You’ve just been awarded the inaugural National Medal for Excellence in Feminist Scholarship in Canada. At the same time, we are witnessing a live-streamed genocide in Gaza, where you have personally set foot and created relationships. Can you talk about what it is like as a Palestinian scholar/activist to win this award in the midst of such horrors in Gaza?
Let me first say that I'm grateful to the people at CFR who chose me for this inaugural prize. At first, I wasn't eager to apply for this award. Why? Because I never believed my “feminism,” which includes the fight for Palestinians' freedom from Zionist settler colonialism or the broader struggle for indigenous freedoms from colonialism, was considered part of Canadian or Western feminism. I also never thought Canadian or Western feminism was interested in including my Palestinian feminism as part of theirs.
If it hadn’t been for the wonderful friends and colleagues from F4P/Carleton who applied on my behalf, I wouldn’t have received this award. I am truly grateful to all members of F4P/Carleton who encouraged me (and insisted) on applying and took the initiative to do so. They collectively made a compelling case about my academic and activist experience. I have been engaged both intellectually—through my teaching, writing, and publications—and through activism in the struggle for freedom and justice for Indigenous peoples everywhere, especially in Palestine. My activism primarily focuses on women and the processes of change they experience and/or create for themselves, which constitutes a significant part of my research. Receiving this prize from York University has made me optimistic about the future of feminism here in Canada. Once again, I am thankful to the York University Committee for recognizing my academic work and activism as a Canadian feminist, considering them worthy of this award. This recognition, I admit, has alleviated my frustration with Western feminism. For Canadian feminists (women and men) to acknowledge a Palestinian academic and activist as a national feminist is a meaningful gesture. It says something to me. I truly appreciate the recognition.
Still, my frustration with Canadian feminism and my disappointment with Western feminism overall remain largely unchanged, despite the Zionist genocide of the Palestinians. Yes, the aftermath of the genocide did not unfold as the Zionists had hoped. Quite the opposite, young women and men around the world, especially in the West, have risen against the policies, politics, and actions of this state and have shown full support for the Palestinian victims of settler colonial Apartheid Zionism. The students’ movement of university encampments across various locations, mainly, though not exclusively, led by women, along with weekly, if not daily, protests by Western communities, and the international Flotilla attempts to reach Gaza to break Israel’s blockade and starvation of the Palestinians, are just a few examples of the growing resistance to the Zionist colonial regime. The support pouring in from everywhere, including F4P (Faculty for Palestine), IJV (Independent Jewish Voices), PYM (Palestinian Youth Movement) and other Jewish anti-Zionist groups, the BDS movement, and L4P (Labour for Palestine), have all become part of the widespread public backing for Palestine and a strong critical voice against the Zionist entity. All of this is true, but no mainstream feminist movement has been involved in these activities, even though individual feminists are present in all such organizations.
My question, for many years, has been: where exactly have feminism — or the feminists — been before the genocide? How could we, in the twenty-first century, watch a live-streamed genocide on our phones and do nothing as feminists? Where is the feminist voice defending women’s freedoms, their dignity, and their rights? Isn't Palestine itself a feminist issue? Aren't oppression, Apartheid, occupation, colonialism, settler-colonialism, and genocide part of the feminist concern? If not, then what are the concerns of feminism? I'm at a point where I no longer understand what feminism truly stands for because I haven't seen a strong, vocal feminist movement voicing its concerns around this issue. Yes, I've seen many women, especially young women in the U.S., here in Canada, and all around the Western world, partaking in the resistance movement. But not necessarily as a united movement. While we see feminism addressing various issues—talking about this, supporting that—I haven’t seen them adopt any Palestinian cause.
So, where are you, Western feminists? Why is there such a deafening silence? What are you doing? I know I am writing and participating in the encampment in my town, supporting others elsewhere, attending protests, and making my voice heard. But where are you? Why haven't I heard Western feminists raise their voices in support of the women and children in Palestine who are being murdered and genocided every day? This is a major concern for me. What’s happening is genocide, not just a war, as Israel and the West want us to believe.
