Palestine Talks | Norman Finkelstein

Activist, writer and public intellectual Norman Finkelstein speaks candidly about his early upbringing in New York City — raised by parents who were both Holocaust survivors — and how that has led to his tireless pro-Palestinian solidarity work, including his “forensic scholarship” of Israeli criminality and the related abuse of Holocaust memory.

Towards the end of the discussion, Finkelstein offers important though difficult advice to those who embrace “the values of truth and justice,” which — as he alludes — are ideals that do not come with any significant personal "reward".
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[juanpezoa]

Perhaps these lines will vanish in time, but it doesn’t matter I will post them anyways. As a citizen of the global south (Chilean) I have the highest admiration for Norman (respectfully) as he is one of most sincere and honest intellectuals I had the pleasure of following and learning from. I admired him with the same conviction I do of my father, a former Union leader who recently passed away. My father was an enormously precious figure in my life. He never compromised his convictions, gave his soul to humanity, particularly to those most in need. It is in that spirit that I salute you Norman. Thank you for all your contributions, particularly for our brothers and sisters of PALESTINE.

[jeffreynall]

You have to love how Norman Finkelstein will get up and move out of the camera shot to go grab a book. That spontaneous action exemplifies his intellectual spirit, one committed to substance over form

[youknow]

It's so beautiful that someone with such a past has choosen to spend his life speaking for the oppressed.
Stay blessed, Sir.

[chicofrijoles]

My deep complements to the interviewer, who let him speak without interruption. You have no idea how much I appreciate you quietly listening!
Edit: this was an outstanding and inspiring interview, I definitely relate on the last part. I wish I was physically able to contribute more at this moment in time, but I am grateful to God to see all the protestors, activists, demonstrators, and advocates coming out of the woodwork to cry out for Palestinian (and ultimately, our own) freedom. Free Palestine!

[aamnahere]

You're definitely not inadequate. You've been a consistently bright light on this issue from a time when it was not only unpopular to speak for Palestine but also quite dangerous. I know you're humble enough to not overstate the loss of your own employment because of your Palestine advocacy but it's a testament to your moral clarity, integrity and fortitude. Norman, I am glad that you're the first person from whom I learned about Palestine 16 years ago because it showed me that there are conscientious Jewish voices who acknowledge and respect the humanity of Palestinians. It also taught me the value of dedicating our time to judiciously learn facts instead of looking for shortcuts for likes and views on social media.

[alexglanz]

Norman is a young man -- and one with a gift. I just came from an 80th birthday party with laughs, opinions and yes, we all commend your mother for nurturing a stubborn, brilliant and righteous boy. Who knew? We carry shame for supporting Israel, for complacency. We all protested the Viet Nam war, cried at the Kennedy assassinations, and took a few walks to support Martin Luther King. What you're doing is giving support to silent cries, and we appreciate your work. Thank you

[joaomiguelxs]

Norman Finkelstein for so long fought this battle in the US almost entirely alone, with the exception of professor Chomsky. I appreciate his many many years of selfless dedication to the cause of truth and justice for Palestine, as I have had the privilege of following his activism through all those years. Ty TRT for this conversation and thank you prof Finkelstein.

[benc]

The most fitting last word "children" speaks to your utmost care for the future of humanity Norman. Thankyou.

[Ben]

Thanks, TRT World, for this interview. Thank you, Norman. I recognise so much of what you told about the path you followed in your own life. As a long time health worker for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, starting during the Siege of West-Beirut in 1982, I have followed you for many years. I am still in awe of your masterly forensic analysis of "From Time Immemorial". I have lived and worked in Palestinian refugee communities in Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Your work "Gaza. An Inquest into its Martyrdom" had a profound effect on me. Thank you for all you did. Aspiring to truth and justice is a commendable thing to do. I am proud to say that I never sacrificed this principle for the sake of 'fame and fortune' or 'power and privilege'.

[RizwanAli-btuo]

This man literally devoted his entire life to the Palestinian cause. He will be that tiny spark that will always shine in the realm of darkness for future generations. Though he is a mere human, he reminds me time and again of Hazrat Moosa A.S. (Moses) who, in spite being born in the family of powerful Pharoahs, stood by the oppressed tribe - Thank you Dr. Norman for your existence.

[growthandunderstanding]

Mr. Finkelstein is such a hero of truth and justice! He fears no retribution for this honesty and this makes him brave.

[ShahirUsmani]

Whenever he talks, it just feels like knowledge, wisdom, and courage. Protect this man at all cost!

[Robervalarembepe]

Norman, is in a different class altogether. Qualities like Integrity, honesty, self-awareness, truth telling and solidity always comes to my mind every time I hear him.. You feel that you can believe every word that comes out of his mouth. Norman, you have done your courageous contribution to the history of this unjust conflict. As you have said, no nobody knows more about it and the lies told by Israel than you. And that is a gift to humanity that you leave behind. Thank you.

[BB-nhij]

First time listening to Norm Finkelstein, and enjoyed listening to a logical and ethical human being. Loved that the parents engaged their children with the love of reading and the ability to question what does not make sense. May his teaching and books by read by Princeton students and beyond.

[dmwalker]

Even Norman's 'inadequate' response, is in comparison to almost everyone else, the response of a titan. The impacts of age are overcome by the wisdom gained in the decades of intense study. I made similar choices as a young person to align myself with truth, and justice, and the costs of that are very real. I have no illusions of fame or fortune, but at the end I will be able to say that I never sold out my principles. I salute all of my comrades who are doing the same.

[mehas]

We love you Dr. Finkelstein, millions upon millions of us. Don't ever think you are inadequate.

[brownshuri]

The humility and the knowledge Norman emits is so calming. I wish I had teacher like him. You are the best Norman. Thank you for standing for Truth and Justice and never falling for fame and fortune. I pray that we see a Free Palestine. That would be God’s miracle to you as a human and for all of us. Lots of good wishes.

[Libbathegreat]

Would not have guessed my favorite technophobe was working with three monitors 😅
Can't help but think how the moment he was "shattered" by the truth about Mao parallels how shattered many of the true believers in the right and might of Israel will be once they're forced to reckon with the truth, and realize that everyone who disagreed with them wasn't an "antisemite" (or as Finkelstein said a "petite bourgeois"). Until then, the Palestinians and the rest of the world will continue paying a high price for their education.

[mitchurchin]

As Scott Ritter said recently, ‘if October 7th hadn’t happened, the people of Gaza would have experienced October 6th on repeat forever’. A life in an open prison, treated as filth, forgotten, abused and left for dead. Now the world can see and feel their plight and understand who the victims are in this horrific conflict. Thank you Norman for all you’ve done. Free Palestine.

[TahminaSultana-bctf]

I am glad I came across to watch this video. Special thanks to the interviewer who let the professor speak without interruption and just quietly listened. You have no idea what a rare quality it is these days!