Except for Palestine
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Average rating4.2
A bold call for the American Left to extend their politics to the issues of Israel-Palestine, from a New York Times bestselling author and an expert on U.S. policy in the region In this major work of daring criticism and analysis, scholar and political commentator Marc Lamont Hill and Israel-Palestine expert Mitchell Plitnick spotlight how holding fast to one-sided and unwaveringly pro-Israel policies reflects the truth-bending grip of authoritarianism on both Israel and the United States. Except for Palestine deftly argues that progressives and liberals who oppose regressive policies on immigration, racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and other issues must extend these core principles to the oppression of Palestinians. In doing so, the authors take seriously the political concerns and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians, demonstrating the extent to which U.S. policy has made peace harder to attain. They also unravel the conflation of advocacy for Palestinian rights with anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel. Hill and Plitnick provide a timely and essential intervention by examining multiple dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conversation, including Israel's growing disdain for democracy, the effects of occupation on Palestine, the siege of Gaza, diminishing American funding for Palestinian relief, and the campaign to stigmatize any critique of Israeli occupation. Except for Palestine is a searing polemic and a cri de coeur for elected officials, activists, and everyday citizens alike to align their beliefs and politics with their values.
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For most of my adult life, I was one of those liberals who didn't really try to understand the complex histories of the Israel-Palestine conflict. I just threw up my hands in indifference and said “I don't know. Seems messed up. Hope they work it out.”
Since then, I've learned a lot about this issue. The last month, I've learned a whole lot more. This book popped up on my recommended list, and it couldn't have come during a more apt time. It has really helped me understand. I don't claim to be an expert.
What I do know a lot about is US Imperialism, colonialism, domination, and the strong controlling the weak. It's clear to me now that this issue is far less complicated than I previously thought.
One side has all the power, is the strongest country in the region, and has unquestionable support from the most powerful country on earth, which provides more aid than to any other country. This side commits undeniable human rights violations and war crimes against the other with impunity.
I have members of my own family, self-ascribed “progressives” who to this day refuse to say Isreal is an Apartheid state, even after the Human Rights Watch report came out this year, after the 2017 UN report, and after AOC said so too.
I will no longer remain ignorant or neutral to this issue. I will not stand with a government committing countless crimes against humanity against a far weaker opponent. I will not support the ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and settler colonialism of Israel.
I implore every self-identified “progressive” to read this book and take a stand against this injustice.
