Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba

The Nakba, in which over 750,000 Palestinians were displaced in 1948, is a pivotal event in shaping Palestinian identity and galvanizing resistance to occupation. An Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba, based on rich oral testimony, reveals the ongoing process of erasing Palestinian memory and history, challenging the idea of the Nakba as a past event.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In 2018, Palestinians commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, a tragic event that saw over 750,000 people forcibly uprooted and forced to flee their homes in the early days of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The pain and trauma of this displacement continue to resonate deeply, shaping Palestinian identity and fueling the resistance against occupation.

To delve into the depths of this historical tragedy, An Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba emerges as a groundbreaking work, harnessing a wealth of rich oral testimony from those who experienced the Nakba firsthand. Through the voices of these individuals, the book offers remarkable insights into Palestinian experiences of the Nakba and the broader dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

By juxtaposing Palestinian accounts from 1948 with those of the present day, the book challenges the notion of the Nakba as a distant past event. Instead, it reveals the Nakba as an ongoing process aimed at erasing Palestinian memory and history. Each unique and diverse contribution in the book opens up new avenues for Palestinian scholarship, pushing the boundaries of understanding and advocacy.

The oral history approach employed in An Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba provides a humanizing lens, allowing the voices of the victims to be heard and their experiences to be documented. The narratives shed light on the personal struggles, losses, and resilience of the Palestinian people, highlighting the ongoing struggle for self-determination and justice.

The book also sheds light on the broader geopolitical context of the Nakba, exploring the role of international actors, colonialism, and settler colonialism in shaping the conflict. It challenges the dominant narratives that portray the Palestinians as passive victims and the Israelis as heroic defenders, instead presenting a more nuanced and complex understanding of the historical events.

Moreover, An Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote justice, reconciliation, and peace in the Middle East. By raising awareness about the Nakba and its impact on Palestinian society, the book encourages dialogue, empathy, and understanding between different communities. It serves as a reminder of the shared humanity and the need for collective action to address historical injustices and work towards a future of peace and prosperity.

In conclusion, An Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba is a vital and groundbreaking work that sheds light on a painful chapter of history. Through the powerful testimonies of the Palestinians who lived through the Nakba, the book offers a profound understanding of the human cost of conflict and the ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals and communities to recognize the historical injustices perpetrated against the Palestinian people and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786993496