2nd May 2025
The aim of “Let’s Talk About Palestine” is to humanise and contextualise Palestinian history, identity and culture. It is a response to the current and ongoing dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank for Palestinian civilians, caused by Israel’s military response to the October 7th attacks. Israel’s response is widely believed to be in contravention of multiple international laws and has resulted in Israel being put on trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice.
This initiative, organised by Teachers for Palestine, focuses on the Palestinian experience in light of the huge qualitative and quantitative discrepancy in the extent of human suffering between Israelis and Palestinians in this phase of the crisis. It is concerned with the desensitisation of society as a whole to the huge numbers of deaths, the massive level of destruction of infrastructure, the obliteration of acceptable living conditions and the imposition of famine conditions on one of the most densely populated areas on earth.
This week is not about stigmitising Israelis or about minimising or negating the suffering of Israelis on or since the October 7th attacks. The organisers of this initiative and each of the organisations endorsing it are fully committed to values which are non-sectarian, non-discriminatory and non-violent. The organisers recognise that both Israelis and Palestinians are at very painful points in their respective histories, and that both feel existentially threatened. We are mindful that only Israel has the military and diplomatic strength to destroy Palestinian society, as evidenced by its actions in Gaza and in line with the stated aims of its political leaders. “Let’s Talk About Palestine” is therefore part of the international effort to preserve Palestinian identity and national aspirations in the face of the threat it faces. As teachers, SNAs, students and school staff, we aim to play our part in Irish schools.
Children, teachers, SNAs along with the wider school community, are central to this effort. It is vitally important that anyone participating in “Let’s Talk About Palestine” adheres to strict guidelines:
1) There can be no element of blame for the crisis aligned with the religious, ethnic or nationalistic identity of the protagonists. Do not make Jews, Muslims, Christians or any other group the “enemy.”
2) Do not show children pictures or provide graphic details of the current events. This can likely lead to future desensitization.
3) Furthermore, the sensitivities of children involved in activities must be taken into account when discussing the effects of the violence in Israel and Palestine.
4) Children of all identities should be able to access activities without feeling threatened or marginalised.
5) There should be no justification for violence by either side in discussions with children, including the idea that violent resistance towards Israeli oppression is positive or admirable.
6) All fundraising activities should be accountable, and funds raised directed at recognised charities or reputable causes, completely unconnected to violence.
7) Before sharing anything on social media or taking any photos/videos please be aware of your school’s relevant policies.
Many thanks for your participation.
Resources:
Let’s Talk about Palestine website
Let’s Talk about Palestine poster
Apartheid Free Zone Letter to BoG here