Joan Peters (1) (1938–2015)

I was amazed that this book received high ratings from Library Thing members. In this work of poor scholarship and fraudulent claims, Peters asserts that there were no indigenous Palestinians in Palestine before the creation of the state of Israel. In so asserting, Peters disputes the fact, FACT, that 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes to make room for the new nation/ state of Israel circa 1948. She claims that the (now millions of) Palestinians who presently reside in the occupied territories came only after the newly arrived Jews improved the land, and so tacitly implies they have no real right to be there, and that this is not an issue of human rights (which it is).

Her work was thoroughly, and carefully debunked by Norman G. Finkelstein in a most scholarly fashion. Other scholars and academics have since agreed that the book comprises what is basically a hoax, and is full of errors and outright lies. It is this kind of "pro-Israel" propaganda that hurts not only the Palestinian cause, but also causes people to question the character of Israel. What a shame, since many brave Israelis, like journalist Amira Hass, speak out against the crimes and policies of their government! I could go on and on, but will simply leave the reader with two helpful links, should one choose to pursue the issue:

http://www.serendipity.li/zionism/joan_peters.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq-TppnsGLo

I hope you found this review helpful.… (mehr)