Over a thousand people attended the Norman Finkelstein’d lecture in central London on the 11/November/2011. The event was the climax of Professor Finkelsteins five day tour of the UK sponsored by the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), in partnership with student societies and organizations around the UK.
With Hundreds attending in Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham, the climaxing event in London surpassed most people’s expectations.An eclectic audience was made up from many different backgrounds, ages and professions. Some even travelled from Europe to take part.
It began at 7PM with a sellout crowd; many unfortunately had to be turned back due to the lack of space. This was an unprecedented event, with long queues of eagerly anticipating audiences.
Norman Finkelstein’s epic two hour lecture touched on many aspects of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He cemented the long standing view that there already exists international consensus in resolving the Israeli Palestinian issue. That such a consensus also includes all the Arab and all the Muslim states and the only obstacle to the universal consensus is the USA and Israel.
Mr. Finkelstein also lamented the fact that the Law and justice has always been clear on this issue, even though Israel. through its sophisticated use of propaganda makes it seem otherwise. With the force of law and justice on the Palestinian side, it was a tragic failure of everyone working for peace and justice in Palestine, not making this case more forcefully.
Even Hamas, he argued, have moderated their position, and more interestingly, their position with respect to Israel is no different to the celebrated luminary of the 20th century, Mahatma Ghandi, who only conceded to de facto recognition of Pakistan. Even Hamas, he argued, accept that to be part of the political landscape you have to accept the rules and taking a consensual position.
The tour of Finkelstein was successful despite attempts by Pro-Israeli groups to smear and ruin it. The groups forced the event in Manchester to change its venue from the university to Friends House hall in the city. Manchester University was pressured to move the events following false accusations spread by Israeli lobby.
To Watch the Full Conference online visit the links below:
PRC-Norman Finkelstein's London Conference Nov 2011- Part1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udpd5ze-lkw
PRC-Norman Finkelstein's London Conference Nov 2011- Part2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV8oqvmQybQ
PRC-Norman Finkelstein's London Conference Nov 2011- Part3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIPuw4y-U50
