Let's put it this way: My father and grandparents fled for their lives from Hungary because they are Jews. So, I'm sure as fuck not indigenous to Hungary. I was born in the US, but I'm not indigenous to this country, either. So, where did Jews come from? I know the answer.
The counterargument goes something like this: As an American, it doesn't matter where my ancestors came from. We're all here in this melting pot together. Except, for Jews, that has never been the case. Even in the US, our safety is never guaranteed.
Genetically, archaeologically, spiritually, historically, I can trace my lineage to the Land of Israel. That is the land I am indigenous to—even if I never decide to live there. It's been conquered, colonized by Romans, Crusaders, Turks, Arabs, Brits, but it's where I come from.
I pass no judgment on whether the descendants of Arab colonizers, who began calling themselves Palestinians in the mid-20th century, are also indigenous. What I do know is who I am and where I came from.
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