The Palestinian president’s speech last week—in which he blamed Jews for the Holocaust while calling Zionism an instrument of British imperialism—provoked condemnation from even European leaders, alongside calls for his resignation. But, argues Yossi Kuperwasser, the problem runs far deeper than Mahmoud Abbas himself:
In light of the recent calls for Abbas to step down, one must emphasize that his remarks are a reflection not just of his personal opinion but rather of the Palestinian belief system. They constitute the basis of the false Palestinian narrative that holds there is no such thing as the Jewish people. The Jews are merely a religious group and as a result they have no right to a nation state. In a statement following the outcry over his remarks, Abbas apologized not to the Jewish people but to “members of the Jewish religion.”
The Jews, [by this logic], have no historical connection to Palestine and there is therefore no basis for their demand for a return [there]. As the descendants of the Canaanites, the Palestinians are the only indigenous people [in the land]. The Jews are intolerable beings, which is why the Europeans created Zionism in a bid both to rid themselves of the Jews and to defend themselves against the strengthening of the Arab nations and Islam. . . .
The struggle against Zionism is at the root of Palestinian identity and is at once national and religious in nature. It is just that for now, Abbas believes certain means of struggle are less beneficial to the Palestinian cause. The Palestinians, [according to their own narrative], are the only victims in this conflict, and they must fortify their identity as such through the perpetuation of their refugee status and the strengthening of the public’s consciousness of the Nakba [or “catastrophe,” as the creation of Israel is termed by Arabs. Since the Palestinians are victims], no one should demand that they take responsibility for their actions and their plight. . . .
It is not enough to replace Abbas. [It is necessary to] replace the Palestinian narrative, which is a much harder goal to accomplish.
Read more on Israel Hayom: http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/abbas-is-not-the-problem/