Anti-Palestinian Racism: One Page Summary
The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) consists of researchers, physicians, psychologists, and legal, anti-racist and communication experts. Our mission is to end racism against Palestinians and their allies including advocates for Palestinian rights and freedom through: Our world class research institute; Targeted education initiatives; Strategic advocacy efforts. Upholding the values of equality, freedom, and justice that are integral to American values.
It is important to raise awareness of all forms of discrimination and specifically anti-Palestinian racism because it is under-recognized, pervasive, highly prevalent and has a significant health impact.
All anti-racist efforts can co-exist.
IUAPR’s Landmark Study:
Our groundbreaking survey revealed harmful effects of anti-Palestinian racism on both Palestinians and non-Palestinians:
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- A staggering 88% of > 1200 survey respondents reported experiencing or witnessing anti-Palestinian racism.
- Anti-Palestinian racism affects both Palestinians (27%) and non-Palestinians (73%). Distinct from Islamophobia, 58% of the respondents were Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, no religion or other religions.
- 75% of respondents reported feeling isolated and alone. In addition, 55% reported feeling afraid.
- >70% of all respondents (and >75% of students, faculty, teachers & education administrators) reported mental and physical health effects from anti-Palestinian racism.
- 74% of >250 students, faculty, teachers & education administrators reported experiencing anti-Palestinian racism, >66% experienced it from faculty, teachers or administrators.
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Key Principles of Anti-Palestinian Racism include:
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- It is distinct from anti-Muslim hate, Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism.
- It impacts both Palestinians and non-Palestinians regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background.
- Naming anti-Palestinian racism is a step towards addressing this distinct form of racism.
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Manifestations of Anti-Palestinian Racism include:
Erasure
- Denying the Nakba
- Failing to acknowledge Palestinians as an Indigenous people to occupied and historic Palestine
- Excluding or pressuring others to exclude Palestinian perspectives
- Palestinians and their allies; upholding a Palestine exception to freedom of speech
Justification of Violence Against Palestinians
- Rationalizing use of violence against Palestinians
- Dehumanization of Palestinians
- Erasing the human rights
- Equal dignity and worth of Palestinians
- Characterizing Palestinians as lacking basic human emotions such as not caring for their children
Defamation
- Smearing those who support Palestinian human rights
- Claiming Palestinian rights movements are motivated by hate or antisemitism
- Defaming Palestinians and their allies with slander such as being inherently anti-semitic, a terrorist threat/sympathizer or opposed to democratic values
The Primary Targets of Anti-Palestinian Racism:
- Palestinians in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and diaspora;
- People perceived to be Palestinian or those who simply express support for Palestinian rights;
- Allies and advocates for Palestinian human rights.
The Palestinian identity is always at the core of anti-Palestinian racism, even when it affects non-Palestinians.
Effects of Conflating Anti-Palestinian Racism with Islamophobia Include:
- It erases the religious diversity of Palestinians who may practice many faiths or none at all;
- It mischaracterizes Israel/Palestine as a religious conflict instead of one of settler-colonialism and apartheid;
- Resources are misdirected and thereby fail to address anti-Palestinian racism allowing it to persist.
IUAPR is the premier organization exclusively dedicated to researching, educating and advocating on anti-Palestinian racism.
IUAPR is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.