Teaching Palestine on an Israeli University Campus: Unsettling Denial

In a course on human rights in East Jerusalem, Israeli and Palestinian students explore the complex relations between education, civil engagement, and the occupation. Readers join them for a walking tour of Palestinian neighborhoods, examining the impact of the occupation on education and civil engagement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2020
Publisher: Anthem Press

The word "occupation" is not heard in classrooms on the Hebrew University campus, at the heart of Palestinian East Jerusalem. The "war outside" is not spoken of. Israeli and Palestinian students unsettle this denial for the first time in a practice-led course on human rights in the reality around them.

Readers join the students for a walking tour of the Palestinian neighborhoods surrounding the Mt. Scopus campus. They explore the complex relations between education, civil engagement, and the occupation, which present themselves in the Palestinian neighborhoods of Issawiyye, Sheikh Jarrah, and Lifta. These relations then make their way into the classroom, where Palestinian and Israeli students engage with one another for the first time.

Issawiyye is a Palestinian neighborhood located in East Jerusalem, just a few kilometers from the Hebrew University campus. It is known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. However, Issawiyye is also one of the most affected areas by the Israeli occupation.

The neighborhood has been under Israeli control since 1967, and its residents have faced numerous challenges as a result. Many of the homes in Issawiyye have been demolished or confiscated by the Israeli government, forcing families to leave their homes and move to other parts of East Jerusalem or the West Bank.

The Israeli government has also imposed strict restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in Issawiyye. They have limited access to roads, schools, and other essential services, making it difficult for residents to work, study, and access healthcare.

In addition to the physical barriers, the Israeli occupation has also had a significant impact on the mental health of Issawiyye residents. The constant fear and insecurity caused by the occupation have led to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among the community.

Despite these challenges, Issawiyye residents remain resilient and determined to fight for their rights and their homeland. They have organized numerous protests and demonstrations against the Israeli occupation, and they have worked to build a strong sense of community among their neighbors.

One of the most significant initiatives in Issawiyye is the Al-Quds University College, which was established in 2004. The college offers a range of academic programs, including law, politics, and social sciences, and it is dedicated to promoting peace and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

The college has played a crucial role in empowering Issawiyye residents to fight for their rights and to contribute to the broader Palestinian struggle for independence. It has provided a platform for young people to learn about their history and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

In addition to the academic programs, the college also offers a range of cultural and social activities. It hosts regular events and exhibitions, including art shows, poetry readings, and film screenings, which help to promote a sense of community and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Issawiyye.

Another important initiative in Issawiyye is the Women's Center, which was established in 2005. The center provides a safe space for women to gather, learn, and participate in community activities. It offers a range of services, including counseling, legal support, and educational programs, which help to empower women and to promote gender equality.

The Women's Center has played a crucial role in supporting women in Issawiyye who have faced discrimination and violence as a result of the Israeli occupation. It has provided a safe space for women to seek help and to receive support, and it has worked to raise awareness about the issue of gender-based violence in the community.

Issawiyye is not the only Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem that has been affected by the Israeli occupation. Sheikh Jarrah and Lifta are two other neighborhoods that have faced similar challenges.

Sheikh Jarrah is a Palestinian neighborhood located in the western part of East Jerusalem. It is known for its historic significance as the site of the Battle of Jerusalem in 1948. However, Sheikh Jarrah has also been the site of a long-running dispute between Palestinians and Israelis over land ownership.

The Israeli government has been attempting to evict Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah to make way for the construction of new Jewish settlements. This has led to widespread protests and demonstrations by Palestinian residents, who have been demanding their right.

Lifta is a Palestinian neighborhood located in the eastern part of East Jerusalem. It is known for its agricultural fields and its close proximity to the Jerusalem Zoo. However, Lifta has also been the site of a long-running dispute between Palestinians and Israelis over land ownership.

The Israeli government has been attempting to evict Palestinian families from Lifta to make way for the construction of new Jewish settlements. This has led to widespread protests and demonstrations by Palestinian residents, who have been demanding their right.

In conclusion, the Israeli occupation has had a devastating impact on the Palestinian neighborhoods of Issawiyye, Sheikh Jarrah, and Lifta. The occupation has caused widespread displacement, restricted access to essential services, and imposed strict restrictions on the movement of Palestinians. It has also had a significant impact on the mental health of residents, leading to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

However, Issawiyye residents remain resilient and determined to fight for their rights and their homeland. They have organized numerous protests and demonstrations against the Israeli occupation, and they have worked to build a strong sense of community among their neighbors.

The Al-Quds University College and the Women's Center are two important initiatives in Issawiyye that have played a crucial role in empowering residents to fight for their rights and to contribute to the broader Palestinian struggle for independence. The college offers a range of academic programs and cultural and social activities, while the Women's Center provides a safe space for women to gather, learn, and participate in community activities.

These initiatives demonstrate the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of education, civil engagement, and human rights in the fight for a better future.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 151 x 226 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785275043