Other Reviews
"Qumsiyeh is a committed Palestinian academic and activist in the nonviolent struggle against Israeli occupation. Non-violent resistance requires an informed and empowered constituency; it is inclusive and democratic, a model for participatory democracy. Strong social movements encourage local and global resistance; they threaten elite political powers, intent on maintaining their power by any means, however, violent. Qumsiyeh examines the role of citizen groups, labour unions, and communities in non-violent resistance; he looks at the use of violence and non-violence against a century of occupiers, betrayal by other nations and international bodies and the present brutal occupier, Israel" ( WOOLFWOOD, THERESA, Canadian Dimension, 00083402, Jan/Feb2012, Vol. 46, Issue 1)
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Invitation à lire: Une histoire populaire de la Résistance palestinienne
http://assawra.blogspot.fr/2016/03/une-histoire-populaire-de-la-resistance.html
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Jessie,
I just finished reading Mazin's book, Popular Resistance in Palestine, that you gave me four months ago. The reason it took so long is that it is a very long book with fine print and that it gives an incredible amount of information on 130 years of history of Palestinian oppression. It not only is detailed heavy reading, but the information of atrocities is emotionally heavy. Often after reading several pages I had to get away from it because of emotional overload. The atrocities never seemed to stop or to lack sadistic cruelty.
But I appreciate Mazin's optimism that non violent resistance is more than a match for the oppressors, and eventually will accomplish real peace with justice.
Now I plan to keep the book motion by loaning it out. I wish I could loan it to a Zionist because that would be a sure cure, though I don't expect to be that lucky.
Mazin briefly mentioned Christian Peacemaker Terms and the town of Bidu though not at the same time. Our CPT team was gassed during a peaceful demonstration in Bidu.
When we were there I tried to be a good observer and listener, as well as questioner, but I never directly confronted an Israeli soldier. In retrospect I wish I had. Actually there were many opportunities. They needed to be confronted. With another visit, I would.
It is more clear than ever why the local Jewish Federation was so determined to keep Mazin from speaking here. And I don't believe they knew that he spoke here four times.
Please relay my thanks to Mazin for that remarkable book.
Jake
7/19/2011
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