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Adam Kirsch on Settler Colonialism

The Tikvah Podcast

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Settler Colonialism: An Unending Narrative of Illegitimacy

The framework of settler colonialism is employed by critics to label Israel as an illegitimate state, rooted in the historical narrative that positions non-Jewish Arab populations as the rightful natives of the land. This perspective argues that Jewish immigration, particularly during the 19th century and the establishment of the state in 1948, resulted in the displacement of these native peoples, perpetuating an ongoing colonial dynamic. Consequently, Israel's legitimacy is challenged not only at its inception but continuously, with each generation viewed as inheriting the colonial legacy. This ideology similarly extends to the United States, which faces similar accusations regarding the historical treatment of Indigenous peoples. Moreover, this narrative contends that colonization is an enduring structure rather than a singular event, reflecting a deep ideological commitment among its proponents.

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