The Invisible Palestinians: The Hidden Struggle for Inclusion in Jewish Tel Aviv

In Tel Aviv, Palestinians work, study, and live as an unseen minority without access to equal urban citizenship. Andreas Hackl's ethnographic critique of the city reveals that access to opportunities depends on keeping a low profile, disrupting opportunities for true urban citizenship and drawing opposition from other Palestinians. The book explores the marginalized urban presence of Palestinian citizens of Israel and laborers from the West Bank, including a diverse population of young people, manual workers, middle-class professionals, residents, commuters, students, artists, and activists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Within the vibrant and bustling heart of Tel Aviv, a hidden reality unfolds—a community of Palestinians who exist as an unseen minority, deprived of equal urban citizenship. This captivating ethnographic exploration, titled "The Invisible Palestinians," delves into the daily lives of these individuals, shedding light on the complexities and challenges they face in this self-proclaimed open and liberal city. Andreas Hackl, the author, unveils a profound truth: the access Palestinians have to the social and economic opportunities afforded in Tel Aviv is contingent upon their ability to maintain a low profile. This strategy, while necessary to survive, disrupts their potential for true urban citizenship and elicits opposition from other Palestinians within the community.

By adopting a unique perspective, Hackl unveils a critical opportunity to envision and construct a more inclusive and just future for Tel Aviv. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, he reveals a highly diverse Palestinian population, encompassing a wide range of individuals, including young people, manual workers, middle-class professionals, residents, commuters, students, artists, and activists. This community is further enriched by the presence of an underground Palestinian LGBT community, who navigate their existence with utmost care, carefully carving out a space for themselves amidst a city that often fails to recognize their existence.

"The Invisible Palestinians" serves as an essential read, offering a profound exploration of the marginalized urban presence of both Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian laborers from the West Bank in this quintessential Jewish Israeli city. Hackl's work sheds light on the experiences, struggles, and resilience of this community, challenging the prevailing narratives and highlighting the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable society. By recognizing and valuing the contributions of all Palestinians, regardless of their background or status, Tel Aviv can strive towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of the city.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253060839