Dr. Nahla Abdo
As many now acknowledge, even if some continue to deny the true history of the region and refuse to accept it, the Zionist genocide against the Palestinians did not begin two years ago but nearly a century ago. What Ilan Pappe referred to as "incremental genocide” started with British colonial rule over Palestine in the early 20th century—at least a hundred years ago—not in 1948. This was when the British issued the “Balfour Declaration” (1917), which granted outsiders (European Jews) the right to settle in Palestine and inevitably displace Palestinians from their homes, land, and homeland. By 1948, and fully supported by Zionist terror groups (Stern, Etzel, Lehi, Irgun…), already established in Palestine, trained and equipped with British weapons, they became the main force of terror—leading to the destruction of over 500 Palestinian villages, towns, and cities, and the forced expulsion of about 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and lands. While expelled Palestinians became refugees, European Jewish settlers colonized the country and called it their own.
Israel began occupying Palestinian land in 1948. Over the past two years, and still ongoing, we have witnessed what genocide is. No one, not even feminists, can deny awareness of these events. Failing to act makes you complicit with the perpetrator. Remaining silent or pretending not to see or know makes you part of this evil, inhuman, and immoral act. A strong, collective voice of Western feminism still needs to be raised. I understand the influence of myths, propaganda, fabrications, and lies, especially when supported by significant capital and Israeli propaganda or Hasbara. I also acknowledge the roles of whiteness, Orientalism, racialization, and white supremacy in deeply shaping this situation—an issue worth serious reflection. Why is it that we can criticize any country, including our own, but not Israel? Why can we criticize any fascist group, yet not Zionism? I know Israeli propaganda is extensive, with many millions spent on it, largely by the World Zionist Organization. Yet, it has become clear that such lies cannot deceive a growing group of young Jewish women and men, particularly women. I have seen them in Congress denouncing Israel and Zionism. I have seen them in the streets, in our encampments, in Ottawa, and in many other Canadian cities. I have worked with them and continue to do so.
What are the ways in which Palestinian women around Palestine and in the diaspora are engaging in resistance?
The reality is that feminist and women's struggles and activism often occur under specific circumstances worldwide. Palestinians, whether at home or in the Diaspora, have been fighting for years to expose the nature of the Zionist settler colonial state and its efforts to eliminate indigenous Palestinians. They fight against genocide everywhere they are; they reveal Israel’s illegal settlements on Palestinian land; they oppose the detention of Palestinian men and women, who are not criminals but freedom fighters, and the severe torture they endure in Israeli torture prisons. The recent release of a video by an Israeli military official showing Israeli prison officers raping a Palestinian man in Sde Teiman prison is just one example of Israel’s torture of indigenous Palestinians in detention camps. Palestinian women political activists are also subjected to Israeli imprisonment, torture, rape, and sexual harassment in prisons. Palestinian women political detainees, as I note in my Captive Revolution: Palestinian Women’s Anti-Colonial Struggle… (2014), have faced similar forms of torture. The genocide Israel is committing against the Palestinians in Gaza has little, if anything, to do with what Israel claims to be “terrorism”. This claim was no more than a Zionist propaganda to cover its eliminatory policies. What do pregnant women, women with babies and children, have to do with Israel’s claim? Except for the fact that Israel has been intent on eliminating current and future generations. In other words, targeting women and children is not random, nor “a mistake” committed by the Zionist settler colonial state. It is a deliberate strategy to wage a war of elimination and erasure of the indigenous Palestinian people. They target women because they are the reproducers of the next generation, and they target children because they represent the future of the Palestinian people/nation.
