Pictures & Lessons from Palestinians in a Small DC Museum

I visited the Museum of the Palestinian People in Washington DC this week, and was very thankful to learn from and speak with the experienced guides.

By Jake Austin, 24 August 2021

On an unassuming corner in our nation’s capital, Palestinian refugees have gathered to tell their story. The Museum of the Palestinian People is a small museum, but full to the brim with intriguing pictures, items, and stories from their experienced guides. I had the pleasure of visiting on Saturday and am happy to share my experience.

A Palestinian woman holds a key to the house from which her family was expelled decades ago - the key is a pivotal symbol for the “right to return” fought for by many.

I was lucky to have an experienced guide, who made the distinction early that the Israeli-Palestinian problem is a modern one - contrary to the opinion held by many that the ethnic and religious conflicts date back to biblical times. The framing of the issue as a modern one, as put forth by Britain’s assistance in creating a Jewish state after WWII, was very important. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were evicted and moved to neighbor regions and countries in the various wars fought through the late 60s, and the proposed two-state solution never came to pass.

A collection of Palestinian stamps featuring landmarks in the Old City of Jerusalem. The collection of these stamps represents attachment to the past Palestinian state processes, taken for granted at the time.

The museum attempted to paint the Palestinian community as separate from the conflict, because any discussion of their actions as a people inevitably became about the state of Israel. I learned about traditional Palestinian farming, music, and clothing. A particular standout was the gorgeous Arabic calligraphy quoting sections from the Quran and calling for freedom from oppression.

After the tour I had a great, long conversation with the guide. I will attempt to transcribe what I learned from him below, but may have gotten details wrong. Please do not consider any of the below a direct quote:

Do you see a potential reunion between Fatah & Hamas? Probably not, they each rule their own areas (Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank) and are both deeply violent and corrupt. The recognition of one over the other is rather arbitrary.

What do you think about corruption in the Palestinian Authority/Fatah? It’s comparable to the history of colonialism, where a part of the minority will break deals with the colonizer at the cost of the overall population. Millions in aid intended for Palestinians goes to individual politicians’ pockets.

Violent methods of Hamas(suicide bombers, terror tunnels)? He did not deny, and denounced completely. He understood how angry young men are recruited and given a purpose among the homeless people. Also pointed to how the violent past of Fatah actually brought them to the table and they haven’t had the same since de-fanging themselves.

Thoughts on “Recognition” of Israel by Fatah and vice versa? Recognitions did not actually extend to political power. Israel has ultimate dominion over both Gaza and West Bank and will not let go any time soon. Many prominent politicians in Israel say they will never recognize a Palestinian state in any way and are elected on such statements, so why demand recognition of Jewish state by Palestinians endlessly?

Nonviolence has been proven effective by history? - He agreed, but stated that nonviolent demonstrations by Palestinians have been met with violence by the IDF. People have lost trust and faith in nonviolent methods.

Are you cynical? Very cynical.

Will we see a one state solution in our lifetimes? He couldn’t say. Likened it to apartheid in South Africa. Quote from Nelson Mandela regarding revolution/political change: “it is seen as impossible until it is done”.

Any hope in recent peace deals with Israel and other Middle East countries? No, because Israel for their part signed to pause building new settlements for a year as a part of those deals and has broken that promise. (I fact-checked this later and he was accurate.)

Role of other Middle East countries? Many are cruel to the Palestinian refugees living in their nations, especially Lebanon. Many others express sympathy for Palestinians, perhaps use their plight as a bargaining chip, but act in their own interest at the end of the day.

It was a very stark and direct conversation, and I am very thankful for that. I learned a great deal about the Palestinian people scattered around the globe, hoping to come home, but still holding on to their traditions and culture nonetheless. I will be a better resource to ONE because of my visit, and would recommend anyone passing through DC to visit the Museum of the Palestinian People as well.