Zionism did not develop in a political vacuum. Palestinian nationalism is no more "invented" than any other nationalism. These are just two of the popular claims that I have found evidence against in my course of study. My findings are from only a year of research. I have much more work to do, but I felt it important to share what I have learned thus far in my process.

To conclude, I only want to restate my introductory words: the histories of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism cannot be understood separate from the development of nationalism, capitalism, colonialism, racism, and imperialism – and of globalization, urbanization, failed post-war partition plans, and state boundaries drawn down ethnic lines. Examining Israeli and Palestinian histories separate from these systems does little to actually further our understanding of the past. Indeed, the histories make little sense outside of these systems. Changing our lens to focus on the systems of oppression – this can enable us to truly understand the past – and envision a different future.

The occupation of Palestine is inherently linked to the violence between India and Pakistan, the genocide of Native Americans, and the poverty of Sub-Saharan Africa. All are manifestations of the same systems of oppression. When we fail to attack the systems, we unfailingly attack each other. This is not the way towards liberation. Let us instead mourn the violence we have perpetrated against each other, and seek new systems for real collective liberation.