Paris Reflects on the Legacy of a Palestinian Scholar as He Steps Down
As we caught up with Rashid Khalidi in sunny Paris, it was hard to ignore the storm brewing back on Columbia’s campus. Khalidi, who recently announced his retirement from his prestigious position as the Edward Said chair of modern Arab history, had just received distressing news from Jerusalem. A group of extremist settlers had invaded a family home that had been in his family for generations, a situation that echoed the ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people.
A Historic Family Home Under Siege
The old family house on Silsila Road, which Khalidi planned to convert into a library extension, is part of his family history dating back to the 18th century. His great-great-great-grandfather had once thrived there, but now, history feels like a heavy weight pressing down on him. Despite holding ownership documents, he reflected gloomily, “They trample all over legality, law and courts, and they are supported by the police and the government.” These words hit home as he spoke about the ongoing dispossession and suffering of Palestinians since the establishment of Israel, “It’s been systematic, massive dispossession and theft,” he insisted.
Voices of Protest
This semester has been particularly tense at Columbia as students protested in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Khalidi, always committed to activism, joined students with a megaphone, rallying for their cause and reminding them of the historical significance of their actions. “History will judge them to have been on the right side,” he reassured, echoing sentiments of past protests like those against the Vietnam War.
A Life of Scholarship and Resilience
At 76, Khalidi’s intellectual presence has been felt strongly, especially after the release of his book, “The Hundred Years War on Palestine.” The title alone has made it one of the top nonfiction bestsellers for over 30 weeks. Yet, he honestly admitted the bittersweet nature of its success: “To know that it comes from a need to understand a terrible reality is a double-edged sword.” Khalidi has been giving his book royalties to charity, reflecting his commitment to the Palestinian cause.
The Changing Narrative
There’s a noticeable change in the academic atmosphere regarding Palestine-Israel studies compared to the past. Khalidi reminisced about his experiences at Yale University, where he was part of a class that broke racial barriers. “We were the first class that was not made up of mainly white Anglo-Saxon Protestant prep school boys.” He painted a vivid picture of the atmosphere back then, contrasting it with today’s passionate young activists who rally against the oppressive narratives once so prevalent.
Shifting Perspectives in Society
Following the tragic events of October 7, Khalidi observed an awakening among young people worldwide, countering violence with a growing call for justice in Palestine. “It’s essential to understand the traumatic experiences on both sides,” he emphasized, noting that those who showed disdain for Israel’s actions also recognized the humanitarian toll on Palestinians. “A dead child is a dead child,” he said, highlighting the stark reality underlying a media landscape often skewed in favor of one narrative.
Critique of Higher Education
As he prepares for retirement, Khalidi voiced his frustration with how higher education has morphed into what he calls a “hedge fund” operation. “I’ve been horrified by the way higher education has developed into a cash register,” he lamented. Despite his concerns, Khalidi is cherished by students; more than 60 of his PhD students rallied to pay tribute to him, showcasing the deep impact he has made during his time at Columbia.
Looking Towards the Future
Although Khalidi steps back from his academic role, he’s not done just yet. He’s excited about a new book he plans to write on how Ireand served as a ‘laboratory’ for understanding Palestine. His own family experiences, academic contributions, and active role in shaping discourse position him as a critical voice moving forward.
In his parting reflections, Khalidi emphasized that real change for the Palestinian people hinges on a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding Israel. “Until the U.S. alters its total, uncritical support for Israel,” he stressed, “the Palestinians will not get anywhere near sovereignty.” It’s a poignant reminder that the journey for justice is long and fraught with challenges, but with passionate voices like his still ringing out, there’s hope for change.
