Ana Dammi Falastini: From Arab Idol to the national song of Palestine 

“Ana Dammi Falastini” , a song that won Muhammad Assaf the title of Arab world in 2015, has over the years became the national song of the land-a musical and patriotic piece they rejoice in, in the face of occupying forces. It is one of the key performances of his concerts.

The lyrics can literally be translated as “My Blood is Palestinian”. It proclaims the pride of Palestinian and Arab heritage in its opening words:

Keeping my oath, following my religion

You will find me on my land

I belong to my people, I sacrifice my soul for them

My blood is Palestinian, Palestinian, Palestinian

My blood is Palestinian

The whole chorus of the song is an ode to the years of resistance and resilience of Palestinians in a celebratory, hip tone. Assaf himself was born in the Khan Younis refugee camp of Gaza and this song has been his magnum opus. This refrain got popular during Israel’s attack on Sheikh Jarrah in 2021 and since then has gained the status of an anthem among Palestinians. Nowadays, the song is popular on social media, especially TikTok, where people are using it as a background score in protesting against Israeli aggression.

The story of “Ana Dammi Falastini,” the song anti-occupation supporters are playing to support Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/SQmiQaEJ6t

— AJ+ (@ajplus) October 26, 2023

Earlier in the year, the song was removed from Spotify and Apple Music in an attempt seen as Israel’s way of sabotaging the worldwide popularity of the song even though the platform claimed that it was taken off by the distributor but there is no proof to that. The singer was unaware of the reason as well. Fans around the world slammed the Israeli government for getting triggered by a harmless song.

The song, however, has now transcended boundaries in the most unconventional way. There is a plagiarised copy of the song doing rounds on social media made by Israel reeking of Zionism with Falastini replaced by “Yahoodi”.

did they just steal ana dammi falastini….. https://t.co/0qtQrxO5kV

— t™ 🇵🇸 (@dreamglowmp3) October 27, 2023

On one hand it is a testament to the popularity of the song but on the other a proof of sheer hatred that showcases the mindsets of a class of hegemons.

THEY ISRAELED ANA DAMMI FALASTINI??????? pic.twitter.com/swt7Zkdd4t

— ليلى 🇵🇸 (@f4lasteen) October 27, 2023

One user remarks, “Did Israel colonised the song as well?”

did Israelis really colonise the song “ana dammi falastini” as well

how desperate and pathetic do you have to be

— Olivia (@slayivia) October 27, 2023

Assaf however has not given up and there are countless other songs of him paying homage to his homeland. Another of his popular song is “Falasteen Enty El Rouh” which means “Palestine, you are the soul.”

The existence of these artists keep the resistance alive.