The issue of 1948 Palestinians must strategically be raised and prioritized to the level ‘enjoyed’ by 1967 anti-occupation activism. This is because it is the strongest axis upon which the question of Zionism can be addressed. 1948 Palestinians are the “non-Jews” in the “Jewish democratic state”, and this is the circle that Zionism simply cannot square. The 1967 Palestinian question at this stage is fought primarily along an anti-occupational principle, and has less leverage with its ability to sufficiently raise the question of Zionism, at least at this stage in struggle – both internationally, and indeed within the 1967 Palestinian political movement and leadership.
The Apartheid policies and practices of the State of Israel against its Palestinian citizens living within its borders reflects the polices of apartheid South Africa and the Jim Crow laws of the US South. The case of Azmi Bishara and the prosecution he and the National Democratic Assembly (NDA - Tajamu'/Balad) have endured, and are about to face, is key to this struggle, and we must recognize its historical significance.
More than any other figure in the 1948 Palestinian setting – indeed in the entire Palestinian setting (I am willing to argue) – Azmi Bishara is responsible for explicitly raising the need for the de-Zionization of Israel. He has done so not as a detached intellectual, but has built a formidable political force (the NDA), and raised the slogan “a state for all its citizens”. His powerful liberal humanist and radical democratic discourse has reverberated throughout 1948 Palestinian setting, as well as throughout the Israeli establishment.
The mantra and political project he set in motion has now come to dominate almost the entire political sphere of 1948 leadership, including the Arab MKs, and the Follow Up Committee (the ‘official’ local leadership of Palestinian citizens of Israel) – a fact recently demonstrated in the publication of four unprecedented historical documents calling in principle for the de Zionisation of Israel -– including one which calls for a new Israeli constitution (See http://www.adalah.org/eng/democratic_constitution-e.pdf ).
For this reason, Israel has identified him as “enemy number one” when it comes to 1948 Palestinians, and has attempted in the past to find ways to crush and delegitimize him. They have failed, but their efforts have not ended. And it seems that he is about to face a major onslaught which will either put him in jail, or force him into exile.

This workshop intends to revitalize the PSM on the question of 1948 Palestinian, as an organic extension of the other spheres of struggle which the Palestine solidarity movement has planted roots on and is developing (Right of Return work, anti-occupation work, BDS, the Wall etc.) I would only add that the Israeli government has recognized the significance and dangers the Tajamu’ movement have posed to Zionism in the context of the broader struggle, and it is now the task for solidarity activists to internalize and work to defend and advance this crucial front itself, and on its terms.