Venezuelan Indeed, but with a Palestinian Heart
I was walking through the streets of La Vega on the day of Venezuela’s municipal elections.
La Vega embodies the very essence of the Venezuelan spirit, a densely populated neighborhood nestled in the heart of Caracas
That day, I aimed to experience the elections firsthand, to breathe what the people breathe, where the Revolution’s heart beats.
Anyone who champions a just cause understands the fierce passion with which Cubans defend and love Venezuela and Palestine.
“Did you see our barrio during the elections? Did you like what you saw?” asked a good friend, a young Venezuelan filmmaker.
“I loved it. But I wasn’t surprised,” I replied. “I knew the elections would be like this, full of peace, music, joy, and celebration.” My friend’s gaze met mine, unwavering. It felt as though he penetrated my pupils with a lance.
My friend Ernesto called out to Pastor David very loudly.
“Grab your truck and take the Cubans where the Palestinians are,” he instructed the kind-hearted pastor. “I need to move around. See you later. And let me know if you were surprised,” he added with a mischievous look.
We drove down from the hill of El Petróleo, guided by Pastor David’s skillful driving, narrow, winding roads unfolding before us, murals made into vibrant flags, the aroma of arepas with shredded beef wafting through the air, Llanero songs echoing—a true taste of Venezuela.
“Now, when we turn left, you’ll be surprised,” the pastor said with a grin that stretched ear to ear, his white teeth gleaming, perhaps the widest smile human eyes have ever seen.
In awe, I gazed ahead as an overwhelming beauty unfolded before me. It wasn’t just a mural; it was a treasure, a heartbeat, a cry. Or, better yet: it was the very spirit of Palestine.
“Here are the Palestinians,” I don’t even recall who told me that, yet it was unmistakably clear. An invisible, powerful energy surged through the gate adorned with the mural dedicated to the sacred Palestinian land. Behind it stood a modest hardware store owned by the Abdallah family.
Hamudi approached us with steady steps, raising his right hand in a firm greeting, squeezing mine tightly with a welcoming gaze.
Around us, everything—every color, every detail—screamed Palestine. I paused, captivated, unaware that I was about to conduct an unplanned interview. I let my spirit drink in the surprise Ernesto finally pulled off. How naive I had been or perhaps stubborn; Venezuela never ceases to surprise.
“Excuse me, may I have a moment for an interview? I just can’t resist. Honestly, I have no questions,” I begged, abandoning protocol, driven solely by the desire to hear that resilient, Palestinian heartbeat.
A short laugh from Hamudi—with a distinct Venezuelan cadence—gave his approval. Immediately, he began to speak from the heart, sharing a story of love, hope, and resistance.
Hamudi Abdallah. Venezuelan, indeed— with a Palestinian soul
Hamudi is the youngest son of Intisar and Mohamoud Abdallah, the fifth of their children. His eyes sparkle with unwavering faith in victory and the resilience of a warrior. The rebel of the family, a Venezuelan Chavista with his heart firmly aligned with Palestinian resistance.
“My full name is Hamudi Abdallah Abdallah (which means ‘Servant of God’ in Arabic). Here, we’re dedicated to retail. My family’s roots trace back to a town called Saris, which is now in occupied Palestine.
The territory is under Zionist occupation and known as Shoresh. But the native people still call it Saris, to this day, in Jerusalem.
My family migrated to Venezuela in 1970, shortly after the 1967 war,” Hamudi related, his voice carrying a precise care for the history of his roots.
The 1967 war, also known as the Six-Day War, was a catastrophic event that triggered a second massive exodus after the Palestinian Nakba. About half a million Palestinians were forced to leave their land for various corners of the world.
“At that time, many of my family members, my parents and grandparents, came to Venezuela,” he said. “My grandparents had the good fortune and opportunity to return, but not directly to their homes; they returned to refugee camps.”
