In the midst of complex Arab relations, the relationship between Kuwait and Palestine remains a unique model of brotherhood and mutual support. This relationship is not merely a series of temporal milestones or fleeting agreements, but rather a story of shared struggle and authentic values that have connected the two peoples since the 1920s. This story is narrated by Raja Talab, a writer for the Jordanian newspaper "Al-Rai," in his distinguished book "Kuwait and the Palestinian Dawn."
The book takes us on a historical and humanitarian journey, starting from the beginnings of the relationship between Kuwait and Palestine, passing through pivotal moments that influenced that relationship, and culminating in Kuwait's current positions regarding the Palestinian cause.
Features and Content of the Book
The title of the book "Kuwait and the Palestinian Dawn" carries profound symbolism. The dawn refers to the hope that appears on the horizon after the darkness of night, and its connection to Kuwait reflects the Kuwaiti role in shedding light on hope for the Palestinian people. The title itself summarizes the main message of the book: that Kuwait has been and continues to be a fundamental supporter of the Palestinian cause.
Book Content
The book consists of 175 pages published by the Al-Ahlia Publishing House in Jordan and is the result of thorough research and field interviews conducted by the author with Kuwaiti and Palestinian figures who witnessed important stages of the relationship between the two peoples.
The author relied on reliable sources, including testimonies from individuals who experienced the events and historical documents that confirm the nature of the enduring relations between the two countries.
Main Topics Addressed in the Book
- Historical Relations Between Kuwait and Palestine:
The author reviews the beginnings of the relationship between Kuwait and Palestine in the 1920s, when the first Palestinian missions arrived in Kuwait in 1922. A group of religious leaders came to collect donations for the restoration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In 1936, a Palestinian educational mission was sent to Kuwait, specifically during the Great Palestinian Revolt against British occupation, which strengthened educational and cultural cooperation between the two peoples. The author believes these educational missions laid the foundation for educational relations, as Palestinians participated in the development of the education sector in Kuwait from its early beginnings.
- Palestinian Contribution to Building Kuwait:
The author dedicated an important part of his book to discussing the active role of Palestinians in vital sectors in Kuwait, particularly in education, health, municipality, police, and the army. Palestinians also excelled in cultural, media, and artistic sectors; prominent examples include Ghassan Kanafani, who worked as a teacher in Kuwait and was inspired by his experiences to write his famous novel "Men in the Sun," and Naji al-Ali, the famous cartoonist who created the character "Handala" while working in Kuwait.
- Kuwait as a Safe Haven for Palestinians:
The author points out that Palestinians in Kuwait have never felt a sense of alienation; Kuwait became a supplementary homeland for them. They found a nurturing and supportive environment, bringing their heritage, culture, and folklore to Kuwait, and becoming part of the Kuwaiti society. This made the relationship between the two peoples more than just a relationship of residents and hosts; it was a bond of emotional and cultural belonging.
- Kuwait's Role in Supporting the Palestinian Cause:
The author emphasizes that Kuwait has been one of the staunchest defenders of the rights of the Palestinian people. Kuwait rejected normalization with "Israel" and enacted laws to boycott its products. The author also highlighted Kuwait's steadfast position in international forums, citing the stance of the Kuwaiti National Assembly Speaker, Marzouq Al-Ghanim, who expelled the "Israeli" delegation from the International Parliamentary Union Hall in Russia. This stance received significant praise from the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may he rest in peace.
– The cultural and artistic relationship between Kuwait and Palestine:
The author sheds light on the Palestinian cultural production that flourished in Kuwait, where the Palestinian writer and thinker Ghassan Kanafani was one of the prominent figures who left a cultural mark in Kuwait. He points out the role played by Palestinian artists and athletes who grew up in Kuwait and how Kuwait contributed to supporting the Palestinian artistic and cultural movement.
– Kuwait's stance on the Iraqi occupation:
The author dedicates significant space to discussing the repercussions of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990, where the relationship between Kuwait and the Palestine Liberation Organization soured due to the pro-Saddam Hussein stance of the Palestinian leadership. However, the author notes that this phase did not ruin the deep-rooted historical relationship between the two peoples. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas took the initiative to apologize for this position in 2004, and official relations gradually began to return to their natural course.
Lessons learned from the book:
– The Kuwaiti Palestinian relationship is deep-rooted and authentic, built on cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and not merely a superficial political relationship.
– Kuwait's role was not limited to financial and political support but extended to include educational, cultural, and social support.
– The impact of Palestinians in Kuwaiti society and their role in enhancing the educational, health, and media sectors.
– Kuwait's rejection of normalization with the Zionist entity reflects the steadfast Kuwaiti principles regarding the Palestinian cause.
Conclusion of the book:
In the book's conclusion, the author presents a clear summary of the Kuwaiti Palestinian relationship, emphasizing that this relationship was founded on popular solidarity before being political. It is a relationship built on common interests and values, and it was not temporary or opportunistic. The author sees the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait as a pivotal moment in the relationship, but it did not succeed in undermining the deep connection between the two peoples, as solidarity quickly returned between Kuwait and Palestine after the end of the Iraqi occupation.
The author concludes with a message asserting that the relationship between Kuwait and Palestine will remain a distinctive model of Arab solidarity, unaffected by transient crises; this relationship is not one of regimes or governments, but rather a bond rooted in the Arab conscience. The book "Kuwait and the Palestinian Dawn" is an important historical testimony that deeply documents the Kuwaiti-Palestinian relationship from a historical, humanitarian, and cultural perspective, reflecting a rare model in international relations where the human and popular dimension is manifested alongside the political one.
It is a book recommended for anyone who wishes to understand the roots of Arab solidarity with Palestine, especially at a time when some countries are drifting away from this path. Kuwait, both government and people, has always been and remains at the forefront of defenders of the Palestinian cause, and this book merely confirms that the Palestinian dawn will surely rise thanks to the steadfast and supportive positions from brothers like Kuwait.
