Abstract

Beyond the Intifada: The Struggle to Build a Nation

After twenty-one years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the Palestinian people are getting closer than ever to fulfilling their aspiration of living in a free and independent state. Contrary to perceptions in the West, the efforts of the Intifada, the Palestinian Arabs against Israeli military forces, have not been restricted to demonstrations and throwing stones. Palestinians have begun to boycott Israeli-made products to which there are Palestinian alternatives, like cigarettes, soft drinks, food products, clothing and drugs. Israeli-appointed mayors, policemen and civil administration officials have been asked to resign. Workers in Jewish settlements have been urged to stop working and Palestinian labor in Israel has been disrupted by weekly strikes.