“I can tell you that here in Venezuela, there are between 500 and 600 Palestinian-origin families across the entire country. But in truth, there are thousands upon thousands, because Israel has occupied Palestinian land for many years, and hundreds of Palestinian families have settled here, in this wonderful country that opened its doors to them,” Hamudi explained.
The Abdallah family comprises about 30 members—some originally from Palestine, including Hamudi’s parents and uncles—and others born in Venezuela, among them Hamudi himself, his four brothers, and nephews.
“We carry 50% Palestinian culture and 50% Venezuelan culture; we defend both,” Hamudi said proudly. “Of course, Palestinian traditions are passed down from generation to generation—through food, songs, religion, language. I speak Arabic; we all do.”
As Hamudi shared his deep love for his roots, I felt a surge of victory for the Palestinian people. The Abdallah family is proof that Palestine is more than just land; more than a people they [Israel] seek to exterminate. It’s a resilient spirit embodied in Palestinian families battling across borders, with their cultures and ancestral traditions germinating in every part of the world where Palestinians have settled. Palestine has grown into a giant, stronger than the horrendous genocidal effort to erase it.
“In 2009, I visited Palestine for the first time. I stepped into Jerusalem, and it was incredible. I felt an overwhelming connection. As soon as I arrived and passed through the wall gate, I wanted to run faster to reach the mosque. It’s something truly impressive,” Hamudi repeated, his gaze drifting as if lost in the sights of Jerusalem.
“The homeland is carried in your heart,” he added.
“A few years ago, I was actively participating in major events alongside the president and minister, showing the strength of Palestinian presence in Venezuela,” he recounted. “We’re fortunate to have an Embassy of the State of Palestine here, an official representation, and that’s excellent. Palestine has always been recognized. Being born here is a source of pride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This country, Venezuela, is the best in the world for me.”
“I am Venezuelan, yes, but Palestinian at heart,” he emphasized.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed,” he asked, “but in every event across Venezuela, the name Palestine is always present. Just recently, I saw the governor of La Guaira at a sports event, holding a sheet of paper and declaring: ‘Palestine—when I see that name, my soul is ignited.’ Imagine how our government officials feel, what President Nicolás Maduro must experience, given his steadfast commitment. Since the days of Chávez, Palestine has held a deeply special place in the heart of this country.”
“When Chávez and the people came to power, the Comandante immediately ordered the embassy of the terrorist and genocidal state to leave Venezuela. Since that day, all relations with Zionism have been cut off,” Hamudi recalled.
“When the genocide intensified on October 7, 2023, we immediately felt the urgency and determination to go out and inform people about Palestine’s true struggle. This effort has helped others understand our reality; they see now that the Zionist army is the terrorist force committing massacres against the Palestinian people.
Solidarity with the Palestinian cause has surged by 100%, proving that the truth can no longer be hidden. What people witness with their own eyes cannot be concealed behind a blindfold.”
He went on to denounce that such a blindfold was imposed on the world by the US government. “Today, they claim they are facilitating ‘humanitarian aid,’ but we all know better: it’s a trap. People go seeking help, and instead, what they receive are bombs and bullets; they are massacred.”
“Despite these lies, the world is waking up. The truth is clear: victory belongs to the Palestinian resistance.”
Hamudi Abdallah lives in La Vega boulevard. He is a peace judge in his neighborhood and a young Venezuelan community leader. According to his father, he’s the rebellious son, the mediator who resolves conflicts around him. He guides his nephews in managing their small family business. He refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice. His rebellious heart beats in Gaza, alongside his soul comrades. He tracks every news story, minute by minute. An avid supporter of Yemen’s steadfastness and Iran’s dignity, he studies the military resilience of the Palestinian resistance against the genocidal army.
“My full admiration goes to the Palestinian Resistance fighting in Gaza,” Hamudi says firmly. “They are the supreme force. From here, I send my full support as a Servant of God,’ he declares, with unwavering certainty, sending a message straight to his homeland.
Translated by Venezuelanalysis.com
The views expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Venezuelanalysis editorial staff.
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano