1967 Arab-Israeli war fading into history

Dubai: The 1967 Arab-Israeli War began 40 years ago today, yet the legacy of those six days in June continues to impact the daily lives of millions of Palestinians.

But what significance does the Six Day War hold for UAE residents and how much is known about the pivotal confrontation that saw Israel defeat Arab forces, occupying East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights?

Struggle

Although not born at the time, Dubai resident Hassan Kassem, 37, from Egypt, said that for him 1967 represents the ultimate struggle that continues to this day.

"It was a war that destroyed so much, which we learnt about in school. It was a very difficult period for everyone - from children, whose schools were destroyed, to families, who were removed from their homes," he said.

As a Muslim, Kassem says it is particularly hard to see the continuation of the violence 40 years on from 1967. "Islam tells us to be against war, and the most important thing according to the Prophet was peace."

Aware that 1967 was significant because of "a war between the Arabs and Israelis," Khalid Al Shamsi, an 18-year-old student from Dubai, said he was unfamiliar with the details of the conflict.

"As far as I know, the war was fought because the Israelis tried to take land, especially Al Quds [Jerus-alem]," he told Gulf News. "I also know that they are continuing to fight the Arabs to this day and continue to take more land."

Yumna, a 26-year-old Emirati housewife, said she did not realise that the 40th year of Israeli occupation was approaching; saying her children keep her busy.

"The issue does matter to me, but I avoid discussing politics. I follow the issues in the media though," she said, adding that she was confident that the occupation will eventually end.

"According to Islamic belief, Jerusalem will be liberated before judgment day."

Awareness

Ali, a 20-year-old university student from Lebanon, agreed that many Arabs were too preoccupied with other matters to worry about the conflict.

"These days, kids are into television and video games. No one talks about politics," he said. However, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, he added, meant "a lot" to him "because what happens there affects us all."

Russian university student Anastacia agreed that resolving the conflict was important "for our future in the Middle East."

After attending an international school in Dubai, Anastacia said there was "very little" awareness about the conflict. "They only taught European history in our school," she said.

However, Khadeeja, a 44-year-old Saudi housewife, conceded that the current generation had become apathetic to issues concerning the Arab world. "In our days, everyone was involved: from the women to the young and elderly. It's very different now."