American Historical Association (AHA), speaks out 1/6/2025

                                      American Historical Association (AHA), speaks out

The American Historical Association (AHA), the oldest scholarly organization in the U.S., recently passed the “Resolution to Oppose Scholasticide in Gaza,” condemning the destruction of the Palestinian education system. The vote, supported by over 400 members, represents a pivotal moment for the profession. Sherene Seikaly, a professor at UC Santa Barbara, expressed that this victory, in the face of ongoing violence in Gaza, offers hope for the future. Barbara Weinstein, a historian at New York University, emphasized the growing recognition of historians' broader societal roles, advocating for a more expansive approach to history.
The resolution, championed by Historians for Peace and Democracy (H-PAD), highlights the Israeli Defense Forces' destruction of Gaza's educational infrastructure, citing the deaths of over 250 teachers and 95 professors as part of an effort to annihilate the Palestinian education system. The AHA’s approval is significant, especially considering its historical reluctance to take political stances. In the past, the AHA hesitated to speak out during events like the Vietnam War, but by 2007, it condemned the Iraq War, signaling a shift toward greater activism.
Critics, like Natalia Petrzela of The New School, argue that the resolution’s lack of reference to the October 7 Hamas attack harms the historical profession's credibility. However, proponents counter that equating the long-term consequences of Israeli actions with isolated incidents obscures the broader human rights violations at play.
Ultimately, the resolution underscores the importance of historians confronting contemporary issues with moral clarity and a commitment to justice. The AHA’s bold stance could inspire future generations to safeguard education and preserve historical truth amidst conflict.