This book, On Palestine, by cultural critic and scholar Saree Makdisi is an important and powerful look into the history and current state of Palestine and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Makdisi paints a vivid and heartbreaking picture of a people oppressed and a region which, as of yet, lacks the peace and freedom necessary for it to fully flourish.
In Chapter 1 of On Palestine, Makdisi examines the history of the Palestine/Israel conflict as far back as the late 19th century when Zionists began settling into the region. He traces the various political and ideological decisions made by the British Mandatory government and the United States that led to the 1947 partition plan and the establishment of the Israeli state. Makdisi also outlines the effects of this partition plan on the Palestinians, particularly regarding their status as refugees and their dispossession from their lands. A real-world example of this dispossession is the displacement of Palestinians from their lands when Israeli settlements were established in the 1950s and 1960s; religious Jewish families were given preferential treatment when it came to occupying the newly bought lands.
In Chapter 2, Makdisi examines the current state of Palestinian statelessness and the legal and political mechanisms that protect the interests of the Israeli government over those of Palestinians. From the Oslo Accords to the demonization of the Palestinians by both the domestic Israeli political system and by Western governments, Makdisi paints a bleak picture of a people that, throughout the years, have continued to suffer from displacement and oppression. A real-world example of this is the West Bank barrier that was built in 2004 to prevent Palestinians from accessing certain areas. Although the barrier was justified by the Israeli government as a security measure, it also acted as a powerful symbol of oppression and highlighted the power imbalance between Israelis and Palestinians.
In Chapter 3 of the book, Makdisi turns to the role of activism, both within Israel itself and within the international community, in bringing an end to the conflict. Although some of his sentiments are melancholic, he places a great emphasis on the possibility of the Palestinians to, one day, attain their basic human rights and lead a life of dignity. A real world example of this can be seen in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement which was launched in 2005. The objectives of this movement include pressuring companies to adhere to a code of conduct in order to end their cooperation with the Israeli government and to pressure companies to cease their profiting from the occupation of the Palestinian territories.
On Palestine is a vivid examination of a country which is in dire need of understanding and help. Saree Makdisi provides readers with a comprehensive view on the history and current state of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, combined with a hopeful outlook for future justice and peace.
