Palestine: A Socialist Introduction

Authors: Sumaya Awad, Brian Bean

Palestine: A Socialist Introduction systematically tackles a number of important aspects of the Palestinian struggle for liberation, contextualizing it in an increasingly polarized world and offering a socialist perspective on how full liberation can be won. Through an internationalist, anti-imperialist lens, this book explores the links between the struggle for freedom in the United States and that in Palestine, and beyond.

It examines both the historical and contemporary trajectory of the Palestine solidarity movement in order to glean lessons for today’s organizers, and compellingly lays out the argument that, in order to achieve justice in Palestine, the movement has to take up the question of socialism regionally and internationally.

Contributors: Jehad Abusalim, Shireen Akram-Boshar, Omar Barghouti, Nada Elia, Toufic Haddad, Remi Kanazi, Annie Levin, Mostafa Omar, Khury Petersen-Smith, and Daphna Thier.

Books to Read

A collection of books to explore Palestinian history and context. For the best learning experience, try to read the books in this order.

• Non-fiction: "Palestine: A Socialist Introduction" edited by Sumaya Awad and Brian Bean
  This is a great place to start if you don’t know or understand the history of Palestine. The book is a collection of essays from various authors exploring different aspects of Palestinian history and current issues.

• Fiction: "Minor Detail" by Adania Shibli
  This short book (144 pages) is set in the summer of 1949 during the Nakba and follows the journey of a young girl captured by Israeli soldiers.

• Poetry: "Rifqa" by Mohammed El-Kurd
  This collection looks at Palestinian history and also addresses the present.

• Poetry: "Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear" by Mosab Abu Toha
  An accessible collection highlighting life in Gaza under siege.

• Non-fiction: "The Palestine Laboratory" by Antony Loewenstein
  This journalistic work examines Israel's development of technologies used to enforce occupation.

Other Media to Consume

• Mixed Media: "Not That Complicated" by US Campaign for Palestinian Rights
  An excellent resource that clarifies misconceptions about Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

• Infographics: Visualising Palestine
  Provides updated infographics on various subjects regarding Palestine.

• Article: "We Volunteered at a Gaza Hospital. What We Saw Was Unspeakable." by Mark Perlmutter and Feroze Sidhwa
  A first-hand account documenting their experiences in Gaza.

• Documentary: "Investigating War Crimes in Gaza" by Al Jazeera
  A thorough investigation into recent war crimes perpetrated in Gaza.

Take Action

Mutual Aid

Support families currently in Palestine:

• Mahmoud, Tamer, and Tala, who are navigating serious challenges after losing their mother.
• The Tareq family, who needs urgent medical care.
• Mohammed’s family, striving to survive in Khan Younis.
• Rozana’s family, who lack basic necessities.

Organizations to Donate To

• The Sameer Project
  Provides medical supplies and necessities to families in Gaza.
• North Water Aid
  Aids displaced families by providing clean drinking water.
• Amal for Palestine
  Focuses on providing meals in northern Gaza.
• Gaza Soup Kitchen
  A family-run organization providing meals.

Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS)

The BDS movement pressures companies and organizations that support Israel by promoting a financial boycott. Use resources like the Boycott app to ensure you are not inadvertently supporting such corporations.

Pressure Politicians

If you live in a country that funds or supports the actions of Israel, it’s important to advocate for change.

Educate

Utilize your platform to raise awareness about Palestine and continue educating others. Sharing resources can shift narratives and draw attention to the ongoing situation.