Why the Palestinian diaspora must become politically engaged
A documented truth of history is that Israel’s existence has never, ever, been in danger from any combination of Arab military force. There has never, ever, been the prospect of Israel’s Jews being “driven into the sea.” But to make the case and win it, you have to know all the relevant supporting facts.
Another documented truth of history, the consequence of Arafat’s pragmatic leadership and PNC endorsement of it, is that most Palestinians were ready 33 years ago, repeat 33 years ago, for unthinkable compromise and peace with Israel on terms which any rational government and people in the Zionist (not Jewish) state would have accepted with relief. That’s the proof that Zionism is not remotely interested in peace on any terms most Palestinians could just about accept. But to make that case and win it, you have to know all the relevant supporting facts.
It follows, surely, that if the Palestinian diaspora is to become seriously and significantly engaged politically, many Palestinians must be better informed about the details of their own history than they currently are. (In passing I’ll mention that there is something that could assist them to be better informed without too much effort. It’s a book written by a chap called Alan Hart with the title ZIONISM: THE REAL ENEMY OF THE JEWS, an easily readable, three-volume epic in its updated American edition. It’s about much more than its title suggests. It’s a complete re-write of the whole history of the making and sustaining of the conflict, exposing Zionist propaganda for the nonsense it is, and replacing it with the documented truth of history… Commercial break over!)
In my view the reasons why the Palestinian diaspora is not seriously and significantly engaged politically are understandable, even worthy of some sympathy; but they are only one side of the balance sheet. On the other is the very real prospect of a final Zionist ethnic cleansing of Palestine. So on this platform today, at an event organized by the institution committed to the Palestinian right of return, I have a question for the Palestinian diaspora.
If there is a final Zionist ethnic cleansing, and if when it happened you had not become engaged politically, working for a solution that might have averted it, you will be accused of complicity by default in Zionism’s Final Solution. IS THAT SOMETHING YOU WANT ON YOUR CONSCIENCE?
I also want to say I believe that it’s not only the Palestinian diaspora that must put its act together. I think all pro-Palestinian activist groups everywhere need to do the same.
At the risk of being red-flagged by them as well as by Zionism and the authoritarian Arab regimes, I say that with few exceptions pro-Palestinian activist groups of all faiths and none everywhere are each and all doing their own little things in splendid isolation and, as a consequence, are like flies to be swatted away by Zionism.
Some will say that’s an unfair characterization because pro-Palestinian activist groups are assisting the process of isolating Israel. That’s true but only to a point. The main reason why Israel is becoming increasingly isolated, and why what we are witnessing today is a rising, global tide of anti-Israelism, is the actions and policies of its own leaders.
If that was not so, I think the pro-Palestinian activist movement would have very little to show for its efforts. That has to be true in my view because the situation of the occupied and oppressed Palestinians is worse today than it’s ever been.
In that context, the question to be asked and answered is this:
How could the activist groups of all faiths and none who campaign for justice for the Palestinians be more effective in their efforts? Put another way, what could THEY do to improve the prospects of the Palestinians actually getting some justice?
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