Mon December 9 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST - Zoom
Institutionalizing Anti-Palestinian Racism in Massachusetts
Anti-Palestinian racism is a form of racism that silences, excludes, erases, stereotypes, defames or dehumanizes Palestinians or their narratives. It is distinct from but overlaps with anti-Muslim racism/Islamophobia. Anti-Palestinian racism and antisemitism should be addressed together along with other forms of hate and oppression. Learn more about anti-Palestinian racism.
In Massachusetts, the State Legislature has established a Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism which, in seeking to combat the real challenge of antisemitism, has opened the door to censorship in school curricula and weaponizing anti-discrimination law which may be used to attack pro-Palestinian speech and activism.
Both anti-Palestinian racism and spurious allegations of antisemitism, including against many Jewish people and organizations, have long been used to silence and discredit critics of Israel and those who call for freedom and equality for Palestinians. While it is critical to fight antisemitism, we must do it in a way that does not run the risk of perpetuating anti-Palestinian racism.
In this webinar, we will explain anti-Palestinian racism and expose the assault on Palestinians and their allies currently being advanced through the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism.
Merrie Najimy is a veteran anti-racist educator and a past President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Merrie is also the Co-Chair, Education Committee of the Institute for The Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR).
Professor Jess Ghannam is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Global Health Sciences at UCSF. Doing research on global trauma in the MENA region and worked in Gaza for over 25 years establishing mental health clinics. Professor Ghannam is also a Founding Board Member of the IUAPR.
Dr. Cherie Ginwalla, MD- is a pediatrician and anti-racist educator. Cheri is also a founding Member of the Institute for The Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism and the Co-Chair of Education Committee, IUAPR
Nora Lester Murad is an author, educator, and activist. Her latest book is a young adult novel, Ida in the Middle, about a Palestinian-American girl. A recent article is “Educators Beware: The Anti-Defamation League Is Not the Social Justice Partner It Claims to Be“.
Pat Jehlen is Massachusetts state senator for the Second Middlesex district, representing Somerville, Medford, and parts of Cambridge and Winchester.
About The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR)
The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) consists of researchers, physicians, psychologists, lawyers, and anti-racist educators and communication experts who are committed to empirically researching, educating and advocating on the impact of anti-Palestinian racism on individuals and communities across all sectors of society. Our mission is to end racism against Palestinians and their allies including advocates for Palestinian human and civil rights, and freedom.
Please read this disclaimer
IUAPR presentations are copyrighted. Please do not make any recordings or take any photos or screenshots unless the presenter has asked you to do so. Webinar content and/or speaker answers to questions are not be construed as legal advice or recommendations.
See Resources on Anti-Palestinian Racism
Sponsored by MAPA in partnership with Together for an Inclusive Massachusetts (TIM)