This essay will examine the structural, historiographical and epistemological issues of deconstructing the national myth of Palestine. I will analyse Professor Ilan Pappé’s lecture (2018) entitled History is Relevant: The Israeli New History and Its Legacy. He discusses how the Israeli ‘New Historians’ emerged in the 1980s and used state archives to prove the traditional Zionist narrative of 1948 was false. However, this also caused an epistemological issue, as the state archives needed to be used to prove the Palestinian oral and material history that had been going on for decades. I will also examine how Pappé considers the Nakba to be an ongoing policy of ethnic cleansing rather than a completed event. I will also discuss how those who challenge the state myths face backlash.
When challenging the basic myths that are created around national identity, there can often be friction. While many in the academic world appreciate those who challenge state mythologies, often those who do face backlash. This means that historians who challenge the myths face extreme friction. They are recognised as intellectuals but also as scholars with great courage.
A key point to note in this area is Professor Ilan Pappé’s lecture (2018) at Case Western Reserve University. He discusses how the Israeli ‘New Historians’ emerged in the 1980s and challenged the state archives.
The New Historians and the Deconstruction of 1948
In the 1980s, a group of Israeli historians (Ilan Pappé, Benny Morris, Avi Shlaim and Tom Segev) gained access to newly declassified Israeli state and military archives from 1948. They analysed the documents, and this proved that the official Zionist narrative was false.
Traditionally, the creation of the state was seen as:
A miracle. A David and Goliath situation. The mass exodus of Palestinians was seen as voluntary.
However, the declassified military and state documents showed:
Mass forced removals.
Over 400 villages were depopulated.
There were specific plans to do this: Plan Dalet (Plan D).
Epistemological Issue
Using the state documents caused an issue. The oppressor’s state archives had to be used to prove the victims’ history.
Many decades before Israeli historians had access to declassified military documents, the Palestinians had been keeping records of the Nakba. These were kept through.
Oral history.
Family keys.
Photographs and diaries.
Villages were left in ruins.
Whilst these were constant, detailed and strong, they were often ignored, downplayed and seen as biased by Israeli society and the wider Western world. However, it was not until they had the backing of the Israeli state archives that they were accepted by the wider global community. This shows that globally, when an issue is happening, those in power will have their records accepted as the truth. However, those who have been displaced will have their stories doubted.
The Nakba as an Ongoing Policy of Ethnic Cleansing
Pappé does not see the removals in 1948 as chaotic and unfortunate side effects. He sees them as a planned policy of ethnic cleansing.
History is not just a static event. It is an ongoing process.
The Nakba is not a completed event; it is an ongoing process. Land is taken, people are displaced, and this dictates what is happening today in the West Bank and Gaza.
Society
When presented with the evidence from the archives that challenges the national myths, society can either have an honest look at the injustice or ignore it and banish those who challenge it. The exile and pressure faced by critical historians in Israel show that society has definitely chosen to ignore it.
Considering how devastating the situation is in Gaza and the constant displacement throughout historical Palestine, Pappé shows us that this is not ancient history. Through his analysis, we can see that lasting peace and justice will never be achieved without directly tackling this.
Conclusion
This debate has shown that history will not be true just because the archives open their doors. The Palestinian historical memory did not need the backing of the state archives, as it was lived experience. However, it did need an international community that could look at it without bias.
