Rashid Khalidi, the renowned Palestinian American professor, is stepping down from his position as the Edward Said chair of modern Arab history at Columbia University. His retirement comes at a time when he is faced with alarming news of extremist Israeli settlers storming a house that has been in his family’s possession for generations. Despite having ownership documents, Khalidi expresses frustration at the settlers’ disregard for legality and the courts.
Throughout his career, Khalidi has been a strong advocate for Palestinian rights and has faced challenges both personally and professionally. He has been actively involved in student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza and has authored a best-selling book that delves into the history of Palestine. Despite the success of his book, Khalidi donates his royalties to charity, emphasizing his commitment to the cause.
Khalidi’s personal family history, academic pursuits, and involvement in peace talks have given him a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He believes that until the US shifts its unwavering support for Israel, true sovereignty for Palestinians will remain elusive. Reflecting on past peace efforts, Khalidi highlights the need for unbiased mediators in resolving the conflict and criticizes the US for its role in perpetuating the status quo.
As he looks towards retirement and an emeritus position at Columbia University, Khalidi plans to shift his focus to studying the connections between Ireland and Palestine. He sees Ireland as a laboratory for understanding British colonialism and hopes to shed light on how experiences in one region can impact developments in others. By examining key figures in British history who were involved in colonial tactics, Khalidi aims to draw parallels between different regions affected by imperialism.
Despite the challenges he has faced in academia and his activism, Khalidi remains dedicated to educating others about the plight of Palestinians and advocating for justice. His contributions to scholarship and his unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause have left a lasting impact on those around him. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter in his life, Khalidi’s passion for seeking truth and promoting understanding continues to drive his work.
