Popular Resistance in Palestine: A History of Hope and Empowerment

by Mazin B. Qumsiyeh

The Western media paint Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation as exclusively armed resistance, suicide bombings, and rocket attacks. In reality these methods are the exception to what is a peaceful and creative resistance movement. In this fascinating book, Dr Mazin Qumsiyeh synthesises data from hundreds of original sources to provide the most comprehensive study of civil resistance in Palestine.

The book contains hundreds of stories of the heroic and highly innovative methods of resistance employed by the Palestinians over more than 100 years. The author also analyses the successes, failures, missed opportunities and challenges facing ordinary Palestinians as they struggle for freedom against incredible odds. This is the only book to critically and comparatively study the uprisings of 1920-21, 1929, 1936-9, 1970s, 1987-1991 and 2000-2006.

The compelling human stories told in this book will inspire people of all faiths and political backgrounds to chart a better and more informed direction for a future of peace with justice.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book that sheds light on a major aspect of Palestinian resistance to Zionist colonialism that is, sadly, all but unknown in the West.

The author ends on a positive note about the need to maintain hope in the courage and determination of so many practitioners of nonviolent resistance. I have to admit that, as inspired as I wish I could be, it is difficult for those words to land today the way they might have when they were written almost two decades ago. The world is a different place, one in which cruelty, brutality and ethnic supremacism are no longer traits that need to be hidden or made the subject of euphemisms.

In the week of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and the open advocacy of ethnic cleansing by the President of the United States, it is very difficult to find cause for optimism. But Palestinians do not have the luxury to despair, so the rest of us have no right to wallow in it when they need all the help we can give them, now more than ever.

[T.L. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popular Resistance in Palestine: A History of Hope and Empowerment by Mazin B. Qumsiyeh is a dense book in many ways, especially because it is packed full of history, context, and experiences. Qumsiyeh presents a historical context for resistance that comes in myriad ways appropriate to individual moments over time. Qumsiyeh addresses the humanity of the Palestinian people in a clear and decisive way by personifying Palestinian life throughout history. Popular Resistance in Palestine is an interesting, informative, intense, and inspiring look at the layers of resistance necessary for people living under occupation.

[Efron C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really phenomenal book, outlines the history and non violent resistance in Palestine. All organizers should read, as it helps us look at past actions and achievements/failures and how we can bring more popular resistance actions into our own organizing. I also loved how popular resistance often was met with the most success from 1936-1939 uprisings to the first intifada and BDS which came organically.

[cloud ୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

an amazing read i highly recommend to everyone, especially those who are looking to support Palestinians and those who believe their resistance is a product of recent events. the Palestinian resistance has existed since the beginning, and this book does a wonderful job painting its history.

[Jasper Sendler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that debunks the idea of the passive Palestinian, or indeed a passive international resistance. Carries a message of hope for a free Palestine.

[Kamil Mahmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

[Marlies A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me so many great ideas for my thesis and I learned so much!