My notes taken from a live in-person lecture at Exeter University, on Wednesday 7th February 2024. As close to what Ilan said as possible, though there may be a couple of slight errors.
Ilan Pappe is a renowned historian and scholar on Israel/Palestine, and is a dissident Israeli Jew.
Search for his books online, of which there are many.
This was an event organised by Exeter Palestine Action and Exeter Friends of Palestine.
Global Israel - pro-Zionist at heart - provides a shield of immunity and is very powerful to influence decisions - since over 100 years, they are reliant on longevity, ideology, and the military. Includes many western states.
Global Palestine - a struggle for justice for all. 1970s - an issue of the left and third world liberation movement. Due to no decolonisation. And Africa brought models of where post-colonisation was troubling ie authoritarian regimes. Hence Palestine represents liberating people from violation.
1975- African member of states - a time of peace - equated Zionism with racism. Israel seen as equivalent to apartheid South Africa.
1991 - huge pressure on those member states: which caused them to retract their previous resolution. Dismal failure.
Since 2005; resurgence of Global Palestine: associated local struggle for justice with Palestine's struggle. Eg African Americans in the US. Symbolic imagery.
80/90s was tough to get serious support from African communities in the US - now is easy today.
BDS movement is the best manifestation of Global Palestine : but we need to move to the Sanction element. More than just solidarity, and influence policy makers.
Present day is worst scenario, even more than the Nakba.
Ilan does believe we are witnessing the beginning of the end of the Zionism project. With huge collateral damage and is often a violent event, bringing a lot of risks and suffering. Inevitable. The entity in risk of disappearing is doing its upmost to survive. No inhibitions.
Indications:
1. Israeli society was imploding from within pre Oct 7th. Nothing was holding the different ethnic Jews together.
Religion as state existence does not work. Zionism invented that Judaism is nationalism. The only commonality turned out to be the enemy. Hence the focus on the military and 'defence'.
2. Government and army failed to provide services on 7 Oct. Even from an event caused by a group with little military power. They proved to be a failed state then. Little care provision for victims of 7th and displaced people.
3. Change in international opinion. Will lessen that Israel is positive financial partner. Elite Israelis began to relocate pre Oct 7th - those who pay 80% tax.
4. Young people's awareness that Israel contributes to anti-semiticism.
This is a long process.
Creates a vacuum.
We must do what we can to lessen the process' duration.
For the vacuum to be filled positively, it’s important for the Palestinian Liberation Movement to be prepred and ready. However, it’s not easy to strategise, especially since they must focus on survival. The PLO needs to be renewed.
Perhaps the Palestinians in the diaspora will be well placed/have provision to support this element.
A message of hope: of restoration, justice and win-win situation for everyone involved.
End of fascism in Europe goes hand in hand with the liberation of Palestine/Palestinians.