The bride lives in Ramallah, the de facto administrative capital of the State of Palestine. She is not permitted by Israel to travel to Gaza where her betrothed once lived. Nor is she allowed to go to Saudi Arabia where her fiancé’s parents live. The bridegroom lives in Australia. Israel will not allow him to go into Gaza, his home. The husband-to-be asked the Australian government if his fiancée could come to visit. She was refused a visa even though they told the government they intend making Australia home after their wedding.
Palestinian wedding traditions are rooted in rich history and culture. For example henna nights are for adorning the bride with henna decorations on her hands and legs. These decorations are usually very intricate and last for several days. Although all of the patterns can vary, all of them are meaningful and very detailed.
So what is the solution to this impasse which involve all the bride and groom’s extended family and friends, often amounting to 200 or 300 people? The man has now become an Australian citizen sponsored by his employer. Prior to that he was stateless. A number of Palestinians have travelled on Jordanian passports. But not this man, because his family fled from Gaza to Saudi Arabia. He is not permitted by Israel to go to Ramallah because he is originally from Gaza. A security risk even though he is employed by an international company making ultra large battery storage devices.
So both are denied a wedding in their home town.
Someone suggested Amman because his future wife and her family are permitted to travel across the Allenby Bridge over the Jordan River. This bridge is currently the sole designated exit/entry point for West Bank Palestinians traveling abroad. In 1918, British General Edmund Allenby built the bridge over the remnant of its Ottoman predecessor.
The man’s family are allowed to travel from Saudi Arabia to Jordan. And the Australian government will permit him to travel there as well but Israel will not allow him into Palestine.
So the Palestinian woman will be wearing thobes that tend to be intricate and reflect the bride’s unique heritage. Each one is different, memorable, and a tribute to her region and family.
At the wedding there will be the dakbe dances where all participants hold hands and do a series of intricate dance steps, including tapping and stomping. There are a lot of other movements, too, like jumps and twists.
All I can say is, Palestinians are resourceful people. I hope the Palestinian man and woman have a good traditional wedding and wish them all the best for the future. The wedding goes ahead in Amman in two weeks, with fewer people able to attend but will carry on during the night from 8pm till the early hours of the morning.
Ian Curr
29 August 2023