BFA

With a career spanning several decades, Rashid Khalidi has shaped academic thought and become a voice for those whose perspectives are too often marginalized. Through his research and writing, Khalidi offers readers a way to understand the deeply rooted connections that Palestinians hold to their land and identity, as well as the profound impacts of colonialism and displacement on generations. His voice is both empathetic and authoritative, challenging established narratives and inviting others to see the world through a more compassionate lens. Khalidi’s work is as much about history as it is about the ongoing journey toward dignity, justice, and understanding in a region marked by conflict and resilience.

For Khalidi, history isn’t just a subject—it’s a living narrative that impacts people every day. His life’s work is dedicated to ensuring that Palestinian stories are told, remembered, and respected.

Rashid Khalidi's books, such as "Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness" and "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine," are major contributions to the reconstruction and education of Palestinian history. These books are especially important as they detail, with a deeply personal and historical lens, the immense challenges that Palestinians face in their long struggle for independence. They give voice to the impact of colonialism on Palestinian lands and lives and explore the deep roots of Palestinian identity—roots that stretch back well before the current conflicts but that have been reshaped and strengthened through generations of hardship and resilience. Khalidi’s dedication to telling this story from the perspective of the people themselves has made these books pivotal in understanding Palestine beyond what is often portrayed in mainstream narratives.

Khalidi is an expert on all things Palestine, from the ancient and modern history of the region to the evolution of Palestinian identity and the development of Arab nationalism. His work does not merely recite events; it draws readers into the lived experiences of Palestinians and the emotional depth of a people who have struggled, against great odds, to preserve their culture, heritage, and hopes for the future. His work challenges the Western narratives that have often shaped international policies and opinions, bringing to light the Palestinian perspectives that are too often overlooked or misunderstood. Khalidi’s historical research goes beyond political boundaries, bringing a moral perspective emphasizing dignity, justice, and human rights.

In academia, Khalidi has left a lasting mark. He has taught as a professor at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, and Georgetown University, educating countless students who now carry forward his teachings on the complexities of the Middle East. At Columbia, he currently serves as the Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies, a prestigious position that reflects his incredible dedication and expertise. This chair, named after another giant in Middle Eastern studies, Edward Said, is a testament to Khalidi’s stature as a scholar and a public intellectual who has committed his life to amplifying voices that need to be heard. He is known not just for his scholarship but for his mentorship, encouraging students and colleagues alike to engage with Middle Eastern history in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and ethically grounded.

Beyond his work in the classroom and print, Khalidi is an active public intellectual and a powerful voice in global debates on Middle Eastern affairs. He frequently contributes to media outlets, academic journals, and international panels, where he provides historical insights and challenges policy approaches that, in his view, continue to hinder peace and justice for Palestinians. His presence and advocacy in these spaces remind the world of the human side of the Middle East's most protracted conflicts. For Khalidi, history isn’t just a subject—it’s a living narrative that impacts people every day, and his life’s work has been dedicated to ensuring that the stories of Palestinians are told, remembered, and respected.

Khalidi’s legacy is not just in his books or his lectures but in the way he has brought compassion and integrity to the study of Palestine and the broader Arab world. He is not simply recounting history; he is reshaping it by pushing for an understanding that is as honest and comprehensive as it is empathetic. Through his work, Khalidi has created a bridge for future generations, helping them understand the importance of identity, memory, and resilience in the face of challenges that are as profound as they are ongoing.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Khalidi for his aid in making this archive possible and known. It means the world to us that our family's history gets to be given the recognition it deserves. We hope to continue our partnership and help families like ours for many years. Thank you.