Why is "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free" offensive? 

How about, alternatively, the idea of "from the river to the sea" simply means a truly free federal system where all people within Israel and the Palestinian areas are granted citizenship? A true power sharing arrangement as seen in Northern Ireland. That seems humane and fair to me.

The first half of that slogan is Likud's position, except that they claim all of the land for Israel. Hamas and Likud are a classic example of group polarization. But the long history of Arab aggression against Israel, and the inability of both sides to reach a workable compromise are additional factors. You don't have to side with Hamas or be anti Semitic to oppose Kahanism and aggressive, lawless settlement .

The very fact that Gen-X and Millennials are so ignorant of geography and history is shocking. When I was a kid, admittedly a long time ago, you wouldn't be accepted by a university without demonstrable knowledge of history and geography that was scrupulously tested by various exams, similar to British O- and A-levels.

I’m glad to be mother of young kids who teaches them history, geography, and values. They are aware of their Jewish ancestry, and it’s my responsibility to raise them to search for truth instead of following some ignorant crews.

Hello! Slight correction. The Country of Jordan is named after the River, not Vice-Versa. Jordan in its current borders was initially called Transjordan (i.e., the other side of the Jordan - aka the East bank). When Transjordan took control of the West Bank (ergo, Cisjordan or "this side of the Jordan") the Country declared itself to be a unified Jordan.

Did we actually teach basic geography in any core course?

Professor Abramson busting out with Arabic pronunciation. I had no idea! I’ve been watching his Jewish History Lab and other videos for a long time.

Its offensive only for colonizers and pro apartheid.... And that slogan does not mean destroying Jews, but destroying a state. You have no problem with Israel being a Jewish state.

This is basic information that more people should be made aware of. I mean it’s simple geography.

I used to be young doing protests and half the idiots just there for the social aspect

Your videos (not just in this series) are extremely informative and eye-opening. I hope that your videos help to dissolve the ignorance that is used by nefarious forces to justify the atrocities. I’m not Jewish but I have watched your other videos on Jewish history and have grown in my understanding of the world from them. Thank your for all of your efforts.. I pray for your loved ones in Israel.

I realize that all bigotry is based in ignorance but still not being able to locate which river and which sea is troubling.

I was hoping you would get into the history of the phrase. For instance, is it true that the Likud Party formerly used the phrase? If so, what did they mean by it? Did others use it, too?

Likud has in its charter from the river to the sea and Israelis repeat this. Why isn’t this brought up the same way?

You are correct in that the younger generation lack knowledge in basic geography. I am ashamed and sad to say that my daughter graduated high school and was unable to tell me the name of the country that borders the U.S. on the south. Time for the schools to get back to the basics and leave the social agenda to parents. By the way I enjoy your videos very informative and with a very pleasant delivery- thank you!

Any recommendations on how to express solidarity with the Palestinian people without being ignorant of basic geography or antisemitic? In this current conflict I posit that the majority of westerners supporting Palestine are merely appalled by the amount of civilian death that Israel is causing, and not trying to support violence by anyone.

Shows a real failure of our educational system.

Just annoying so many did not know what it means in terms of its geographical context. In regards to the possible interpretations, it appreciated your descriptions of the possible interpretations.

I'm an Australian with Jewish ancestry interested in learning. Thank you for your videos Dr Abramson. I see the study re the age difference in perspectives playing out here somewhat too. I had an understanding of why the chant is offensive, but didn't know there were actually other overt versions. Great to have this information for conversations - thank you 😊

Antisemitism is pretty rampant right now among young people. I'm a Jew and I've head so much of it in the community and it work it's quite disturbing.

❗I'm always offended by people who want to kill me. I'm funny that way.

Who are those people in every scope of language prefer the word "genocide" or "genocidal" - what s obnoxious mind set! World's populace love peace makers but not war mongers. O Allah! Please free peoples from apartheid and oppressions & makes your world live worthy!

I am, sometimes, asked to sign a petition from either side of the political arena. I always ask one question: "What are you asking me to sign?" It is rare that they really know. One young girl gave me a answer: "I don't now, but those that sent me know."

Shalom and Thank You! Is there any historical record of the name Palestine being derived in accordance with Pallas Athena?

It's equivalent of me saying "From west coast to east coast America will be Islam free. Free America"... Students should be held accountable for their hate speech.

