Why Palestine?: Reflections From Singapore

by Walid Jumblatt Abdullah

If you’ve ever wondered why people keep talking about Palestine, or the point of keeping up with a long-drawn conflict in the Middle East and what difference you could possibly make, this book is for you. Political analyst and podcaster Walid Jumblatt Abdullah takes on questions that Singaporeans have often raised about Palestine, laying out answers that clarify and inform.

Walid examines myths (“Could Gaza Have Been Singapore?”) and sheds light on the double standards of Western powers, to whom human rights seem to matter, except for where Palestine is concerned. Explaining how the Palestinians have been systematically dehumanised for decades, the book highlights how they continue to exist nevertheless, their very existence an act of resistance.
Why Palestine? is an illuminating starting point for newcomers to the issue, and a passionate primer that seasoned activists will welcome for capturing the heart and hope of a long-disenfranchised people and those who support them.

Genres: Nonfiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2025

About the author

Walid Jumblatt Abdullah is a PhD candidate under the Joint Degree Program between National University of Singapore and King's College, London. He works on state and religion relations, Southeast Asian politics, and political parties and elections. His works have been published in journals including Asian Survey, Journal of Church and State, and Government and Opposition.

Reviews

[Namit Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I actually did. Don’t get me wrong, what Dr. Abdullah details is absolutely correct, and I don’t disagree with any of it. Instead, my gripe comes from what I see as a shortcoming in being directed at its target audience. This book strives to convey to Singaporeans why the Palestinian issue is of great importance to us, and my judgement is based on how it achieves this thesis.

The content of these essays largely cover three things: the history of Palestine’s occupation, critiques of the Western approach towards Palestine, and the relevance to a Singaporean context.

For the first, this is mainly included to provide context. However, I feel (and I am sure Abdullah would agree, based on his prologue) that readers would be much better served reading the works of Khalidi or Pappé to learn this history in greater detail. I think it is important to include, no doubt, but must be complemented by a Singaporean context to achieve the book’s thesis.

Instead, I was disappointed to see a bulk of the book focus on the failures of the Western world instead. They have absolutely failed, and Abdullah is not incorrect to highlight the hypocrisy, double standards, and moral bankruptcy found in Western media, politics, and society with regards to Palestine, but I think this only enforces the Singaporean perception that this problem largely doesn’t concern us. If the critiques are primarily focused on the West and Israel, why should Singaporeans care after all? These critiques are valid, but I was hoping for a bit more introspection at the shortcomings of Singapore instead.

That’s not to say a local context is entirely ignored. Abdullah does detail the incredible work of Singaporean activists (especially highlighting Ang Swee Chai and Gilbert Goh). Considering his own efforts with the Palestinian Scholarship Initiative, I would imagine future editions of this book would include his own activism too. It was incredible to see and I think these elements, most prominent in the chapter ‘"Do Singaporeans Really Care About Palestine?": Old Issue,
New Voices’, were incredible to see and inspiring for myself and others. Abdullah also provided credit where credit is due in the shift in the government’s stance.

However, I believe that especially for the noticeably large “apolitical” population in Singapore, this book is largely uncritical of the Singaporean state as a whole. Where Walid highlights failures in Western journalism, he does not do the same for Straits Times, CNA, or Mothership. Where he criticises Trump and Biden, he mostly commends Balakrishnan, Wong, Lee, and Shanmugam. There is but a single paragraph talking of our military history with Israel, and another on censorship. Personally I would’ve hoped for this book to draw greater links to Singapore’s own complicity, so as to help Singaporeans dispel the notion that “this is not our issue.” Talks of our deep trade ties, our military ties, specific policies infringing on civil liberties such as POFMA weaponised against the pro-Palestine cause, the influence of the Christian far-right, and Singapore’s own structural racism would have helped Singaporeans develop a greater understanding that colonialism is a global concern, affecting everyone from Palestine, to the US, to Singapore. In this, I feel the book falls significantly short.

I congratulate Abdullah for his incredible work, I truly do admire what he has done, but I do hope future works of his don’t shy away from, just as he provides credit where credit is due, also critiquing Singapore’s stance and creating stronger links to our own civil problems, so as to develop a more critical worldview in our population, separate from state narratives.

