"For a Truth and Reconciliation process to work in Palestine-Israel, we must start by recognizing and putting an end to Israel's occupation and apartheid system."
December 12, 2023
I appreciated Shirazi's attempt to give a complete picture of the reality of Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and as citizens of Israel. With calls for a ceasefire being more and more incessant, I found it particularly pertinent that Shirazi explained why it might not be the solution to this cycle of violence that has killed too many people. I agree that the region needs its Truth and Reconciliation process. However, I must point out that this process never fully works, as many examples she cites prove this point. Canada had a Truth and Reconciliation process, yet no real change has been implemented for Indigenous peoples as it only really helped Canada have a better conscience. Bosnia was rushed into a peacebuilding process after the 1992-1995 war. Yet, peace is constantly threatened since dialogue has been difficult or absent between the diverse communities that make up its society: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats after the war. The presence of segregation in townships is a prime example of the remnants of apartheid in South Africa. For a Truth and Reconciliation process to work in Palestine-Israel, we must start by recognizing and putting an end to Israel's occupation and apartheid system.
Fatima Haidar