Fully agree with you as an Arab Pro-Palestinian person I find it naive at best, and I fully understand why this is offensive to Jewish populations, the biggest problem we have is the image of 'Free Palestine" is almost Utopic and essentially not practical given the current state of all Arab nations (which collectively fail to protect minorities), That criticism though should not be used to suppress the opposition to the occupation, one thing I did learn in life, Victims are not always angels, sometimes they are full of anger and hate themselves, that does not stop me from supporting them until they are no longer oppressed! It is tough to talk to Palestinians about being politically correct (which they should be) while they are being slaughtered daily 😔😔I am having those difficult conversations with friends and family, and it is as hard as trying to convince Israelis to cease fire because of the human suffering, the polarization is scary

Quick question: were the students from Harvard or UPenn?

I am glad you made this video 💝🙏 So sorry about people who use this slogan to create chaos and trouble.

What program did you use to do the subtitles?

I think alot of it is from the generation of people aged 18-24 being emotionally immature and not realizing the complexities of geopolitics and conflicts. People in this demofraphic are still children and they have a lot of growing up to do

One thing that's disturbing right at the outset is how these young people in particular are out there angrily chanting slogans when they don't even know the most basic things about the underlying conflict. If you think that they are talking about the Nile River and the Atlantic ocean, then maybe you should take a break and spend some time studying basic geography before you run around angrily shouting opinions

Thank you for the clarity!

The majority of the younger generation grew up with much more available information from all sides than previous generations who did not grow up in the digital age.

As always, many thanks for sharing your thoughts and learning. I myself believe that true freedom emerges from nonviolent effort - otherwise, we can be bound in a cycle of violence. There is a myth of redemptive violence that resonates among people seeking a supposed swift and decisive conclusion, but I have yet to see violence truly attain such things.

You need to explain this to the Metropolitan Police in London, England who think it is ok & fine & allow huge marches with people shouting this with Palestian flags. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

Thank you Dr. Abramson. It is truly a difficult time for Jews.

lets say that mexico comes and takes over half of the US and for 70 years it occupies that land, and then people say from atlantic to pacific united states will be free is that problematic. In that case would US is just demanding their land back "problematic".

I hope you show the same offense with the Lakud party that originally made up the "river to sea.." banner that was then taken by Palestinians.

I'm not Jewish, but very much appreciate the wisdom in your talks.

My Facebook page needed a reasonable take on this topic. Thank you.

Im getting a glimmer of hope, Dr proffessor Henry Abramson w your enlightening young students.thanks we need your help

That was brilliant, the best discussion/analysis that I have heard about the river to the sea slogan.

Dr. Abramson, I appreciate you commenting on the individual comments in a measured way. It's how a discussion should be had IMHO, by trying to understand what the other side is saying, in words and in feelings and yes, even in prejudices and misconceptions. From what I can see, neither Israelis nor Palestinians seem to understand, or rather, almost never express that they understand, how deeply felt their principal traumas are. Rarely do you hear a Palestinian trace back Zionism to antisemitism in Europe (especially to the east) and the pogroms in the Russian empire (as you do in some of your videos), or Israelis acknowledge that Palestinians got displaced by violence around 1948 and their related frustrations (although Israeli historians do). At some point, I hope, both groups will be able to hear each other and then, finally, come to some peaceful agreement. Let us pray.....

Thank you for posting this. I certainly learned even more (as always from your videos)

Thank you for the explanation. This is what I need to hear.

Apart from that, thank you for explaining your point-of-view

Great video as always.

I believe it’s as offensive as calling West Bank Judaea & Samaria. Funny enough is a survey conducted in Israel, Palestinians said that this slogan means one state for everyone with equal rights, and Israelis said one Israeli state from river to sea means Palestinians to be displaced. Isn’t that ironic ?

Thank you, Dr. Abramson.

If someone said "From sea to shining sea, black slaves will be free.", what did he mean?

The most astonishing is that they don't understand that their "palestine" IS free from the river to the see. Everyone can see it, because God has put Israel between the river and the see, which probably no one has missed, and by that their chanting is fulfilled, the "palestines" are by their own mouth really freed from that place. People do not understand that their "prayers" can be fulfilled without that they recognizes it. So, their own chanting actually helps the fulfillment of God's Word by the establishment of Israel on that place. You shall be careful what you allows go out of your mouth, because "man shall be judged by every word" says the Lord.

