This event is part of the series "Counter-narratives: a reading and discussion circle on anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist thinking" (scroll down for a short description of this series). In this session of counter-narratives we will discuss "Ten myths about Israel" by Ilan Pappé. The e-book is downloadable for free at Verso books.

While those following the history of the Palestine-Israel conflict have never believed in these myths, the myths have played a crucial role in building and garnering support for the dominant imperialist narrative that enabled the ethnic cleansing, massacre and dispossession of Palestinians for decades, culminating in the genocidal horrors playing out today.

In this book Ilan Pappé delves into the history and background of the conflict, not only debunking each of these myths in detail, but also exposing the power structures and vested interests that enabled their creation and perpetuation. Understanding their historic role helps contextualise their continued complicity in the crimes of the present day. This short but comprehensive counter-narrative is a useful resource for effectively countering the dominant narrative spread by the mass media, blocking access to information on what will surely go down in history as one of the greatest crimes against humanity ever committed. This reading also provides the basic background for tackling our next readings on Palestine.

Everyone attending needs to read the book beforehand, but it's OK if you don't manage to finish it in time. The discussion will be open and informal – without presentations or guidance, as we're all equally in the process of learning.

Counter-narratives: a reading and discussion circle on anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist thinking
The ravages of imperialism and capitalism are visible everywhere. At the same time, a vast body of knowledge has been devoted to resisting these systems of oppression-for-profit by exposing how they work, and offering well-researched counter-narratives towards effecting systemic change. But the wider dissemination of these inspirational resources is suppressed by our neoliberal political establishment and increasingly subservient mainstream media. Instead, we are brainwashed daily with misinformation and biased reporting supporting the dominant narrative.

In this series of informal discussions we will read and discuss the work of a range of anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist thinkers. We will begin the series where the ravages of 20th-century imperialism, and of the neoliberal interests backing it, are now most gruesomely coming to a head: Palestine. 

The reading material for each session will be announced well in advance. Come join us as we improve our awareness of this substantial body of knowledge, and better equip ourselves to collectively resist – and subvert – the dominant narrative!