The Cost of Truth and the Struggle for Justice in Palestine

This address traces Gaza's long history of displacement, blockade, and recurring assaults that shaped today's crisis. It examines the moral weight of condemnation, the claim of self-defense, and the line between war and the destruction of a people-asking listeners to confront both the facts and the cost of silence.

1. A Voice of Courage and Moral Integrity

The evening at the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC) began with deep reverence. The speaker, Dr. Norman Finkelstein-son of Holocaust survivors, political scientist from Princeton, and lifelong advocate for Palestinian rights-was introduced not just as a scholar but as a defender of truth, a voice for the voiceless, and an inspiration for generations. Attendees were asked to stand in respect, symbolizing admiration for his moral courage, intellectual honesty, and personal sacrifice in pursuit of justice.

2. Setting the Tone: Truth Over Spectacle

Dr. Finkelstein began by requesting the room lights be raised to make eye contact-a symbolic rejection of stage performance in favor of intimate, honest dialogue. He explained that this would not be a fiery rally, but a classroom lecture grounded in facts, history, documents, and reason.

The lecture would unfold in two parts:

1. How history brought Palestine-specifically Gaza-to its current state.

2. Understanding events after October 7th and what lies ahead.

3. Gaza: From Refugee Camp to Open-Air Concentration Camp

a. Origins: 1948 and the Birth of Gaza as a Refugee Prison

• Following the 1948 war, approximately 300,000 Palestinians were expelled into Gaza, making up what would become 80% refugees or descendants of refugees.

• The Strip-just 26 miles long and 5 miles wide-became a confined human enclave, half of whose population is under 18.

b. Early Descriptions of Gaza

Across decades, Gaza was described using the same chilling phrase:

• 1950s (UN official E. L. M. Burns) - "a huge concentration camp."

• 1967 (Senator Albert Gore Sr., upon visiting Gaza) - "a vast concentration camp."

• 2002 (Israeli sociologist Baruch Kimmerling) - "the largest concentration camp ever to exist."

• 2004 (Israeli National Security Adviser Giora Eiland) - "a big concentration camp."

These assessments were made before the blockade even began.

4. The Siege and Starvation Policy

a. The 2006 Democratic Election

• Under U.S. pressure for democracy, Palestinians held elections.

• Hamas won, not on ideology, but on promises of reform and anti-corruption.

• The U.S., Israel, and EU responded by imposing a blockade, punishing Gaza for its democratic choice.

b. The "Starvation Diet" Strategy

• Israel calculated the exact caloric needs of each person in Gaza to allow survival but prevent growth-an official policy known as "putting Palestinians on a diet."

• The economy was intentionally kept "on the brink of collapse."

c. Humanitarian Descriptions

• Economist magazine: "a human rubbish heap."

• Red Cross: "a sinking ship."

• UN officials: "a toxic wasteland."

5. Cycles of Mass Killing: "Mowing the Lawn"

Israel periodically launched large-scale assaults on Gaza:

The term "mowing the lawn" was used to describe these repeated operations meant to control, not resolve, the situation.

6. The Moral Question: Do You Condemn Hamas?

This question, frequently asked by Piers Morgan and others, became a litmus test of legitimacy.

Dr. Finkelstein argues:

• It cannot be answered honestly without recognizing Gaza's history of oppression, abandonment, and despair.

• He compares October 7th not to terrorism but to slave revolts like Nat Turner's rebellion in 1831-violent, tragic, but born of systemic dehumanization.

"You may condemn the act," he said, "but not the people trapped in a concentration camp with no future."

7. Did Hamas Have Alternatives?

Finkelstein details how Hamas attempted every nonviolent and diplomatic route:

1. Diplomacy: Offered long-term ceasefires; ignored.

2. International Law: Cooperated with UN inquiries; reports collected dust.

3. Nonviolent Resistance: The Great March of Return in 2018-Israel used snipers against:

   • Children

   • Journalists

   • Medics

   • Disabled persons, including double amputees.

Conclusion: By October 7th, peaceful alternatives no longer existed.

8. Does Israel Have a Right to Self-Defense?

Finkelstein argues no, based on two points:

1. A moral argument - Like an abusive husband losing his right to claim self-defense after killing the wife he abused for decades.

2. A legal argument - An occupying power cannot invoke self-defense against the people it occupies.

9. This Is Not War-it Is Genocide

War vs. Genocide

Zero battles. Only extermination.

Example:

• In one 4-month period: 50 Israeli soldiers killed vs. 12,000-16,000 Gazans.

• Over 90% of homes destroyed.

• 83-95% of the dead are civilians.

• Famine and disease are deliberate tools.

10. The Current Moment and Global Failure

He warns:

• This is not about hostages or self-defense-it is about erasing Gaza permanently.

• Israel is fulfilling what it promised post-October 7th: "Turn Gaza into rubble. No food, no water, no electricity."

11. Conclusion: The Uncertain Future and Human Responsibility

Dr. Finkelstein ends on a sober truth:

• Political leaders-from Biden to Trump-operate not on justice but on whim, narcissism, or strategic gain.

• No one knows how it ends.

But he leaves the audience with a moral call:

"The cost of truth is high, but the cost of silence is far higher-for Palestinians, and for our own humanity."