Well done! I enjoy all your videos.

Didn't the original Likud party platform from 1977 state ""between the Sea and the Jordan there will only be Israeli sovereignty." ? How is that any different? Any less threatening?

The jewish people are always educating people and ahead of our times. Yes, it's very offensive! Thank you!

You’re a breath of neutral fresh air. Thank you for these videos.

Thank you Dr Abramson for a very good and informative video. What happened on 7th October was genocide really upset us we are Jews.

Serious question here but does the pipe where a yamica? So sorry I’m sure that isn’t spelt right but I mean it with a serious respectful way.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I'd never heard the slogan you discussed in this video, but I share your optimism that discussing geography and other nuances of the situation can help those lacking relevant knowledge gain a better appreciation of the danger involved.

Well American has never been good at teaching geography. I have to admit, when I first heard the slogan that it was just a rhyme. And did not point to any actual river or sea. But it is hopeful when they learn what the slogan is saying, hard change their mind.

An excellent and thorough explanation. I hope that I can be as patient and articulate about this when the need to explain it inevitably arises. Earlier today a throng of people, including neighbors of mine, were chanting this as they marched through my town. Some of them, without a doubt, knew exactly what the expression implies, although I suspect (and hope) that many did not. A question for Dr. Abramson or any other scholars out there: what books on the history of Israel are considered best in terms of completeness, objectivity, and (dare I ask) readability? I don't have a schedule that allows me to take a course, but I do want to have a much more complete knowledge of this subject.

The singers of river to the sea should read the Bible book of Exodus. Pharaoh had similar thoughts - from Nile to Mediterranean sea. It was his people who eventually ended in Red sea; remember whatever you wish upon Israel will come to you. Esther 6 shows a man called Hamann ended that way

Thank you so much for this video!

Thank you for this information, it is invaluable education for everyone.

Excellent commentary on this phrase. I really think these protesters would do well be staying off the streets and taking a course in geography.

Good posting yet again. It's very much like the why does the Spanish national anthem has no words question. If one doesn't know the history nor are Spanish oneself there's a definite disavantage. As a foreigner I don't need the words and I can claim that I like the anthem just because of its musical qualities. However, accepting that I'm a human being and not a robot I need to also add that I'm a royalist and have had a Roman Catholic upbringing with some military and rural conservative family members thrown in as well. It's thus always a two way street, and never black or white

From the North to the South, the East and the West Humans shall be free!!!

I totally agree with the slogan, but not before adding a few things: From the River to the Sea: 1) Palestine will be free from Hamas. 2) There will be peace. 3) Arabs and Israelis will live together peacefully in their respective states. Arabs in Palestine and Israel, Israelis in Israel and Palestine.

THE QUESTION IS WHO ARE THE REAL CRIMINALS?

Happy Hanukkah Henry 🕎

Thanks for your explanatory videos

Small point, but the River Jordan was not named after the country. The country was named Transjordan originally, the other side being Cisjordan.

AWESOME!!!! Thank you!!!!

You do incredible work in general but you’ve exceptional during this war! Thank you 🙏🏻

Well-stated. Thanks!

This Guy is so Logical & Reasonable. I like this Guy.

The map which had been used by Prime Minster Netanyahu, in his recent U.N speech, was showing an Israel from "River to the See", too. How about that? Was that offensive? Or would it be offensive merely if Arabs use this phrase? Let's not have a double standard. Let's there be peace between Israel and Palestine. Amen.

I wish every person would watch this video, and get some type of basic type of understanding what is going on.

Again clear AND interesting...real knowledge surmounts all, even nonsense...yes, .Palestine really must be freed from Hamas...

The ruling Likud party has used this exact same slogan in regards to the West bank hasnt it?

Thank you for investing the time to create your videos. I believe it's crucial to comprehend the context before forming a decision or expressing agreement or disagreement with the presented content. I am baffled at the younger generation ignorance. I wonder what my generation did or did not do to have created it.

As a person and former educator, I am really concerned with how common it is for young people to take up political causes and slogans without doing significant research on the topic beforehand. This is not to put the blame solely on teachers or students but as a whole culture, I wish america would put more emphasis on research

Just reinforces the terrible job American public education has done in teaching basic knowledge of geography and history….which has the additional effect of suggesting that these subjects are unimportant

Fantastic video.

