Bridging borders: A family’s journey from Palestine to Britain

London (Quds News Network) – In the heart of Warwickshire in the West Midlands of England, amidst the serene landscapes and historical echoes of William Shakespeare’s birthplace, a unique gathering is taking place, transcending geographical boundaries to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The town of Leamington Spa, known for its quaint charm, has become a hub for the ‘Friends of Palestine,’ a group whose vigils have evolved from monthly meetings to a weekly congregation that attracts over 100 people from various towns in the county.
Among the passionate participants is Derar Badwan, a Palestinian in his early 70s, whose connection to the cause runs deep. Trained as a neurosurgeon and once a consultant in neurorehabilitation, Derar has been a witness to the evolving narrative surrounding Palestine, particularly in the wake of Israel’s ongoing genocide campaign in Gaza.
His sense of indignation stems not only from his professional background but also from a personal history etched with the trials and tribulations of the Palestinian experience.
Born in the West Bank, just a few years after the Nakba of 1948, Derar’s family, like many others, faced forced displacement. The village of Annaba, nestled east of Ramleh and Lydda, witnessed upheaval as Zionist militias and the Israeli army uprooted Palestinian communities in 1947. The scars of the Lydda massacre in July 1948 still echo through Derar’s family history, where homes and tombs are all that remain of his ancestral village.
The Nakba, the 1948 catastrophe that saw the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians, subjected Derar’s family to poverty and life in refugee camps. The loss of employment and income forced his father, Ali Badwan, a teacher and community builder, to seek work overseas. The family moved to Kuwait, leaving behind their homeland but carrying with them the hopes of a better life.
“Heaven’s sake, it’s been 75 years, and nobody has said once to Israel, you can’t do this. This is not right. Nobody does (tell them). It is colonialism,” he says.
Tragedy struck in Kuwait with the premature death of Derar’s mother. Ali, determined and resilient, took on the role of a sole caregiver, raising his children with unwavering dedication. Despite the challenges, Derar fondly recalls the summers spent in Ramallah, where his father had built a house on a piece of land, providing a haven away from Kuwait’s scorching heat.
Derar’s journey took him to Basra to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. Qualified in Iraq, he later worked with the Palestinian Red Crescent in Lebanon before moving to Kuwait briefly. The 1967 war and Israel’s occupation of the West Bank prompted him to seek refuge in the UK, where he became a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.
In Manchester, Derar encountered organizations standing in solidarity with Palestine, sparking a lifelong commitment to the cause. Eventually settling in the UK, he married Janet Key, a nurse from Hull, and continued his medical career, specializing in neurosurgery.
Derar’s dedication to preserving Palestinian culture and heritage extended to his family. Each summer, he sought to reconnect with his roots, embarking on perilous journeys across mountains and borders to reach the occupied Palestinian territories. These trips, though challenging, forged lasting memories for his son, Faris Badwan, an artist and vocalist with the Horrors.
Faris vividly recalls the cultural richness of Palestinian family life during their visits to Jordan. The rituals, the community, and the warmth of shared meals were integral to their identity. However, the shadow of occupation loomed, with checkpoints and military presence leaving a lasting impact on Faris.
The recent events in Gaza have compelled Faris to lend his support to humanitarian efforts. Organizations like PaliRoots and the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) are working tirelessly to provide aid to displaced families, echoing the urgent need for international intervention.
As Derar and Faris reflect on their family’s journey, they are acutely aware of the erasure of Palestinian culture and identity. The echoes of the Nakba persist, with international bodies often failing to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite the challenges, the Palestinian spirit remains unbroken, sustained by a collective resolve and acts of bravery documented by journalists on the ground.
In their quest for justice, Derar, Faris, and their family stand united, bridging borders and generations to ensure that the rich tapestry of Palestinian heritage endures. Their story is a testament to resilience, a journey that transcends geographic boundaries, and a call for a world that recognizes the rights and dignity of all its inhabitants.