Culture and Resistance

1. The Palestinian struggle is rooted in the 1948 Nakba and ongoing dispossession.

Nineteen forty-eight for Palestinians is the date on which their search for self-determination begins.

The Catastrophe. The events of 1948, known as al-Nakba (the catastrophe), involved the uprooting and destruction of Palestinian society, the displacement of approximately 800,000 Palestinians, and the destruction of over 400 Arab villages. This event is central to understanding the Palestinian experience and their ongoing struggle for self-determination.

Refugee Crisis. The descendants of those displaced in 1948 now number over seven million, scattered throughout the Arab world and beyond. The right of return for these refugees to their ancestral homes remains a core demand of the Palestinian people.

Land Confiscation. Since 1948, Israel has taken control of approximately 94% of historic Palestine, with much of this land designated for the exclusive use of Jewish people. This ongoing dispossession fuels resentment and perpetuates the conflict.

2. The "peace process" has often masked continued Israeli occupation and control.

Essentially, the peace process has simply involved the Palestinian leadership in accepting Israeli terms.

Repackaging Occupation. The Oslo Accords, initiated in 1993, were intended to lead to a two-state solution. However, the "peace process" has often served to repackage and legitimize the Israeli occupation, with Israel maintaining control over borders, water resources, and security.

Settlement Expansion. Despite negotiations, Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza have continued to expand, further fragmenting Palestinian territory and undermining the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. These settlements, deemed illegal under international law, house hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens.

Limited Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority, established as part of the Oslo Accords, has limited autonomy and is often forced to police its own people on behalf of the Israeli government. This has led to widespread frustration and resentment among Palestinians.

3. Language shapes perception: "Defense," "terrorism," and "honest broker" are often misapplied.

So to use the word “defense” here is a grotesque misnomer.

Framing the Narrative. The language used to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often obscures the realities on the ground. Terms like "defense," "terrorism," and "honest broker" are frequently used in ways that reinforce Israeli narratives and marginalize Palestinian perspectives.

Israeli Defense Forces? The Israeli army, often referred to as the Israeli Defense Forces, is in reality an occupying force operating within Palestinian territory. The vast disparity in power between the Israeli military and the largely unarmed Palestinian population makes the term "defense" highly misleading.

Terrorism as a Weapon. While Palestinian acts of violence are often labeled as "terrorism," the term is rarely applied to the actions of the Israeli military, despite the disproportionate use of force and the targeting of civilian populations. This creates a false equivalence and obscures the power dynamics at play.

4. Maps are crucial for understanding the geographical realities of the conflict.

The West Bank and Gaza together constitute 22 percent of historical Palestine, and this is what the current fight is over.

Shrinking Territory. The conflict is not about two equal sides fighting over territory, but about the ongoing dispossession of Palestinians from their land. The West Bank and Gaza, representing only 22% of historic Palestine, are further fragmented by Israeli settlements and military control.

Bantustans. The creation of isolated Palestinian enclaves, surrounded by Israeli settlements and infrastructure, resembles the bantustan system of apartheid South Africa. This fragmentation makes it impossible for Palestinians to move freely and develop a viable economy.

Jerusalem Annexation. Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem, in violation of international law, further complicates the situation. The city, holy to both Muslims and Jews, remains a point of contention and a major obstacle to peace.

5. A binational state offers a potential long-term solution based on equality.

I still think that in the end a binational state is the only long-term solution.

Demographic Reality. By 2010, demographic parity between Palestinians and Israelis in historic Palestine will be reached. This reality makes the long-term viability of a two-state solution based on separation increasingly unlikely.

Historical Precedent. The idea of a binational state, where Palestinians and Israelis live together as equals, has roots in early Zionist thought. Figures like Martin Buber and Judah Magnes advocated for coexistence and cooperation between Jews and Arabs.

Equality and Inclusion. A binational state, based on principles of equality and inclusion, could offer a way to overcome the divisions and injustices of the past. This would require a fundamental shift in thinking, moving away from the idea of separate states and towards a shared future.

