The recent surge in violent attacks against Palestinians and Palestinian-Americans in the United States has brought to light a disturbing trend of anti-Palestinianism. While politicians and officials have been quick to condemn Islamophobia in response to these incidents, the underlying issue of anti-Palestinian bias has often been overlooked.
Wadea al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, was brutally murdered in his suburban Chicago home, sparking outrage and calls for action. However, the focus on Islamophobia as the primary concern fails to address the specific targeting of Palestinians in these attacks. Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, three college students shot in Vermont, were not victims of their religion but of their Palestinian identity.
Despite efforts by politicians to address Islamophobia through national strategies and interfaith councils, the failure to acknowledge anti-Palestinianism as a distinct form of discrimination perpetuates the erasure of Palestinian identity. Liberal officials who claim to support diversity and inclusivity must confront the uncomfortable reality of anti-Palestinian bias in America.
The reluctance to address anti-Palestinianism is evident in the selective responses to incidents of harassment and retaliation against Palestinians and supporters of Palestinian freedom. Even groups that oppose pro-Palestinian activism may condemn Islamophobia while ignoring the Palestinian identity of victims.
By sidestepping the issue of anti-Palestinianism, liberal politicians attempt to navigate the delicate balance between supporting Israel and addressing domestic concerns. However, this approach fails to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by Palestinians in America and perpetuates a dangerous narrative that pits Jews against Muslims in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The conflation of Palestinians with Islam erases the diverse coalition of individuals who support Palestinian rights, including Palestinian Christians, non-Palestinian Americans, and other marginalized groups. By failing to recognize anti-Palestinian bias, liberals risk alienating key allies in the fight against discrimination and oppression.
It is crucial for liberals to confront anti-Palestinianism head-on and recognize it as a distinct form of prejudice that must be addressed. By opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for Palestinian rights, politicians can demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and injustice.
In conclusion, the recent wave of violence against Palestinians in the United States highlights the urgent need to address anti-Palestinianism as a specific form of bias. By acknowledging and confronting this issue, liberals can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.