In recent weeks, many Palestinian activists on social media have been engaged in sharing videos posted by Palestinian celebrities and influencers that discuss the original names of towns that were changed by Israel decades ago. This initiative is part of a campaign titled "It's Not Called That," aimed at reminding people of the Palestinian areas whose names have been altered by Israel over the years.
One of the videos, for example, provides information confirming that Eilat was originally called "Umm al-Rashrash," and that Tel Aviv was known as "Sheikh Muwannis/Von Jaffa." It also pointed out that Jerusalem, as referred to by Israelis, is called "Al-Quds," and that Be'er Sheva was originally "B'er Sab'aa," while Netanya was known as "Umm Khalid," and Acre is originally "Akka."
Moreover, it highlighted that Kiryat Shmona was originally called "Al-Khalisa," and that Sarafand is the original name for Sderot. Nazareth is referred to as "Nazarat," and Tzefat is known as "Safad," while the intersection known as "Shawkat" was originally termed "Al-Masmiah." Ashkelon was formerly "Ascalon," and "Kiryat Gat" was referred to as "Iraq al-Manshiya/Hebron," whereas Kerem Shalom was known as "Karm Abu Salem" or "Abu Faraj/Bisan." Lod was originally named "Al-Lydd," and Beit Shemesh was "Beit Al-Shams/Quds District," while "Beit Jimal" was known as "Deir Al-Jamal," and "Zachariya" was called "Zacaria Village."
