Norman Finkelstein
Norman Finkelstein | |
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 Finkelstein speaking at Suffolk University in 2005 | |
| Born | Norman Gary Finkelstein December 8, 1953 New York City, New York, U.S. |
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| Occupations |
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| Website | normanfinkelstein.com |
Dr. Norman Gary Finkelstein (born December 8, 1953) is an American political scientist, activist, and author, whose primary fields of research are the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the politics of the Holocaust. He is known for his work on the political and ethical issues associated with Israel's occupation of Palestine, as well as his criticism of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians both within and without Israeli territory.
A son of Holocaust survivors, Finkelstein received his doctorate in 1988 from the Department of Politics at Princeton University for a thesis on the theory of Zionism. His most notable works include The Holocaust Industry: Reflections on the Exploitation of Jewish Suffering and Image and Reality of the Israel-Palestine Conflict. He has received considerable criticism for his pro-Palestinian views, though he personally prefers to refer his views as "pro-Justice" rather than "pro-Palestine".[1] His work is frequently referenced in international discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has been influential among Palestinian rights advocacy groups.
Finkelstein's academic work has focused on the legitimacy and conduct of Israel in the context of international law, especially in relation to its occupation of Palestine. He has been critical of attempts to use the historic suffering of Jews to justify current injustices against the Palestinian people. Advocating for what he has described as a more just and unbiased approach to the historical record and present-day policies, Finkelstein's work routinely draws on detailed examinations of legal documents, policy statements, and historical records.
Despite having a career marked by fierce debate and professional disputes, especially facing heavy opposition from Zionists and other supporters of Israeli policy, Finkelstein's steadfast dedication to the Palestinian cause continues to resonate with many who seek justice and a resolution to the conflict. He has been described as a principled and passionate advocate for human rights who challenges prevailing narratives through meticulous research and an unwavering commitment to academic rigor.
In recent years, Finkelstein has continued to contribute to the discourse around Palestinian rights and the Israeli occupation. His works are referenced for providing a counter-narrative to mainstream depictions of the conflict, focusing public attention on the under-reported humanitarian crises faced by Palestinians. As a public intellectual, his presentations, debates, and interviews highlight the ongoing struggles for Palestinian self-determination amidst the backdrop of international law and human rights conventions.
- ↑ Finkelstein, Norman (November 23, 2023). "Piers Morgan vs Norman Finkelstein On Israel and Palestine". Piers Morgan Uncensored (Interview). Interviewed by Piers Morgan. Retrieved November 30, 2023.