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We make ourselves out to be innocent victims of attack…

“We make ourselves out to be innocent victims of attack. It’s true that in August the attackers were Arabs. Since they have no army, they cannot observe the rules of the game. They availed themselves of all the barbaric means typical of an anticolonialist rebellion. But we need to look at the…” quote by Hillel Cohen
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““We make ourselves out to be innocent victims of attack. It’s true that in August the attackers were Arabs. Since they have no army, they cannot observe the rules of the game. They availed themselves of all the barbaric means typical of an anticolonialist rebellion. But we need to look at the deepest sources of the uprising. We have spent twelve years in Palestine without having even once asked the Arabs’ consent, without conducting any sort of discussion with the people living in this land. We have trusted solely to British power. We have set ourselves goals that must inevitably lead to conflict. (Lavsky 1990, 204)””

Hillel Cohen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrative frames Palestinians as victims, blaming external powers and past decisions for ongoing conflict, overlooking internal agency.

In simple terms: Blame is placed on external forces for the uprising.

Key Takeaway

Recognize internal responsibility for change.

Themes

conflict history politics agency blame

Mood

critical reflective somber

Type

Revolution:0 Rules of the game:0 Arabs Consent:0 Attackers Arabs:0 Asked Arabs:0 August Attackers:0 Sources Uprising:0

When to use this quote

  • peace negotiations
  • policy analysis
  • historical accountability
  • social movements

Key Concepts

colonial legacy self‑determination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What internal changes are needed?
  • How can responsibility be balanced?
A Different Perspective

Simplistic blame can hinder solutions.

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