The Question of Palestine - Past, Present and Future Palestine is a small region of land that has played a prominent role in the ancient and modern history of the Middle East. Violent attempts to control land have defined much of the history of Palestine, making it a site of constant political conflict. Arab people who call this territory home are known as Palestinians, and the native people of Palestine have a strong desire to be able to control their destiny with freedom and dignity in a contested region of the world that's considered sacred by many groups. Today, Palestinian natives live under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank (a territory between modern-day Israel and Jordan), or under a total blockade in the crowded Gaza Strip (land bordering modern-day Israel and Egypt), or as second or even third class citizens in modern-day Israel. Additionally, millions of displaced Palestinians and their descendants live in refugee camps in neighboring countries. However, control over this region is a complex and evolving situation. The borders aren't formally set, and many areas claimed by Palestinians have been occupied by Israelis for years. More than 135 United Nations member countries recognize Palestine as an independent state, but Israel and some other countries, including the United States, don't make this distinction. How did we get to this point and what does the future hold for Palestinians? Can a meaningful resolution be reached?
Purpose: Gain a new perspective on a familiar conflict
Facilitator: Dominique Najjar (Guest Presenter - Shadow Wood Preserve) |
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