[Amy ☁️ (tinycl0ud) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the book launch, what Prof Walid said that really stuck with me was how if you care about something, then yes, you have a responsibility to talk about it and to try to reach out to others; sitting in self-congratulatory echo chambers does nothing to dispel ignorance. It’s not about how much one already knows but how we can get the same access to knowledge for everyone to actually enact change. Even for me, as a reader who is already familiar with the historical context, I found this book necessary precisely because of how accessible it is. I’d recommend it to anyone (especially any Singaporean) who wants a good starting point for learning more about the issue. Honestly, some of the other books can be intimidating because of the length or language.

The title—Why Palestine?—is also very apt because of how open to interpretation it is:
- Why has this been happening to Palestine specifically?
- Why should Singaporeans care about Palestine?
- Why are Singaporeans starting to care about Palestine?
- Why is it important to talk about Palestine?
- Why is Palestine the exception when it comes to the upholding of human rights and international law?
This collection of short essays answers all of the questions above in as straightforward and vernacular a manner as possible.

[Bigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un piccolo libro trovato per caso in un negozietto a Singapore. È bello poter leggere la prospettiva di altre parti del mondo, e non sempre e solo quella della propria.

“In 1917, in Manchester (…) the most important document in defining the fate of Palestinians for the next hundred years was signed: the Balfour Declaration. Arthur James Balfour, the Foreign Secretary of the British government, agreed to hand over Palestine to Lord Walter Rothschild, the Jewish representative. In the words of British politician and long-time advocate of the Palestinian cause, George Galloway: one person (Balfour), on behalf of one people (the British), promised another person (Rothschild), on behalf of another eople (the Jews), a land which belonged to a third people (the Palestinians). However, the Palestinians were not in the conversation whatsoever”.

[Yvonne Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many books written on this subject and the author is not trying to write a historical text on the topic. This is written by a Singaporean for Singaporeans who are unaware of why many people care so much for Palestine, including a growing number of youths and non-Muslims.

As Singaporean activist Kokila Annamalai, who was charged for her silent protest in support for the pro-Palestine movement says “ it is not that we are liberating Palestine, Palestine is liberating us.”.

Indeed, this Israel-Palestine conflict has opened our hearts to what is happening out there and how humanity and democracy is really a myth and hypocrisy by the Western powers.

[Jolin (twentycharm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walid guides us to lift our biases, no matter how unintentional, through guiding questions answered by stacks of evidence. He presents his arguments clearly, and although it is not his job to remove emotion from his speech (“Does being ‘rational’ entail not feeling empathy and compassion?”) and very kindly offers an educational, comprehensive background on Palestine.

If you’ve been on the fence about speaking out on Palestine, I *highly* recommend this book. It’s less than 150 pages, can be read in a day, and succinctly captures key facts about the occupation, starting from the historical “signing away” of Palestinian land, to current political, colonial, and religious considerations of the issue. After reading this the answer becomes straightforward, and one can gain the confidence to openly back Palestine, knowing the history behind it.

The more I read, the angrier I get that outlandish lies have been propagated this far and this long. I’ll continue educating myself deeper on Palestine, and I’ll return with a compiled list of Walid’s book recommendations and a more detailed review.

[Clesias · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Palestinians have not given up on themselves, so we have no right to give up on them," Dr Ang Swee Chai reminded me. Indeed, it has been easy, if not natural, to feel frustrated, angry, upset, sad, disappointed, and everyi other negative emotion that is possible to be felt. But the feelings of angst cannot spiral into despair and hopelessness. When we feel helpless, we are unlikely to have any impetus to push for change, in whatever capacity, little or large. When we feel that there is no point in doing anything, we would be more likely to wallow in self-pity instead of trying to help the Palestinians. When we give up hoping for change, we would have lost the will to play our part."

It's so hard to harbour hope of seeing Palestinians free but this book helps to remind us that one day, from the river to the sea, they will be free and "no matter how long it takes, it is only a matter of time before justice and truth prevail".

[Raudah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating Singapore with this topic has its unique set of challenges.

I thought this book hits on crucial points of how the story of Palestine relates to Singapore.

The book is easy to digest. Anyone, even if you have no idea about what is happening can pick up this book. A non-Singaporean will also find this book interesting and possibly baffling.

The author provides meaningful commentary prompting reflection for its readers.

In Chapter 4, the author talks about Christian Zionism which is often not talked about as the spotlight is shined on the other two Abrahamic faiths. However, it does not delve much into it as the book brings the spotlight on how the Palestinian cause transcends religion.

The last few chapters brought me hope as a Singaporean. If you are one who , like me, feels a sense of helplessness and hopelessness being a Singaporean, will find this book to reignite your spirit.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

[Wen-yi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

wish this was more in depth, but it's a valuable accessible primer with local context that covers a fair breadth in the pages it has!

