NPR

For A Palestinian Father, Six-Day War Led To A Divided Life

After the war, Omar Omar was stuck in Jordan. He made a new life in the U.S. and sent back money to help his family. Now when he returns to the West Bank, where he was born, he sees it as an outsider.
Omar Omar outside his family's home in the village of Deir Jarir. After living in the U.S. for decades, he sees the West Bank with the eyes of an outsider.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors. This is one of two stories examining how lives were changed by the war.

When Israel captured the West Bank in 1967, Omar Omar was stuck.

He was 16 years old, going to a high school in Jordan, while his parents were back home in the West Bank, a few hours' drive away.

Israel and neighboring Arab states had gone to war, and in six days, Israel won. It occupied the West Bank, and does so to this day.

Like most other Palestinians who were away from home or who fled during the war, Omar couldn't get Israeli permission to move

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
Guatemalan AG Raids Save The Children Office Over A Migrant Children Rights Complaint
Prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche said that the complaint filed by an unidentified foreigner had raised serious concerns because it involved allegations of abuse of children.
NPR2 min read
New Staffing Updates To The Short Wave Team
Congratulations to Berly McCoy and Rachel Carlson for becomming permanent producers and Regina G. Barber for becomming full time co-host!
NPR2 min read
Chicago's 'Rat Hole' Is Removed After The City Determined The Sidewalk Was Damaged
The imprint of an animal had been a quirk of a residential block in Chicago's North Side for years but a post on social media brought it new fame, which neighbors found to be a nuisance.

Related Books & Audiobooks