Indigenous women, like women everywhere, resist on their own terms as life givers, producers, and reproducers. However, as indigenous groups, they also struggle for freedom, rights, and dignity. Palestinian women fight using all forms of resistance. Over the past two years, we have seen hundreds of thousands of women uprooted from their (bombed) homes, carrying their babies and holding other young children, forced to find refuge where it is hard to come by. We have observed women, surviving on very little, starving themselves to provide for their children. These acts of struggle and survival reflect women's nurturing nature and sacrifices. Resistance depends on circumstances. Palestinian women living under Zionist settler colonial harsh conditions have learned to cope with difficulties under occupation, colonialism, and apartheid. Their struggle is part of their feminist resistance and a way of opposing oppression. It is both a survival strategy and a form of rebellion that exemplifies Palestinian women’s Sumud (resilience and resistance).
The bombing of schools, universities, the healthcare system, hospitals, and all aspects of life in Gaza has prevented tens of thousands of women and men from accessing health and education. Nevertheless, women (and men) have organized alternative educational initiatives in the camps. They try to compensate for many lost opportunities to survive. It is also important to note that all Palestinians, including those who are citizens of the state, have also been targeted for silencing and repression. Cases of students and faculty speaking out against the genocide and being forced to leave their positions have become a genuine concern.
When we think about colonialism here on Turtle Island and in Palestine, our older and less active genocide can be easy to ignore as we watch bombs drop on Gaza. What have you noticed about the two settler-colonial projects and how can we work from Canada to dismantle the structures of oppression that sustain them both?
Historically, the mantra of colonialism in all its forms has been ‘divide and rule.’ The strategy is to split and conquer. So, Israel has used this policy ever since 1948. Immediately after its establishment, it imposed a military curfew on the remaining Palestinians, separating and isolating them from each other, establishing three geographically separate groups. For the same people who for centuries lived together, Israel forced them into isolated geographical locations: the Al-Galeel (Galilee), the Muthallath (the Triangle), and the Naqab (Negev), with no contact between them from 1948 until 1966. A similar divide-and-rule approach also occurred in Canada among the indigenous peoples, who were placed on reserves far apart. Still, you are right, time is important. Zionist settler colonialism is relatively recent, compared to European Settler colonialism in North America. But time never wiped out the pain of indigenous people, anywhere in this globe.
One might think that settler colonialism could feel shame for its past genocide and humiliation, and that it would be concerned about similar practices by others, while simultaneously using harsh tactics to keep Indigenous peoples under control. Instead of feeling ashamed of its past, apologizing for its wrongdoings, let alone trying to compensate indigenous peoples, Canada continues to support genocide by Israel. The Canadian state, its policies, and practices do not want anything to destabilize or disturb Israel because it is itself a Western product of imperialism. Therefore, if you are revolutionary and oppose Israeli settler colonialism, it means you will also oppose Canadian settler colonialism, as some—though not many—of us do. But again, timing, geography, and demography can also influence the persistence and control of settler colonialism, making it another significant difference between the two. Canada is a vast country with a relatively small population. At the same time, Israel is a small territory with a relatively large population, composed of an increasing Indigenous demographic as well as an influx of Jewish settlers from various parts of the world, although their numbers are somewhat dwindling.
So, it's that similarity of “socializing” typical of settler colonial regimes that makes Western regimes sensitive when it comes to Israel. Because Israel was created from the very beginning as an imperialist tool to serve the latter, the whole West has begun to see the Zionist state not as an illegal entity of occupation, apartheid, and settler colonialism but as one of their own, and all efforts have been directed in support of this state. The area, as we know, has capital, oil, gas, and rich minerals, all of which are essential for the Western industrial complex.
Canada used different methods to eradicate many Indigenous peoples. It began an initiative to imprison a large generation of Indigenous individuals in residential schools. The aim was not to educate them but to assimilate them, to strip them of their soul, identity, and everything they believed in—different beliefs, cultures, histories, and identities. That was the entire goal. Essentially, they sought to eliminate them as Indigenous and reshape them as settlers. Palestinians have learned from other indigenous peoples about colonial modes of ruling and control.
