Beneath the surface: What Palestinians really think about themselves and their future | Gershon Baskin
Dr. Gershon Baskin, after 48 years of working with Palestinians, argues there is a gap between the militant political rhetoric and the real aspirations of Palestinian society for normal lives, freedom, and different leadership. He describes the failure of traditional Fatah and Hamas strategies, a deep political representation crisis following the postponement of elections, and the growth of new initiatives like "New Path" of Samer Sinjlawi. Baskin calls on Palestinians to redefine their struggle and consider alternatives to violence.
Dr. Gershon Baskin, an Israeli peace activist with 48 years of experience working with Palestinians, analyzes the gap between public Palestinian political rhetoric and the private discourse and real aspirations of Palestinian society. He argues that behind the militant declarations lies a society seeking normal lives, true freedom, and different leadership – both from Israel and from its own leaders. Baskin describes the failure of traditional strategies: Fatah promised independence through diplomacy but its symbol carries rifles, and Hamas promised liberation through armed struggle that led to destruction in Gaza. He points to a severe political representation crisis, with the last elections for the Legislative Council held in January 2006 and for the presidency in 2005, and an entire generation growing up without the right to vote. Now, President Mahmoud Abbas has postponed elections for another year. Meanwhile, new initiatives are emerging, such as the "New Path" (Masar Jaded) list led by Samer Sinjlawi, which collected 9,200 signatures of support. Baskin emphasizes that young Palestinians want to free themselves not only from the occupation but also from corruption and authoritarian rule. He calls on Palestinians to redefine their struggle and consider whether staying on the land, education, and institution-building are not more effective forms of resistance than violence. However, he notes that Israeli policy also has a decisive impact on Palestinian choices.