International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People falls on November 29 every year and serves as a reminder of the absence of inalienable rights, national independence, and sovereignty of the Palestinian people. Territories in Palestine have been occupied by Israel since 1967, and there has never been a formation of an Arab state, even after Israel gained its independence in 1948.
History of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
For as long as we have known it, Palestine and Israel have struggled for territories and have had shared borders alongside the city of Jerusalem. This has always been a major cause of concern and dispute, seeing as Palestine is mostly Arab-dominated, and Israel has always been Jewish-dominated. For decades, there has been a need to separate both states and make them independent. This gave rise to the adoption of Resolution 181 (II) on November 29, 1947.
The resolution was the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which was a proposal that recommended a partition of Mandatory Palestine at the end of the British Mandate. This simply meant the creation of independent Arab and Jewish states and a Special International Regime for the city of Jerusalem. The new states were to be formed two months after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom, no later than October 1948. The Plan also called for an Economic Union between the proposed states, and for the protection of religious and minority rights.
It was all cut short and never fully implemented, however, with the outbreak of a one-year civil war in Palestine. Following that, Israel became a country in 1948, but an Arab state was never formed. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly called for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine, which was to start in 1978.
November 29 was chosen because of its meaning and significance to Palestinian people, and to serve as a reminder to the world at large that Palestinians have yet to attain their inalienable rights. This means the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property, from which they have been displaced.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People timeline
The United Nations Partition Plan is proposed by the United Nations and is adopted as Resolution 181 (II).
Israel becomes a country, following a year-long civil war in Palestine.
The United Nations General Assembly calls for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine.
International Day of Solidarity With The Palestinian People is officially observed for the first time.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People FAQs
Why do we celebrate International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People?
The day provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the fact that Palestinians have yet to attain their inalienable rights.
When did Palestine become a member of the United Nations?
On 29 November 2012, Palestine was granted non-member observer state status in the United Nations General Assembly.
Why are Palestine and Israel fighting?
The conflict arose from the intercommunal violence in Mandatory Palestine between Israelis and Arabs in 1920 and erupted into full-scale hostilities in the 1947–48 civil war. The conflict still exists today.
How to Observe International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Attend a solidarity event
Government officials, educators, and civil society organizations hold a variety of events demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinians on this day. You can find out information concerning any of the events, and make a plan to attend.
Sign a petition
Research online, and find a petition to sign to end the occupation of Palestine. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Learn all you can
Read books, or watch documentaries about the history between Israel and the Palestinian people. Some include; “In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem”, “Six Days in June”, and “Azimuth”. You can go a step further to document your findings and educate others on your platforms using #SolidarityWithPalestinianPeople.
5 Shocking Facts About The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
It’s more about land than religion
Despite being commonly portrayed as a divisive clash between Islam and Judaism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one rooted in competing for nationalism and territorial claims.
The West Bank barrier was built in 2002
The West Bank wall was built to separate the Israeli and Palestinian territories and has been described as a security measure by Israel, preventing the movement of arms, terrorists, and people into Israeli territory, however, Palestinians view it more as a racial segregation or apartheid wall.
Israel can dispossess land in Palestine
In February of 2017, Israel’s parliament passed the Regularization Law, allowing Israel to take control of private Palestinian land.
Palestinians have been imprisoned without charge
Thousands of Palestinians have been imprisoned, on what Israeli authorities call “security grounds”, without charge or trial.
Issues began during the British Mandatory period
Following the fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War One, Britain took control of its Palestinian territories and created different institutions for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, which stunted communication and encouraged a growing divide between the groups.
Why International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is Important
Palestinian rights matter
The rights of Palestinians matter just as much as the rights of any of us. This day is important as it signifies they are not alone and reminds us of our civic duty to them.
It gives Palestinians hope
A day like this serves as a ray of hope for the people of Palestine. They get to see that we still understand their struggles, and are working towards making it better for their people.
It gives us a cause to fight for
International Day of Solidarity With The Palestinian People triggers a sense of responsibility in each of us. Though we may not all be key decision-makers in the process, the day educates us on other things we can do to render our support, and pushes us to do so.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | November 29 | Saturday |
2026 | November 29 | Sunday |
2027 | November 29 | Monday |
2028 | November 29 | Wednesday |
2029 | November 29 | Thursday |