I am a bit disappointed in the biased language of this video, I apologize for saying. It's good to rep your own opinion, of course, but not if in a way that frames it as "reality" or "understanding", without mentioning or ruling out other possible interpretations. For example , and with respect, I noticed that a popular viewpoint on this planet about Oct 7th is just not acknowledged by you. This view is that while it happened through Hamas, it or something like it would've happened through whatever organization existed in Gaza eventually - even if they weren't Islamist, antisemitic or intentionally targeting non IDF personnel- and futher, that armed attacks of some kind are a legal right of the annexed Palestinians. In other words, hamas are the only game in town in order for desperate young men growing up stateless, to enact military resistance to Israel, and from the view of many, Israel has not been willing to leave post 1967 land and settle the conflict according to UN resolutions. Further, this view sees Israel and the IDF as also a "t-rrorist" group in certain respects, given its past operations such as in 2018, and its blockade of food, "starvation plus" diet, holding onto territory acquired in war, periodic civilans massacres, etc. Living in a Buddhist majority country where antisemitism is a foreign concept, and nobody even questions the right of Israel to exist, this is a pretty common view here - but i see it all over world media as well. The idea that we all know and agree on what Oct 7th is really about seems a bit too much, after all there were also attacks by the Palestinians when many of their forces were secular leftists , and there have also been civilian violent uprisings, and unarmed protests as well. Best regards from Asia. Let's hope there is a future for both peoples.

Free and equal citizens? That's ok isn't it? No matter whether one or two states I don't care. Justice is the only path to lasting peace.

Can you do a lecture on Slonim Hasidic dynasty history?

Ok so I understood the slogan correctly when I first heard it, and I still support it. Israel is an illegitimate state, Palestinian jews are under no threat from a future democratic Palestine, settlers should leave.

Thank you for your explanation. I'm from Barcelona and I'm feel offended as well. But I'm sure that's it will be a naive fashion like the keffie (the foulard-scarf-hat etc.).

Americans who sing this nursery rhyme, should consider if their own country should be given back to the British, or the natives?

the terms peace and freedom are not commonly agreed upon.

Straight to the point no wishy washy and yet so well articulated I mean this is golden on a rethorical level as much as content wise, thank you very much professor Henry

Great video, thank you

So what's the difference when jews call for a "JEWISH STATE?" With a nation state law that measures how JEWISH you are? Tired of false academic sophistry.

From the river to the sea, 🇵🇸 will be free. Calling to free a country and give them equal rights doesn’t mean we hate Jews. Enough with the sensitivity. My Jewish friend also says that, does that mean she’s anti-semetic?

As you point out, Israel allows Muslim Arabs to be citizens of its country. And when polled, those Israeli Arabs prefer living in Israel to moving to any of Israel's neighbors. Conversely though, it should be pointed out that Jews are NOT ALLOWED to live in Gaza. End of story. So under the premise that "From the River to the sea, Palestine will be free". From the Palestinian point of view freedom clearly means freedom from Jews and Israelis. The expression is clearly an existential threat to Jews and Israelis. It's more than offensive, It's a deep existential threat.

Thank you for clarifying this slogan.

I can proudly say I did not support the from the river to the sea. I have seen Christians saying this didn’t know what was even going on. Which to me was even worse because they were going Hamas so much power and blindly following along

Thank you for clear communication, I would however diverge as to dichotomy you propose, between being pro Hamas or supporting Israel, we don't need those divisions. In fact the popularity of the slogan "From river" stems from it's vagueness. It can mean many things and for sure means many things to different people. It will mean something different to US audience, which especially cheriches the idea of freedom. Worth noting that Likud speaks in it's charter about "From river to sea Israel sovereignty". In fact, Likud's slogan is much more precise, specifies how many states would be in this area. In contrast, free Palestine can be an area of multiple states or one, it just speaks about freedom of the people in those lands, but freedom can be provided equally to population of multiple states within an area. I am sure campus kids in USA mean Palestine will be free through US perspective of a democracy loving country, and simply wish equal rights for all people of the region within one or two stetes. The panic surrounding this slogan is absolutely unjustified, and as I clarified, concern should be directed equally at Likud's charter. Thank you and very best.

See the Likud party platform for more on Eretz Israel (from the river to the sea) 👀

To be fair most Americans need a geography lesson for lands outside of the US.