6. Cultural resistance preserves identity and challenges oppressive power structures.

In the case of a political identity that’s being threatened, culture is a way of fighting against extinction and obliteration.

Affirming Identity. In the face of ongoing dispossession and oppression, Palestinian cultural expression serves as a vital means of preserving and affirming national identity. This includes literature, poetry, cinema, theater, and music.

Challenging Narratives. Cultural resistance also involves challenging dominant narratives and exposing the injustices of the occupation. This can take the form of critical analysis, satire, and the questioning of authority.

Targeting Culture. The Israeli military has often targeted Palestinian cultural institutions, recognizing their importance in maintaining national identity and resisting occupation. This underscores the power of culture as a form of resistance.

7. U.S. policy is heavily influenced by the Israeli lobby and geopolitical interests.

Israel is the only state in the world that has received U.S. military and economic aid that now roughly totals about $135 billion in today’s dollars.

Unconditional Support. The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in military and economic aid each year, making it the largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. This support is largely unconditional, regardless of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians.

Lobbying Influence. The Israeli lobby, comprised of various organizations and individuals, exerts significant influence on U.S. foreign policy. This influence is evident in the overwhelming support for Israel in Congress and the media.

Strategic Interests. U.S. policy in the Middle East is also driven by strategic interests, including access to oil and the maintenance of regional stability. Israel is seen as a key ally in protecting these interests.

8. The "war on terrorism" has been used to justify actions that harm civilians and undermine international law.

Terrorism has become a sort of screen created since the end of the Cold War by policymakers in Washington.

Broad Definition. The "war on terrorism" has been used to justify a wide range of actions, both domestically and internationally. This has included military interventions, surveillance programs, and restrictions on civil liberties.

Disproportionate Impact. The focus on terrorism has often obscured the suffering of civilian populations in countries targeted by U.S. military action. The use of sanctions, drone strikes, and other forms of warfare has had a devastating impact on innocent people.

Erosion of International Law. The "war on terrorism" has also been used to justify the violation of international law, including the detention of prisoners without due process and the use of torture. This has undermined the credibility of the United States as a defender of human rights.

9. The media often perpetuates stereotypes and biases against Arabs and Muslims.

Malicious generalizations about Islam have become the last acceptable form of denigration of foreign culture in the West.

Stereotypical Portrayals. Arabs and Muslims are often portrayed in the media as violent, fanatical, and irrational. These stereotypes contribute to prejudice and discrimination and make it difficult for Americans to understand the complexities of the Middle East.

Lack of Nuance. The media often fails to provide context or nuance when reporting on events in the Middle East. This can lead to a distorted understanding of the issues and a lack of empathy for the people affected by conflict.

Silencing Palestinian Voices. Palestinian voices are often marginalized or silenced in the U.S. media. This makes it difficult for Americans to hear the Palestinian perspective and understand the realities of the occupation.

10. The role of the intellectual is to oppose injustice and advocate for truth and understanding.

I think what they want is my silence. Unless I die, it’s not going to happen.

Challenging Power. Intellectuals have a responsibility to challenge power and speak truth to authority. This can involve criticizing government policies, exposing injustice, and advocating for marginalized communities.

Promoting Critical Thinking. Intellectuals also play a role in promoting critical thinking and encouraging people to question dominant narratives. This is essential for creating a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Seeking Justice. The pursuit of justice requires a commitment to truth, empathy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Intellectuals can contribute to this pursuit by providing analysis, raising awareness, and inspiring action.

11. A just resolution requires acknowledging the past and confronting present realities.

It’s very important for Israelis to be forced intellectually and morally to confront the realities of their own history.

Confronting the Past. A just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires acknowledging the historical injustices that have been inflicted on the Palestinian people. This includes recognizing the Nakba and the ongoing dispossession of Palestinians from their land.

Addressing Present Realities. It is also essential to confront the present realities of the occupation, including the violence, discrimination, and economic hardship faced by Palestinians on a daily basis. This requires a commitment to human rights and international law.

Seeking Reconciliation. Ultimately, a just and lasting peace will require reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. This can only be achieved through dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to address the root causes of the conflict.

Last updated: April 6, 2025