[hana]

ANOTHER REQUIRED READING

[Vidhya Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important and useful read. Appreciate Walid for publishing this. It’s a comprehensive read on the Palestine issue and why we should know and care about it. I especially appreciated learning why Muslims feel strongly for Palestine. And the global players position and where Singapore stands. I got clarity on Gaza, West Bank & Israel. My criticism slightly is got the book to have tried to explain why Israel is so hardlined & relentless in their crusade and the whole Arab nations, Palestine dynamic, maybe even dwelling into their history abit but I can understand him wanting to keep the book concise. Do read the book, it’s in pocket book size and it is a serious but engaging read.

[Khairun Atika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And, precisely because Palestine becomes the gateway through which many Singaporeans begin to think seriously about these issues and matters beyond our shores, even before Palestine is liberated as a state, it has become salient in local politics." - Why Palestine: Reflections from Singapore by Walid Jumblatt Abdullah

The world is still witnessing the horrors and turmoil in Palestine, and as I write this review, I can only pray for a free Palestine and as Prof Walid said, that his book becomes irrelevant in time to come.

Yet this book is, at the moment, anything but. Succinctly divided into 6 very illuminating chapters, Prof Walid discusses about the relevance of the Palestine in the local and global context. He explained in careful detail the history of Palestine, the Balfour Declaration, and the subsequent Nakba and massacres that shook Palestine.

This is a rather necessary read for newcomers to the cause, and seasoned activists alike. It is a crucial reminder on the importance of recognising Palestine for its own identity, and humanising the Palestinians as the people who belong to and deserve to stay in their own land. I also appreciated how Prof Walid highlighted the political climate in Singapore has seen some gradual yet significant changes as the world realises the true nature and gravity of what is happening in Palestine.

While I am grateful and in awe of the efficiency and relevance of this book, I do pray that it will eventually become something of the past, something we do not have to refer to as we look forward to a free Palestine. Until then, I do find it important and illuminating to be reminded of our duty to speak up, to give aid and to continue to pray for a free Palestine.

[Sivasothi N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant summary for Singaporeans in a handy Orbit format book published by Ethos Books. Walid’s six chapters address prominent questions he has encountered and now concisely addresses. Having paid attention since young and now a humanities professor, he has a firm grasp of the issues and most importantly, the special circumstances of Singapore.

This will be useful for older folk who were not served by the internet pre-1990’s (we were fully aware of the Holocaust and the wars of survival, but weren’t aware of the Nakba), and younger folks who are more aware due to social media snippets but in a somewhat fragmentary way and needing the Singapore context; they will appreciate the holistic narrative. I read this slowly to reflect on the ramifications of each chapter unearths — these go well beyond the Middle East, and informs the Singaporean about having our eyes wide open as we navigate the global landscape and not be crushed.

I take heart from the tenacity and faith of the Palestinians and the gradually increasing support of the world, even as we witness an unthinkable and horrific genocide by a political leadership which had betrayed the exhortation of “never again”.

[Bolong Chew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most people, I was only really introduced to what was happening in Palestine in the last two years or so. The Middle East had always felt too complicated to try and understand, and even in conversations with friends, the Palestine issue seemed overwhelming and layered in ways I didn’t feel equipped to comment on.

This book was part of my own education process, helping me learn more about the history and perspectives behind the issue. What struck me most was how the author framed things in a way that answered, even to myself, why this struggle feels like it matters so deeply. And that lies in the hypocrisy of Western media, in the fragility of global institutions and justice systems, and in the many intersections with social equality, and systemic racism. But ultimately, it is also about our shared humanity.

I was also reminded about the importance of engaging with this issue thoughtfully and to talk about it. Not only for the sake of Palestinians, but for the sake of our own humanity.

The one line that stays with me is from activist Kokila: “It’s not that we are liberating Palestine, but rather that Palestine is liberating us.” It captures perfectly how I felt closing this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the war in Palestine — especially for Singaporeans grappling with questions like: Is this conflict exclusively a Muslim issue? And how has Singapore’s stance shifted since October 7?

Walid Jumblatt Abdullah, a political scientist who is both Muslim and Singaporean, offers a thoughtful and personal lens into these questions. His position at the intersection of these identities lends the book a rare clarity and moral complexity.

