What does “Sumud” mean?
Sumud (صمود) is the Arabic word for determination, perseverance, and resilience. This study is named Sumud because working for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine requires Sumud. And in studying the history of Israel/Palestine, we will see that Palestinians have exhibited Sumud at every historical turning point (and continue to do so today in the face of mass atrocities). There is also a connection between Sumud and the Determination that Palestinians show in asserting their right to Self-Determination.
Why focus on Palestinian History?
There are several myths about the history of Israel/Palestine. One myth says that Jews and Arabs have been fighting one another for centuries, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. In studying the history of Israel/Palestine, however, not only do we see that this land has been the site of inter-faith coexistence and society-building for centuries. We also see that the current conflict emerged out of the very particular historical context of Zionist ethnonationalism, or the idea that there should be a “Jewish state” on an ethnically mixed land. As such, the racial injustice of the present in Israel/Palestine neither reflects the past, nor pre-determines the future. There is hope yet to realize racial justice and equality.
Another myth says that the history of Israel/Palestine is so complex, it cannot possibly be understood by outsiders. In studying the history of Israel/Palestine, however, we see that the history is comprehensible, whether we look at individual chapters of history, or at broader trends over time. Indeed, the common and consistent thread woven through this historical patchwork is the denial of national and political rights to Palestinians as equal members of society. As a people with Self-Determination.
Guided by our suggested reading of Dr. Rashid Khalidi’s compelling (and rather concise) history book, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, we will trace key chapters in the history of Israel/Palestine. And we will use insights from this history to inform our understanding of the need for both peace and justice in this shared land today.
Who are the Quakers?
Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, are a spiritual community who believe that there is that of God, or Divine Light, in every human being. Quakers worship together in contemplative silence and may share spirit-led messages in vocal ministry. Quakers are also called to live out their faith. Some of the Quaker Testimonies guiding our faith in action include: Peace, Equality, Social Justice, Integrity, Simplicity, Community, and Stewardship. See this American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) introduction to the Quaker Testimonies.
Sumud is a Quaker study in the sense that we approach the history of Israel/Palestine as much intellectually or academically as we do spiritually and morally. As such, Friends are invited to share from the heart as we explore this history chapter-by-chapter together. Friends will also be asked to reflect on a given Testimony relevant to the material for that session. We will start and end each session with a few minutes of silent worship/contemplation. Finally, we will highlight an action item during each session to put into practice and bring into the world the lessons we learn together.
While Quaker Testimonies inform our Sumud study, these are really universal principles, and our study is by no means limited to Quakers. All people of conscience are welcome to participate and enrich our learning together.
Why should Quakers care about justice for Palestinians?
Our Quaker Testimonies are incomplete without a full embrace of Racial Justice. And yet racial injustice is at the core of the violence we witness in Israel/Palestine. As such, we cannot expect peace if we are not serious about working to realize racial justice. Recall the slogan that filled our streets in the marches for Civil Rights and the movement for Black Lives: No Justice, No Peace!
Friends are called to take away the occasion for war and work for social justice in their home communities and in many parts of the world. Without taking away from Friends’ other leadings, it should be noted that Friends in the U.S. have a particular responsibility to work for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine, because billions of our U.S. taxpayer dollars go annually to fund instruments of war and systems of racial segregation in this land.
Finally, we should not assume that Quakers are outsiders to what is happening in Israel/Palestine. Friends include many people of Jewish, Israeli, Arab, and Palestinian backgrounds. Indeed, there is a Quaker meetinghouse and a Friends School in Ramallah. Quakers were also among the first to be on the ground working for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. Even as the Nakba (the catastrophe of ethnic cleansing) was ongoing in 1948, the American Friends Service Committee began providing aid to displaced Palestinian refugees in Gaza at the request of the United Nations.
How do I participate in this Sumud study?
If you’re not already signed up for a Sumud study, register here, and we’ll reach out to you next time we’re offering it. You can also contact us with any questions you may have about Sumud. Likewise reach out if you are interested in hosting a Sumud study for your community.
Participation in Sumud involves active listening and respectful dialogue during the seven live sessions. The format for each live session is a teach-in with queries for discussion peppered throughout. Reading of the assigned chapter of Rashid Khalidi’s book, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, is suggested, but not required. Some Friends may not have the time to read in advance, or may already be well-read on the history. Either way, Friends’ participation is welcome.
Prior to each study session, the facilitator will share a toolkit with the suggested reading assignment from Khalidi and other optional films and readings Friends can dig into. The facilitator will also invite participants to post questions and reflections on the material in the forum.