In the heart of Nablus, West Bank, Rasheed Abueideh juggles two critical roles: he operates a nut roastery to support his family and works as an award-winning video game developer. The struggles of life in a conflict-ridden area are compounded by the burden of telling a story that remains largely untold, one that echoes through generations.

A Journey Through War and Art

In 2014, during the harrowing Gaza war, Abueideh released his first game, "Lilya and the Shadows of War." This poignant narrative centers around a father's desperate attempt to shield his daughter from the ravages of war, only to find that safety is an illusion. Initially, the game faced rejection from Apple due to its sensitive content; however, following a public outcry, the decision was retracted. "Lilya" not only garnered acclaim but also highlighted the resilience of Palestinian art in the face of adversity.

Challenges in Securing Funding

Despite the recognition Abueideh received, securing financial backing for his next project has proven to be an uphill battle. His envisioned game, "Dreams on a Pillow," seeks to portray the 1948 Nakba – a catastrophic event in which more than half the Palestinian population was displaced during the Arab-Israeli War – through the lens of a beloved folk tale. Unfortunately, this powerful narrative has been met with rejection nearly 300 times from various publishers and grant providers, labeled too "controversial" to fund. Abueideh poignantly reflects, “Talking about the Palestinian story was always forbidden.”

A Ray of Hope Through Crowdfunding

As conflict brews once again in his homeland, Abueideh's personal security hangs in the balance. Nonetheless, he remains resolute in his mission to tell this crucial Palestinian story. Together with a dedicated team of developers and advisors, he launched a crowdfunding campaign aimed at bringing "Dreams on a Pillow" to life.

“Crowdfunding was our only option, but all major platforms neglect to recognize Palestine,” Abueideh shares. Opting to use LaunchGood, a platform designed for the Muslim community, they remarkably met their funding goal by January 7th. This funding is sufficient to cover about half of the game’s development costs, and Abueideh expresses hope that as the game progresses, further support will follow. “I am overjoyed,” he beams. “The overwhelming support on social media and our campaign page shows how deeply people care about sharing the Palestinian narrative… I didn’t anticipate this level of success.”

The Narrative of Dreams on a Pillow

The folk tale that “Dreams on a Pillow” draws from paints a haunting picture: a mother racing back into her home to retrieve her baby, only to flee with a mere pillow. As she journeys toward Lebanon after the tragic massacre at Tantura, she grapples with memories of her homeland and the dreams of a lost Palestine. Players will encounter a game mechanic where placing down the pillow permits movement but also invites nightmares—symbolizing the haunting legacy of displacement.

A Vision Beyond Gaming

Abueideh estimates that the game's completion will take around two years, but the crowdfunding information carries a stark reminder: plans are in place to guarantee the game's continuity in the event of his "disappearance, injury, or demise due to the ongoing Israeli aggression."

Ultimately, Abueideh envisions "Dreams on a Pillow" as more than just a game; it is a conduit to educate players about the grim realities faced by Palestinians since 1948. “The aim is to evoke empathy and understanding regarding the ongoing ethnic cleansing that commenced decades ago,” he explains. “When players comprehend the historical context, they will be in a better position to grasp current events and take an informed stand.”

A Story Born from Struggle

As Abueideh continues to push boundaries in the digital landscape, his story serves as a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most profound narratives emerge from the harshest realities. Stay tuned for updates on “Dreams on a Pillow” and support the fight to bring this vital story to life.