Sharing the Land of Canaan: Human Rights and the Israeli-Palestinian Struggle

There is no more compelling and dramatic unfolding story, with more profound international ramifications, than the conflict in the Middle East. Sharing the Land of Canaan is a critical examination of the core issues of the conflict that dares to put forward a radical but logical solution: that a shared state is the best way to achieve justice and peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Mazin B. Qumsiyeh, offers an overview of the issues at stake, and outlines his vision for a lasting peace based on upholding the principles of human rights for all. Tackling taboo subjects, myths and obstacles, he argues convincingly that apartheid in the form of a two-state solution is no longer a feasible way to achieve enduring peace. At this critical time, when the 'road map' to peace looks more uncertain than ever, this book provides a refreshing counterpoint to the failed strategies of the past. It is a direct and accessible account of the history - and mythology - of the fabled 'Land of Canaan', which lays out hopeful ideas for the future of this truly multiethnic and multicultural region.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Dr. Salman Abu Sitta Glossary 1. Introduction 2. People of the Land 3. Biology and Ideology 4. Palestinian Refugees and Their Right to Return 5. Jerusalem (Ur-Salem. Yerushalaym, Al-Qods) as a Pluralistic City 6. Zionism 7. Is Israel a Democracy? 8. Terrorism and Violence 9. Human Rights 10. The Conflict and Sustainable Development 11. Political Context 12. International Context and International Law 13. Peace can be Based on Human Rights and International Law Notes Index

About the Author :
Mazin B. Qumsiyeh is a professor at Bethlehem and Birzeit Universities and works with a number of civil society organisations. He is the author of Popular Resistance in Palestine (Pluto, 2010) and Sharing the Land of Canaan (Pluto, 2004).

Review :
An erudite work of extensive scholarship, enormous scope, searing honesty, and intellectual audacity. Mazin Qumsiyeh, once again, is challenging the prevailing misconceptions, facile generalizations, and downright ignorance that have long served to obscure Palestinian realities, and, consequently, to prevent the articulation of a just solution. Breathtaking! -- Dr. Hanan Ashrawi Mazin Qumsiyeh brings to light many forgotten and willfully buried facts about the origins of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. -- Dr. Norman Finkelstein A tour-de-force by a brilliant scientist who debunks entrenched myths standing in the way of the only logical and compassionate peace based on sharing,integration, co-existence, and equality rather than separation and ghettoization. It is a welcome addition to the growing literature on one of the most complex issues of our times. -- Dr. Naseer Aruri, Professor Emeritus and author of Dishonest Broker Here comes this book, as a breath of fresh air. The author, a well-known human rights activist, defies all odds and proposes a scheme of coexistence. He envisages a pluralistic society in which human dignity and rights are respected. He eloquently and gently guides you through the maze of obstacles towards the natural and sensible solution of coexistence. -- Dr. Salman Abu Sitta Professor Qumsiyeh, a distinguished Yale University geneticist and highly respected Palestinian activist, contributes in this study some scholarly and thought-provoking new insights into the Israeli-Palestinian struggle. This book is 'must-reading' for those who are interested in the Arab-Israeli conflict. -- Norton Mezvinsky, CSU University Professor, Central Connecticut State University, co-author of Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel Covering lots of ground concisely, this is a rewarding book for those trying to unravel the myths and misconceptions involved -- Beccy Reese, Bookmarks Review of Books