Often, activism and scholarship around Palestine is deemed antisemitic. We’ve both been called antisemitic for our work; why is this strategy —of deliberately conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism—so effective in silencing people? And how can we challenge this weaponization of antisemitism in ways that protect both Palestinian advocacy and genuine efforts to combat real antisemitism?
If I was called a self-hating Jew, I was also called anti-Semitic, but both accusations are false and vindictive, mainly aimed at silencing critics of Israel who are anti-Zionist. In Canada, various Zionist groups [e.g., CIJA, B’nai B’rith, ADL, etc.] label any critic of Israel’s settler colonialism and apartheid regime as anti-Semitic, including Jewish critics. Israel tries to make the world see it as something it is not, rather than as what it actually is. Israel has never been truly democratic for all its citizens, nor can it ever be, especially after insisting on calling itself a Jewish state. A Jewish and Democratic state? An oxymoron. It’s as simple as that. My response to such critics is: Neither the Jewish anti-Zionist is anti-Semitic, nor should the Palestinian or any non-Jewish person critical of Israel be labelled anti-Semitic.
I'm just explaining what has been happening, both historically and today. I'm simply describing this fascist, genocidal state. This is all I am doing. Why do Israel or its allies in the West use such labels against Israel’s critics? Because, especially recently, there has been a rise in objections and resentment towards the policies of the State of Israel, particularly among young Jewish women and men. Millions of people all over the world have watched live on their screens the brutal treatment of the Palestinians. Anti-Zionist activism and education have been effective. Students and others are well aware of the change around them. They see, hear and witness genocide in the 21st century and Israel couldn’t hide it. Now, more than ever before, I see many of my students finding it easy to take a critical stance on Israel. Israel’s discriminatory policies and acts of genocide reveal all the ugliness of Zionism, it reveals its fascist ideology. But at the same time, it is this ideology of Zionism that feels the pressure of time, senses they are under scrutiny, and faces significant opposition to their policies and actions. Witness what they're doing right now in New York regarding Zohran Mamdani.
Before proceeding further, I want to highlight the growing movement of Jewish support and solidarity with the Palestinians, especially among the youth. The voices of young people worldwide are becoming louder each day. The rising support among young Jewish women and men is especially inspiring because this group can put significant pressure on the Zionist lobby, challenge and dismantle its myths, propaganda, and fabrications, which they (the Zionists) claim are from a Jewish perspective. While Jewish challenges to Zionism might not yet go all the way, they hold strong potential for the future. Jewish critics might say: "I just happen to disagree with their political stance because I support peace, justice, and indigenous rights, which Zionists do not." But when it comes to Palestinians, other challenges emerge. More voices are speaking out against what's happening. Solidarity is growing worldwide, and that’s wonderful.
Regarding anti-Semitism, it now forms a major part of Israel’s Hasbara or propaganda campaign. While anti-Semitism has existed and still exists, its use against critics of genocide is unfathomable. Initially, anti-Semitism originated as a European issue, not one tied to Arab, Muslim, or Palestinian communities. However, the Zionist movement has used it to shield Israel’s apartheid, occupation, settler colonialism, and, in the past two years, its genocide. Capital and institutional activism, including Israel’s Hasbara serve as Zionist tools to monitor critics of Zionism and Israel, often branding them as anti-Semitic. The target in this case is not only professors—who rely on experience and knowledge—but mainly students, whom Zionists see as the future of society. These young people are speaking out against Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, and anti-Black racism. Zionists frequently use accusations of anti-Semitism as a fear tactic to silence critics of Israel/Zionism. This approach is also used to maintain Israel’s image as a Jewish state. The dismissals of faculty and students from Western academic institutions clearly exemplify this.
Being anti-Zionist doesn’t mean being anti-Jewish. Zionism has tried to use this tactic, claiming to speak for the “Jews,” but with little success. The youth understand this—they’re not fools. They see what's happening and say, "Not in my name." They clearly state that Israel doesn’t represent them, nor does it speak for them. And this is what displeases the Zionist movement. It’s what weakens imperialism because, fundamentally, Zionism is dialectically linked with imperialism. I’ve heard many young voices—both Jewish and non-Jewish—say, "I'm not scared of being labelled anti-Semitic anymore!"
