About 4884

"48-84" juxtaposes the 1948 Palestinian Nakba, marked by the formation of Israel and the displacement of approximately 726,000 Palestinians (as per UN data), with George Orwell's '1984', highlighting the manipulation of language and history.

Our approach is structured around five Orwellian principles:

Exposing Narrative Control: We explore the Orwellian idea that 'Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.' This is evident in divergent portrayals of pivotal events like the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, where narratives are used to shape collective memory and identity.

Challenging Doublethink: Inspired by Orwell's concept of 'doublethink,' we analyze how conflicting narratives coexist and are perpetuated in media discourses. A prime example is the simultaneous acknowledgment of Israel as a democratic state and the critique of its policies towards Palestinians. This paradox reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of public narratives.

Unearthing Suppressed Histories: Reflecting Orwell's idea that 'The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history,' we focus on the impact of narrative erasure on Palestinian history and identity. This involves examining the physical and cultural marginalization of Palestinian heritage and its counter-narratives.

Perpetual War: This principle examines Israel's portrayal of groups like Hamas, aligning with Orwell's observation: "The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous." It scrutinizes how the ongoing conflict serves to justify certain policies, suggesting that the existence of a perceived relentless enemy is crucial in maintaining specific narratives and actions within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Newspeak: Reflecting Orwell's insight, "Don't you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought?", this principle examines the strategic use of language in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Key terms like "terrorism" and "security" are often employed by Israel to frame actions and policies, while terms like "occupation" and "resistance" are central in Palestinian narratives. This selective use of language shapes public perception and justifies various stands in the conflict, effectively narrowing the scope of discourse and understanding.

Recognizing the trauma endured by Jewish people, especially the Holocaust's systematic genocide, is also essential. Our discourse firmly opposes any form of hostility towards Jews. Instead, our critique is specifically directed at the occupation of Palestinian territory and the apartheid against Palestinians.