Blindness
&
Indifference

Not only

Wall of Separation and Checkpoints

for Palestinians

Blindness and indifference towards the apartheid regime and oppression in Palestine stem from a combination of factors, including structural barriers, cultural narratives, and deliberate dehumanisation by the settler colonial regime.

1. Structural Barriers

The physical barriers such as the Wall of Separation, checkpoints, and separate roads for Palestinians create a physical and psychological distance between Israelis and Palestinians. This segregation limits direct contact and interaction, leading to a lack of understanding and empathy towards the daily struggles and suffering faced by Palestinians under occupation.

Can Palestinian Lives Matter?George Floyd’s death penetrated the American imagination, reinvigorating Black Lives Matter. Now Palestinians fight for the right to be human.

2. Cultural Dehumanisation

Palestinians are often dehumanized in Israeli society through cultural narratives and media portrayals that depict them as inherently violent, dangerous, and inferior. This dehumanisation fosters an "us versus them" mentality, where Palestinians are perceived as the enemy or as a threat to Israeli security rather than as fellow human beings deserving of dignity and rights.

3. Self-Victimisation Narrative

The settler colonial regime perpetuates a narrative of self-victimisation, portraying itself as constantly under threat from external enemies, including Palestinians. This narrative justifies oppressive measures as necessary for self-defense, while simultaneously erasing or downplaying the systemic violence and oppression inflicted upon Palestinians.

4. Normalisation of Oppression

Over time, the normalization of oppression and the normalization of the occupation have desensitized many Israelis to the suffering of Palestinians. This normalisation manifests in everyday interactions, where acts of discrimination, violence, and dispossession against Palestinians are accepted or overlooked as part of the status quo.

5. Political Divisions and Propaganda

Political divisions within Israeli society, coupled with government propaganda, further contribute to blindness and indifference towards Palestinian suffering. Political leaders often exploit fear and insecurity to garner support for oppressive policies, while dissenting voices are marginalized or silenced.

Where Law Stands on the Wall - Visualizing Palestine[Updated July 2017] In June 2002, the Israeli cabinet approved the construction of a "continuous fence" in the West Bank. In July 2004, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared this barrier illegal, choosing to refer to it as a "wall". The infographic ‘Where Law Stands on the Wall’ describes the detail of ICJ's decision. Today, 13 years on, and despite wide condemnation, little has been done by the international community to hold the Israeli government accountable for its ongoing disregard of international law.

Simone Zimmerman: From staunch supporter to vocal critic of IsraelSimone Zimmerman is the co-founder of IfNotNow, an anti-occupation group led by Jewish Americans. She describes how she went from being a staunch supporter o...

Addressing blindness and indifference towards apartheid and oppression in Palestine requires challenging these structural, cultural, and political dynamics. This includes promoting dialogue and humanising narratives that emphasize the shared humanity of Israelis and Palestinians, advocating for an end to discriminatory policies and practices, and supporting grassroots movements for justice, equality, and peace in the region.