Narratives about the Palestinian struggle for liberation often focus on armed resistance. What this overlooks, however, is Palestinians’ rich legacy of nonviolent civil resistance–including mass demonstrations, strikes and boycotts, as well as art, literature, journalism and poetry. And surviving while under occupation, bombardment and siege requires daily acts of unarmed resistance.
Our panelists will discuss the long history and efficacy of Palestinian unarmed civil resistance. We will also examine the limitations of the oft-used dichotomy of “violence versus nonviolence,” while interrogating questions such as: who determines the terms of what is meant by nonviolence, and whose violence is too often considered legitimate? Through this discussion, we will broaden notions of struggle for freedom and peace, while uplifting the sumud of the Palestinian people.
Watch the curated films for free at your convenience. | Join the Q&A discussion with:
Sami Awad: Co-Director of Nonviolence International, founder of the Holy Land Trust
Bill “Damini” Keene: Civil rights activist, author, and college administrator (ret.)
Fadi Abushammala: Affiliate Visiting Scholar at Georgetown U.; Executive Dir., General Union of Cultural Centers in Palestine; Outreach Associate for Gaza, Just Vision
Jen Marlowe (Moderator): Author; filmmaker; founder, Donkeysaddle Projects; and Consulting Producer, Just Vision
Register at Tinyurl.com/VFHL-July2025
Watch the Trailer: Tinyurl.com/VFHL-July2025Trailer
Co-Sponsors
SUPPORTER Organizations: Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ♦ Gaza in Context ♦ Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace ♦ Quaker Palestine Israel Network ♦ Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East ♦ Indiana Center for Middle East Peace ♦ Disciples of Christ Palestine-Israel Network ♦ Washington Report on Middle East Affairs ♦ Mennonite Palestine Israel Network ♦ Friends of Sabeel North America ♦ Center for Jewish Nonviolence ♦ Episcopal Peace Fellowship Palestine Justice Network ♦ Northern New Jersey Jewish Voice for Peace ♦ United Church of Christ Palestine Israel Network ♦ US Lutheran Palestine Israel Caucus ♦ Churches for Middle East Peace ♦ Kairos Puget Sound Coalition ♦ Pax Christi USA ♦ Jewish Voice for Peace – San Diego ♦