Transnational Palestine: Migration and the Right of Return before 1948

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tens of thousands of Palestinians migrated to the Americas, leading to the formation of a Palestinian diaspora and the emergence of Palestinian national consciousness. Transnational Palestine explores the history of Palestinian immigration to Latin America, the struggles they faced, and their strategies for economic success, heritage preservation, and resistance against British mandate legislation. Palestinian political consciousness developed as a transnational process, and the first articulation of a Palestinian right of return emerged before 1948.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In the final decades of the 19th century and the early 20th century, a significant wave of Palestinian migration swept across the Americas. By 1936, an estimated 40,000 Palestinians were residing outside the geographical boundaries of Palestine. This migration marked a pivotal chapter in the history of the Palestinian people, as it facilitated the establishment of a dispersed diaspora and contributed to the growth of Palestinian national consciousness.

Transnational Palestine, a groundbreaking work by Nadim Bawalsa, delves into the rich tapestry of Palestinian immigration to Latin America. It explores the challenges faced by these migrants as they sought to secure Palestinian citizenship in the interwar period, a time of political turmoil and shifting borders. Through meticulous research and analysis, Bawalsa sheds light on the strategies employed by the migrants to navigate the complexities of their new environments, including their pursuit of economic success, the preservation of their heritage, and their resistance against British mandate legislation.

The migrants utilized a range of channels to express their grievances and advocate for their rights. They published newspapers, formed social and cultural clubs and associations, organized political organizations, and submitted hundreds of petitions and pleas to local and international governing bodies. Their tireless efforts sought justice for the thousands of Palestinian migrants who were denied citizenship, often facing discrimination and marginalization.

As Bawalsa's book reveals, Palestinian political consciousness emerged as a transnational process in the first half of the 20th century. The first articulation of a Palestinian right of return, a fundamental demand for self-determination, surfaced well before 1948. This early expression of Palestinian nationalism was a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Palestinian people, who had endured decades of displacement and persecution.

Transnational Palestine serves as a valuable contribution to the field of history, shedding light on the complex dynamics of migration, identity, and resistance. It provides a comprehensive account of the experiences of Palestinian migrants in the Americas and their contributions to the formation of a Palestinian diaspora. By examining the transnational nature of Palestinian political consciousness, the book underscores the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of the Palestinian people across borders and the ongoing struggle for their rights and self-determination.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503632264