Abstract: Sylvia Shihadeh
The gift of the peace movement in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict
Among the most invisible contributions of the gift economy are efforts
deployed by activists, especially peace activists in Palestine. Dating
back to the early 1900's and continuing until today, Palestinian women
have sought alternatives to conflict first by establishing charitable
societies to provide food and shelter, and bring hope and healing to those
devastated by the Zionist enterprise. Later, women became more politicized,
took to the streets to protest and challenge the brutal occupation and
to protect their children from Israeli soldiers. The world press continues
to ignore this aspect of nonviolent struggle. While led by women, it has
not been exclusive to women's efforts. The Israeli response to peaceful
demonstrations and civil disobedience has been incredibly brutal. Not
only against Palestinians but also against internationals and Israelis
--the International Solidarity Movement, Women in Black and others --
who joined Palestinians in their struggle for freedom. In contrast, the
U.S. government continues to underwrite the dismantling of Palestinian
society by further militarizing Israel, providing it with financing, and
giving it diplomatic cover in the form of a disingenuous "peace process"
and the UN votes to shield Israel from international law. This presentation
will contrast the partriarchal values underlying US policy to the values
of the gift economy that characterize the struggle for Palestinian freedom.
Biographical Information
Sylvia Shihadeh was born and raised in Jerusalem, moved to the
U.S. in 1966. After Israel's six-day preemptive war, the Israeli government
denied her the right to return to her country and overnight her life was
transformed from a citizen to a displaced refugee unable to go back to
her home. She became a US citizen in 1976. She is mother of two, a community
organizer and activist for human rights but especially Palestinian rights.
She is former chapter president of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination
Committee. She has applied her training in psychology to assist victims
of domestic violence, rape victims and as a Court appointed Special Advocate
for abused and neglected children.
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