Abstract

Dear members and non member!

CU Palsoc would like to invite to a talk by Ben White on his recent book ‘Palestinians in Israel: Segregation, Discrimination and Democracy’.

Event information: ... http://www.palestiniansinisrael.com/

Palestinians in Israel considers a key issue ignored by the official ‘peace process’ and most mainstream commentators: that of the growing Palestinian minority within Israel itself. What the Israeli right-wing calls ‘the demographic problem’ Ben White identifies as ‘the democratic problem’ which goes to the heart of the conflict. Israel defines itself not as a state of it’s citizens, but as a Jewi…sh state, despite the substantial and increasing Palestinian population. White demonstrates how the consistent emphasis on privileging one ethno-religious group over another cannot not be seen as compatible with democratic values and that, unless addressed, will undermine any attempts to find a lasting peace. Individual case studies are used to complement this deeply informed study into the great, unspoken contradiction of Israeli democracy. It is a pioneering contribution which will spark debate amongst all those concerned with a resolution to the Israel/Palestine conflict.

Ben White is a freelance journalist and writer, whose articles on Palestine/Israel are published by the likes of The Guardian online, New Statesman, and Al Jazeera’s English website. His book, ‘Israeli Apartheid: A Beginner’s Guide’, has been praised by Desmond Tutu and Ilan Pappe, among others. Ben’s most recent trip to the region was this summer, and he will share his experiences on the ground and how it relates to the conflict as a whole.