Pre-Work

On the 15th of May, Palestinians around the world mark Nakba day. This day commemorates the Nakba as it is the beginning of the Palestinian people’s dispossession of their peoplehood, land, identity and culture. Although the events of 1948 completely changed the Palestinian reality, the Nakba is not an event but a structure, hence, the Nakba is ongoing. The current genocide in Gaza, the violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem, the realities of Palestinians in historic Palestine, and the refugees in the diaspora, all stem from the ongoing Nakba.

God of Sumud, [1] we the children of this land have been facing erasure for more than 76 years. The experience of oppression and death continues from our ancestors to our children and now more than ever we ask: for how long O Lord? Help us understand that every life destroyed from settler colonialism is itself a Nakba. We thank you for the Holy Spirit which manifests in the form of Sumud helping us to keep our humanity, our identity, our fight for justice, and our faith.

Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer

— Sabeel Wave of Prayer. May 13th, 2024.

[1] Sumud is an Arabic word with multiple layers of meaning. Approximately translates to ‘steadfastness’ particularly when relating to the struggle of Palestinians to stay on their land.

This week we will be building on our definition of “settler colonialism” from last week by looking at a timeline of Palestine. Before class, choose one of the following resources to read/watch/listen to. While this pre-work is not mandatory, we have limited time together in class. Choose the resource that fits your learning style/available time, but know that the longer resources provide more depth.

Option 1: Palestine: A Story of Colonialsim and Resistance (5 Min)

Option 2: Why anti-zionism is not anti-semitism (30 Min)

Nora Barrows-Friedman [Author and Journalist] breaks down how supporters of Zionism are trying to contort and redefine what anti-Semitism is in order to shield Israel from accountability for its crimes against Palestinians. Barrows-Friedman also gives a history of the Zionist movement and of Israel. Further reading and helpful resources.

Option 3: Revisit Book Chapter (~22 pages)

Settler Colonialism, Palestine and the Bible (2023)

Chapter 1 of Decolonizing Palestine by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb

The first chapter of Decolonizing Palestine provides a brief history of the creation and expansion of the Israeli settler colonial project with a specific focus on the Bible and theology. The chapter traces Christian Zionism from its beginnings in England to present day Evangelical and Liberal Support for Israel through five distinct stages: seeding the seeds, taking the land (1948), expanding the boundaries (1967), negotiating a compromise (1990s), and sealing the settler project (2000s - today).

Borrow / Purchase the whole book or read the excerpt of chapter one below: