Leiden University Student Repository

Zarzar, Besan (2022)

Shifting Discourse: An Assessment of Palestinian-Syrian Dutch Citizens’ Perspectives on Anti-Semitism

Bachelor thesis | Midden-Oostenstudies (BA)

This research investigates the factors contributing to a change in the anti-Semitic discourse used by some Palestinian Syrian Dutch individuals (PSDs) during their participation in pro-Palestine protests in the Netherlands. Based on interviews conducted with five PSDs, this study has focused on studying the impact of different factors leading to a new understanding of anti-Semitism. The findings indicate that a shift away from the use of anti-Semitic rhetoric took place amongst the participants, as observed in four different aspects. While this does not necessarily mean that anti-Semitism is not present, the general trend indicates a shift toward a more inclusive discourse in the future. As such, it is important to consider these factors that helped change this rhetoric and take them into account in the context of discussing anti-Semitic discourse in pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place in the Netherlands.

Author

Zarzar, Besan

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Moderne Midden-Oostenstudies

Supervisors

Dr. Fokelien Kootstra

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en