Dr. Nahla Abdo
Particularly for Palestinian students, the struggle is on two fronts: ending the genocide in Palestine but also combating anti-Palestinian racism here in Canada. What advice do you have for them? How can the rest of us support this strong Palestinian leadership in Canada?
First, thank you for this very timely question; all previous questions were considerate of the urgency of the situation.
You are right. Palestinian women face challenges on multiple fronts. Here in Canada, while they struggle against anti-Palestinian racism in the West, including in Canada's official, institutional, and educational systems, they also contend with the Zionist genocide of their people. Palestinian women, like their Arab, Muslim, and other allies, are also working to combat an unwelcoming environment marked by racialization, orientalism, and Islamophobia. This hostile atmosphere has intensified since 9/11 and worsened considerably following the Zionist/Israeli genocide. The Canadian government's adoption of the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) has further worsened the situation. Though IHRA is not legally binding, it has influenced various educational institutions, with some universities even considering adopting it, if only subtly. The recent proposal for the Institutional Impartiality Policy by Carleton University’s President, which faces opposition from faculty and students, exemplifies this. How can you be impartial when a genocide is occurring right before your eyes? How can you remain impartial when witnessing daily instances of apartheid, occupation, and settler colonialism terrorizing the indigenous Palestinians? Lastly, how can Palestinian women remain impartial when confronting APR (anti-Palestinian Racism) at school, work, or even on certain streets?
We recognize that, in their struggle, Palestinian women have successfully connected with a wide segment of the Canadian population, especially through progressive groups on university campuses, union movements, and other social and political struggles, including people of colour and Indigenous peoples. They are reaching out to these activist groups to foster more support and solidarity.
Let's discuss students, the young generation who are fighting, as you say, at various levels: opposing anti-Palestinian racism here and the destruction of their people there. These young people are the ones doing most of the resistance work. This is the group most of us Canadians need to support. I am calling on all Canadians—Indigenous, Black, people of colour, and of course Jewish allies—to stand beside the Palestinian struggle.
When discussing genocide and settler colonialism, we recognize that Canada is not an outsider in this context. As a settler colonial state, Canada has contributed to the harm inflicted on Indigenous peoples and has also played a role in spreading Islamophobia, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian racism. Nonetheless, other Canadians, including various groups and individuals mentioned earlier, are part of the movement advocating for Palestinian rights and freedom. After all, most immigrants (settlers) in Canada have faced oppression and racialization themselves, which often deepens their empathy for others' suffering. Consequently, support from progressive and critical voices is vital for young Palestinians and their allies in this struggle. I only wish more people would step up to support them and challenge the Zionist propaganda and fake news about Israel.
It's a very daunting world out there. You need to be patient because change takes time. The key is simply believing in the right thing and trusting that things will inevitably change, as they must.
Dr. Nahla Abdo
I understand that there isn't just one feminism. The feminism discussed here, as the undesired one, is the orientalist, racializing, and uncritical kind, which might believe in an abstract rather than a real world, and which believes myths more than reality. The anti-Zionist voice worldwide is calling to stop the genocide and restore Palestinians’ rights to freedom and their return home. This is the call supported by critical feminists in Canada and around the world (students, faculty, unions, and other activists). It is also the voice of various UN and other organizations. Hundreds of humanitarian and human rights groups have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza or suggested that Israel's actions may amount to genocide against Palestinians. This includes special committees and commissions of inquiry of the United Nations, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, Genocide Watch, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B’tselem, Addameer and several independent Jewish scholars. As a Palestinian, I hope that we, Canadian progressive feminists, students, faculty, activists, union members, and others, will join such voices and firmly demand an end to genocide and justice for Palestine and the Palestinians