I'm Deena, one of the many Palestinians in the diaspora. My Grandmother (Daher of Nazareth) and Grandfather (Hadid of Safad) were violently expelled from their homes in 1948. Although they kept the key to their home, they were never permitted to return. When my mom, Magida, visited with my father, David, it was very painful for her to feel unwelcome and even persecuted in her own native land. I haven't had the connections or resources to visit yet but with your help I will be deeply grateful to be able to connect with the sacred land. You will see a photo of a family tree showing our roots and how our family dates back to the 500s. I am half Palestinian and half American and grew up with my mom's side of the family, the Palestinian side. My mom has eight brothers and sisters, so we have a big family and lots of gatherings filled with food and dancing. But the only Palestinians I knew were my own family and many of us hid our identity due to controversy, stereotyping, and prejudice. Recently, in moderating a Clubhouse room called Meet Palestinians & Israelis where half a million people came through, I had the privilege of connecting with more people on the ground and many fellow Palestinians in the diaspora. ABOUT ME: I'm a producer, poet and trauma-informed mind-body alignment & posture coach. I'm all about connecting people together and helping people connect to their bodies and their creativity. With a background in events and the performing arts, I also am an impresario, performer and creative consultant. I currently live in Los Angeles California with my sweet pup and many plants. I also am helping produce and consult on a documentary film from the perspective of Jewish Americans coming to terms with their learned perception of Palestine and finding a path to Judaism that includes solidarity with Palestinians. My hope for this trip to to connect with my ancestral homeland, document and help educate people about our people, culture and struggle. My mother passed away from cancer four years ago and this will also be an opportunity to connect with her on a deeper level.