The Nakba

In this composite teaching module, we have curated segments of teach-ins around the topic of the Nakba. The Nakba, an Arabic term which literally translates to the 'catastrophe' in English, was arguably the most defining moment of Palestinian history as it set the trajectory for decades of further colonialism, displacement, occupation, and now genocide. The Nakba occurred in 1948 and constituted the violent and systematic displacement, ethnic cleansing, and dispossession of approximately 750,000 Palestinians by Zionist paramilitaries. During the Nakba, Zionist paramilitaries such as the Hagana and Irgun committed dozens of massacres against Palestinians and destroyed approximately 500 Palestinian villages. Much of Palestinian society was destroyed and fractured, and one of the largest refugee populations in history was created. Our speakers explain the roots, process, and consequences of the Nakba and how this tragedy has shaped Palestinian history since.

All segments in this Composite Module are drawn from the below teach-ins. Click on the title to watch the full teach-in.

Ottoman Palestine/British Mandate

The history, economy, and class formation within Palestine under both Ottoman and mandatory British Rule is examined by Sherene Seikaly within a larger geopolitical context. 

The Shattering of the Ecumenical Frame in Palestine​

Prior to WWI, different religious groups including Christians, Jews, and Muslims all lived together in the region. How can we understand the shattering of the ecumenical frame following the destruction of the Ottoman Empire after WW1 and the establishment of the British and French mandates across the Middle East? 

Palestine Before the Nakba

To truly understand the impact of the Nakba on Palestine and Palestinians, it is important to learn understand what the situation was like before it occurred. Our speakers describe what life was like before the Nakba and how colonization took hold during that time. They discuss both Ottoman Palestine before WWI and British Mandate Palestine between the end of WWI until 1948. They also cover how Jewish migration from Europe turned into Zionist colonization.

Narratives on Immigration and Population/
​Demographics

Rashid Khalidi discusses the population in Palestine across the decades and how its majority Arab population gradually witnesses an influx of Jewish migration as a result of Europe's antisemitism. 

What Happened in the Nakba?

The Nakba as a term encompasses a number of parallel events and processes that occurred during and around 1948. Zionist paramilitaries engaged in expulsion, massacres, and the destruction of hundreds of villages. Our experts explain what happened to Palestinians and Palestinian society during the Nakba and the events that led up to it.

The 1947 UN Partition Plan 

In 1947 the UN proposed a partition plan, which created one Arab majority state and one Jewish majority state. The narrative that Arabs rejected this "compromise" has been held against Palestinians since. Yousef Munayyer describes the very serious problems with the UN Partition Plan.

1948 War & Nakba

The events leading up to and during the 1948 War are explained in-detail by Seikaly with emphasis on subsequent events, including the on-going Nakba.

Zionist Displacement/Replacement of Palestinians

How do we understand the process of displacement and replacement that was carefully manufactured and pushed by the Zionist movement yet shaped to appear 'natural'? Rashid Khalidi explains the ways in which the depopulation of Palestine by Zionist paramilitary forces was planned and executed.

Gaza Before 1948

Jehad Abusalim talks about Gaza before it was the Gaza "Strip." He describes the society, economy, and politics in the area when Gaza was considered to be a city and the region surrounding it. 

The Nakba and Gaza

With the current genocide and ethnic cleansing of Gaza, it is important to remember that two-thirds of the population of Gaza were already refugees. Nour Joudeh talks about the Nakba, the history of refugee arrival to the southern Gaza district, and the resulting social transformation. 

Gaza and the Nakba

The Nakba had a profound impact on the entire Palestinian population and drove refugees towards many different areas and countries. The Gaza Strip was particularly affected by the Nakba as it transformed with the arrival of many Palestinian refugees. In fact two-thirds of the population in Gaza are refugees from areas inside what is now considered Israel. Our speakers address how Gaza in particular was transformed by the Nakba. 

Post Nakba History/1950s

Jehad Abu Salim talks about how Gaza became the "Gaza Strip" as we know it today and the significance of the 1950 armistice/demarcation line