ABSTRACT
The Israel–Palestine conflict is not only the most persistent problem in the Middle East, it is at the center in any discussion of terrorism or world peace. No issue creates greater misunderstanding between the Middle East and the “West” – particularly the United States. Remarkably different coverage of the conflict in the Middle Eastern vs. the Western and American media results in widely diverging perspectives. I don’t think I can overstate the importance of the Palestinian humanitarian crisis to Arabs and other Middle Easterners. It is a central topic of news reports, documentaries, film, and literature in the region, and the public stances that government leaders take on the issue in many Middle Eastern countries determines the popularity of those leaders. I also don’t think I can overstate the distortions, limitations, and confused information that circulate about the conflict. For these reasons I have taught classes on Middle Eastern literature that have begun with, or centered on, Israeli and Palestinian literature and film addressing the conflict. In so doing, I have brought multiple perspectives to bear, including Israeli literature and film as well as speakers who support a Zionist perspective. As you will see, however, my emphasis has been on Palestinian perspectives. I have taken this approach because teaching in the United States I have found my students less informed about and, frankly, less sympathetic to the situation of the Palestinians. Better knowledge of both sides is crucial to developing awareness and to supporting an end to the crisis. There is a great deal of quality, accessible, and engaging literature and film available that can help teachers and students take great strides in their understanding of the Israeli–Palestinian situation from the point of view of the participants.