Structured almost like a generous FAQ, the book is accessible without sacrificing depth. It unpacks political, religious, and historical dimensions with a clarity that’s both engaging and informative.

Essential reading for anyone looking to understand the Israel-Gaza war — and why it matters to us.

[Yong Feng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct and clearly-argued piece on why Singaporeans should care about Palestine, by someone who has led by example, using his position as an academic and host of a popular podcast to educate people about the deep injustice of Israel's attacks against Palestinians. Key points about the history of the conflict have also been covered in more detail by other books on the topic, but the book gives a good summary of them for the first-time reader. It also goes into specific Singapore-related issues, like debunking the claim that Gaza could have been a "Singapore on the Sea" and how stances on Palestine has shifted in Singapore society in recent years.

[mie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'll admit, before this book i was simply a bystander to the crimes happening in palestine. i was supportive of the pro-palestinian movement, but had very little understanding of why exactly this was so important, or immoral.

prof walid does an excellent job outlining the importance & significance of the israel-palestine genocide through evidence & crystal clear logical reasoning. i finished this in one sitting, with a newfound understanding of why palestine should matter to singaporeans, or any human at all.

the book provides a balanced view of singapore's role in the genocide, and the actions that must be taken from here on out.

i need to take this prof's class. goodness

[Yi Wei Leong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read and good starting point for anyone looking to learn about Palestine.

I like how each chapter is titled based on questions Prof Walid receives / has received in the past, how accessible the language is, and how it addresses Palestine from someone living in Singapore.

I only wish it could be longer though I know that wasn’t the intent of the book.

For those interested to learn more, I’d recommend Rashid Khalidi’s The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, which details the history of Palestinians even before the Balfour Declaration.

[Zizi Zul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful reading about the ongoing genocide. Good start for anyone who wants to better understand that even though the oppression initially affected predominantly the Muslim community and the Global South nations, thanks to the power of social media, allowing the oppressed to show the world, in real-time the terror that the Zionists and its “first world” allies have been inflicting on them, the rest of the world has now woken up from their slumber and ready to push these terrorists back into their hellhole.

[mm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walid Jumblatt spells out clearly – with historical and geopolitical evidence – the Palestinian question and why we should all be concerned about it – and what we can do to make a difference. How can we care and engage to stand in solidarity. More importantly, why what we say and do make a difference to an issue some may think does not concern us.

This is not just a book for Singaporeans but for anyone who cares about Palestine. It gives us the facts so that we can argue and advocate about an issue we care about.

[Farha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and impeccably researched. The author uncovers a critical issue deemed as ‘complicated’ by many. It highlights the dehumanisation of Palestinians that has been going on for decades and surfaced multiple insightful perspectives.

“If a group of people gets to decide what others deserve based on their own arbitrary standards, and not international law and legal precedents, a situation where might makes right will ensue”

[C.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why Palestine?" is a short and sweet book, clearly structured and easily digestible that you can finish it in just a few hours. As someone who had been watching Prof Walid's podcasts for a while now and understand his commitment in politicising our apolitical population, I thought "of course he would write a book like this." To me, it is a Singaporean's guidebook to the Palestinian cause.

[HF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads more like a "short introduction to the conflict". Book was less "meaty" than my expectations, I suppose.

Agreed with the earlier review pointed out by Namit Deb.

I felt the book focused too much on correcting western media biases e.g "Israel-Hamas" conflict, the dehumanization etc as opposed to elaborating more on Singapore's stance towards this issue.

[Izzy Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an American citizen who hears perspectives about the situation in Gaza from mainly western perspectives, it was interesting to hear arguments from SE Asian ideas. Also, the comparison between Singapore and Gaza are eye opening and something I had never thought of before.

[JY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The points presented in this book are not ground breaking but they are sensible and considers contentious viewpoints in a measured manner. It's worth the read for people who are still on the fence.

[watermelonreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

easily one of my top reads of the year !!!

[Hazeera Bi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is not for preaching at the converted. this lays out the WHYs? throughly enjoyed reading this from a singaporean perspective. wished it was longer (-1 star)

[Yasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very blunt, very logical, very straight to the point and very digestible for any Singaporean reader with just the right amount of history.

"To have hope is to be human."

[Dhevarajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rare but important Singapore perspective on the Palestine question. A useful resource for anyone (especially Singaporean) new to learning about this topic.

[Ainiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short but insightful read on why Palestine matters and should continue to matter, from a Singaporean lens.
From Except for Palestine, to Because of Palestine.

[Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read.