Secularism in Palestinian Political Culture
A Tentative Discourse
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64166/bbhr8205Abstract
The paper examines the historical influence of secu- larist ideologies on Palestinian political culture in general and on national identity in particular. In general, the articulation of Pal- estinian identity, especially following the 1948 Nakba has been dominated by secular visions and discourses. The foundation of that identity was the dispossession and dispersal experienced by Palestinians due to the establishment of Israel and later wars and hostilities. This branded the Palestinian national movement with a strong secular disposition, as a conscious strategy in its confronta- tion with Zionism. The secular political culture reflects a religious pluralism prevalent in Palestinian society for centuries, as well as a tradition of political pluralism, including left-wing political parties. The real challenge to secularism began to appear in the 1980s, at a time when the PLO was considerably weakened. This challenge has intensified in recent years, drawing on the disillu- sion with peace-making efforts, the on-going Israeli occupation, the rise of international political Islam and the subsequent rise of local religious mobilization.
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