After returning from the occupied West Bank, American former Olympic saber fencer Monica Aksamit shared what she saw and experienced of Palestinian culture and the people before speaking about the “heartbreaking reality” Palestinians are living with.

Aksamit described Palestinians as the most hospitable people she has ever encountered, highlighting how communities support one another when the Israeli occupation forces closes gates or settlers attack.

She praised Palestinians’ resilience, recounting stories of a journalist shot by settlers who continued reporting and a teacher who continued teaching after his student and brother were shot.

She also praised Palestinian food, the way people find moments of positivity despite hardship, and their deep love for their land and olive trees, even as settlers try to prevent them from tending their trees.