Sumud: A Study of Palestinian Self-Determination

Two 4-hour sessions: Saturday 2/1 & Sunday 2/2 (1-5pm Eastern / 10am-2pm Pacific) Sumud is the Arabic word for determination and resilience. Together in this workshop, we will examine the determination of the Palestinian people — in the face of occupation and systemic racial segregation — to exercise their right to national self-determination. Guided by…

Workshop Description

Two 4-hour sessions: Saturday 2/1 & Sunday 2/2 (1-5pm Eastern / 10am-2pm Pacific)

Sumud is the Arabic word for determination and resilience. Together in this workshop, we will examine the determination of the Palestinian people — in the face of occupation and systemic racial segregation — to exercise their right to national self-determination.

Guided by our suggested (but not required) reading of Prof. Rashid Khalidi’s book, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, we will trace key chapters in the history of Israel-Palestine. Insights from this history will inform our understanding of the need for both peace and justice in this shared land.

The topics we will cover in this workshop include: the Balfour Declaration and Mandate Palestine; the Nakba and founding of the state of Israel in 1948; the occupation of 1967; the war in Lebanon in 1982; the grassroots uprising of 1987; the peace process negotiations; and finally, the wars in Gaza.

The format of this workshop is a teach-in led by the facilitator (in his personal capacity) with queries and group discussion throughout. We will open and close our sessions with several minutes of silent worship. We will consider challenging questions on issues of peace, racial justice and equality that are core to our Quaker Testimonies. Palestinian music and action item highlights will energize us as we move from chapter to chapter in history.

Reading of Khalidi’s book, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, in advance of the workshop is recommended, but not required. Friends are encouraged to purchase the book from a local bookstore. The facilitator will share a syllabus with further reading and suggested documentaries, music, movies, and images to explore. No other costs or items are expected of participants — just a curious mind, open heart, and perhaps a notebook to jot down some of the insights we gather from the material and one another.

All are welcome in this workshop. It is a safe space for reflection and inquiry to explore fundamental questions central to the history of Israel-Palestine. Friends may enter this workshop with different levels of prior knowledge on the topic — the teach-in portion of the workshop will equip us all with a common foundation based in historical fact.

Friends may also enter this workshop with different perspectives. During the discussion portion, Friends are encouraged to share their perspectives honestly and ask frank questions. Friends are also expected to listen and engage with one another respectfully, even if we do not always agree with one another. Friends are asked to pause for a brief reflection after another person has spoken. Finally, Friends who have already spoken should give an opportunity to those who have not yet spoken before speaking a second time. In this manner, we will all grow together intellectually, spiritually, and morally.

Leader Experience

Alex has previously led this “Sumud” workshop on Palestinian self-determination at the Montclair Monthly Meeting.