A BRIEF CONTEXT 

“We don’t see Palestine ever being liberated without an international movement for justice and equality winning the war for racial, indigenous, gender, economic and environmental justice, making this world better for everyone"

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OMAR BARGHOUTI

CO-FOUNDER B.D.S

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     Spreading fear based on the idea that there is a national threat, and racist and Islamophobic rhetoric have long been used by the West as a way to justify invasions in the Middle East as well as the financial and military backing of Israel.

     Furthermore, a rise in far-right political influence has further encouraged nationalism based on religion and ethnicity. This form of white supremacy demonises those outside the group as a threat to the survival and preservation of the nation. This has provoked a surge in hate crimes, discrimination and hostility and has impacted and ostracised many, including Muslims and those who are or have Arab or Palestinian heritage.

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    As the far right uses race, religion, ethnicity, class and gender to divide and pitch those who face discrimination against each other, the possibility of a united movement to fight for equality for all is fractured. In particular, a racist framework places Palestinian and Jewish rights against each other, including by conflating anti-zionism with anti-semitism. This tactic is not only is used to distract and control people, it is a way of weakening the pro-Palestinian movement, which is a struggle based on a common ground for all.

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      An intersectional framework has made it possible to address both Anti-Palestinian Racism and all religious hate and discrimination and create the opportunity to learn from each other. However, even the best intentions can reinforce a system of white supremacy, especially when there is urgency and high stakes. Continuing to learn and challenge how white supremacy conditioning manifests itself in action is essential so that the same patterns of harm are not repeated.