Rethinking Palestine

Liberal Zionism: A Veneer for Settler Colonialism with M. Muhannad Ayyash

Jun 27, 2023

Guest M. Muhannad Ayyash discusses liberal Zionism as a veneer for settler colonialism, exploring its historical roots, role in Israeli politics, and the divide between left-wing secular Zionists and settlers. He critiques the Israeli state's colonial and racist nature, advocating for desionization for true anti-racism and unity.

33:06

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Episode guests

M. Muhannad Ayyash

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Quick takeaways

Liberal Zionism masks settler colonialism with Western liberal values.

Labor Zionism drove settler expansion in '67, aiming for Jewish sovereignty.

Engagement with liberal Zionism like J Street perpetuates settler colonial continuation.

Deep dives

Colonial Modernity and Liberal Zionism

Liberal scientists followed the playbook of Euro-American colonial projects, fitting into the colonial modernity narrative. Liberal Zionism paints Israel as a liberal democracy defending human rights, security, and democracy. It views 1948 as a legitimate war of independence, avoiding substantial decolonial criticism. Western leftists once romanticized Israeli socialism, ignoring its settler colonial foundations.

Introduction

2min

Liberal Zionism and its Historical Roots

11min

Analyzing Liberal Zionism in Israeli Politics

3min

Exploring the Divide and Shared History of Left-Wing Secular Zionists and Settlers in Israel

11min

Critique of Israeli State and Promotion of Desionization for Decolonization

6min

M. Muhannad Ayyash joins host Yara Hawari to discuss liberal Zionism and the dominant role it plays in Zionist ideology. He exposes its essential function of providing the settler colonial project with the veneer of enlightened, Western civilization and democratic politics.

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