Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017
Read how Rashid Khalidi challenges conventional interpretations that frame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict merely as a tragic clash of competing nationalisms.
The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017 Book cover
Embarking on a reflective journey through the memories and heirlooms passed down through generations within one’s family can lead to a profound exploration of the historical narrative embedded in one’s heritage.
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017 by Rashid Khalidi, a distinguished US historian of the Middle East, stands as a monumental account, representing the first comprehensive history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from an explicitly Palestinian perspective. Khalidi’s familial connection to the history of the region adds a personal and unique dimension to his groundbreaking narrative.
In crafting this extraordinary work, Khalidi draws on a wealth of archival materials and firsthand accounts from his eminent family members, including mayors, judges, scholars, diplomats, and journalists. This meticulous approach not only adds originality and depth to the book but also imparts an authoritative touch to the narrative.
The journey through time commences in 1899 with a poignant letter from Yusuf Diya al-Khalidi, the mayor of Jerusalem and the great-great-uncle of the author. In this letter, al-Khalidi warns Zionist founder Theodore Herzl about the perilous consequences of the Zionist movement’s ambition to establish a Jewish national home in Palestine.
This moment, according to Khalidi, serves as the prologue to the prevailing Zionist narrative, marked by the dismissal of indigenous populations and their interests as inconsequential. Khalidi provides a meaningful reflection on this letter, offering his unique and authentic perspective.
Weaving together personal history with pivotal events that have shaped the conflict, Khalidi challenges conventional interpretations that frame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict merely as a tragic clash of competing nationalisms. Instead, he unfolds a narrative of colonial warfare waged against the Palestinians, underscoring its underappreciated centrality to the issue.
This colonial campaign, initiated by the Zionist movement and later endorsed by the state of Israel with the support of influential global powers, including Britain and the United States, becomes a focal point of Khalidi’s analysis.
The author thoroughly examines key episodes in this colonial campaign, ranging from the influential 1917 Balfour Declaration to the catastrophic events of Nakba in 1948, and subsequent conflicts, including Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon and the seemingly perpetual and fruitless peace process.
The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine transcends the portrayal of Palestinians as mere victims and avoids whitewashing mistakes made by Palestinian leaders. Instead, it serves as a testament to Palestinian resilience, aiming to illuminate historical aspects conveniently overlooked by opposing narratives. Khalidi also brings balance to his narrative by acknowledging the emergence of national movements on both sides of the conflict.
By reevaluating the historical forces arrayed against the Palestinians, Khalidi offers readers an enlightening and transformative perspective on a conflict that continues to shape the geopolitical landscape today. This book is an essential read for those seeking a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its enduring impact on the region.
Rashid Khalidi, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017 (Metropolitan Books, 2020) ISBN: 9781627798556, 336 pages
