their stories—not just through a legal framework, but through other means. Whether someone is a content creator, in fashion, or in art, it provides youth from all backgrounds with the tools to amplify their voices and ensure their stories are heard.
It gives Palestinians from all backgrounds and specialties a platform to have a voice and the necessary tools to share their stories.
Fatya: What are some of the most pressing challenges young Palestinians face in Jerusalem today, particularly regarding education, movement, and self-expression?
Loor: In Jerusalem, there is mass violence from the IOF, where they can stop, check, or harass someone at any moment. You never know if you’ll be asked for your ID, stopped, frisked, or worse—anything can happen at any time.
But beyond that, there is also a war on Palestinian identity. Education plays a big role in this. Curriculums that include the Palestinian narrative are targeted, pressured to change, or shut down entirely. Schools risk closure, and teachers face constant harassment and threats.
Even in universities, if a professor—Palestinian or not—speaks about the Palestinian cause, they often face threats, pressure to step down, or censorship. Discussing Palestinian identity is heavily restricted. Raising a Palestinian flag or openly addressing the Palestinian narrative is not allowed.
Beyond movement restrictions, checkpoints, and ID checks, one of the biggest challenges youth face is the suppression of their Palestinian identity—whether through institutional policies or direct censorship. That, in itself, is a major struggle for young Palestinians in Jerusalem.
Fatya: Can you share any specific moments or stories that illustrate the resilience or creativity of Palestinian youth?
Loor: What I love about the GENARRATION Project is that it brings people from different backgrounds together. One of the biggest examples of Palestinian resistance is that existence itself is resilience—just being Palestinian is an act of resistance. Many Palestinians channel their resilience through art, fashion, storytelling, academic research, and other creative forms.
It shows how resilient the Palestinian people are—despite everything, they still choose to create art, pursue life, and showcase their ambitions and goals for the future.
Fatya: What role do international audiences and organizations play in amplifying Palestinian voices, and what kind of support do you hope to receive from these collaborations?
Loor: I argue that one of the most important roles of international organizations is to listen to Palestinian voices, amplify their stories, and ask them what they envision for their future—rather than assuming the right path for them.
Palestinians decide their own future, how to tell their stories, and how to present their narrative. It’s about listening, sharing, and supporting their voices. That is the most valuable role international media and organizations can play in the Palestinian cause.
Fatya: What does justice and freedom look like for you and the young people you work with in Jerusalem?
Loor: This is a broad question. It’s difficult to grasp, especially when you’re a people who have been under oppression and occupation for many years. But I think a future where Palestinians live liberated and free, with dignity, where they can return to their homes, determine their future, and have a collective identity, is the future I envision. Justice should stand with the Palestinians.
The future I see for Palestinians is a liberated people living with dignity, refugees returning to their homes, and Palestine reflecting that as a whole.
Fatya: What message would you like to leave for those learning about Palestinian youth experiences for the first time?
Loor: For those learning about Palestinian youth experiences for the first time, I would say: talk to a Palestinian, listen to their stories, watch their videos, amplify their voices, and share content made by Palestinian creators or those on the ground filming what is happening. The best way to show support is by amplifying what is happening through sharing, listening, and continuing to learn about Palestinian history and context. Doing the research will help you understand the Palestinian narrative fully.
Engaging with the Palestinian cause is the best advice I would give to those starting to learn about Palestine.
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