It started long before Oct 7th: Zionism’s victims

Delivered in person in a "live" Zoom call. Use the same link for each week. Zoom link will be the same for all sessions and will be sent around 10th January 2026

A non-academic series of talks suitable for anyone who wants to better understand. No prior knowledge of Palestine / Israel required.

Each session consists of a one-hour illustrated talk and 30 minutes of Q/A and discussion.

13 Jan The Birth of Zionism (until 1919)

20 Jan The British Mandate (1919 – 1947)

27 Jan The Nakba (1948 – 49)

3 Feb The Aftermath, Exile, Identity, Resistance (1949 – 1966)

10 Feb The Naksa, Occupation, Recognition, Resistance, Camp David (1967 – 1979)

17 Feb The Lebanon War, Exile, Occupation, (1980 – 1987)

24 Feb Intifada, Declaration of Independence, Hamas, Gulf War, Madrid, Oslo Accords, (1988 – 1993)

3 Mar Oslo, Camp David 2, Second Intifada, Wall, A Farewell (1993 – 2003))

10 Mar Election, Power Struggle, Gaza Wars, March of Return, Unified Uprising, Apartheid, Conclusion, Next Steps (2004 – 2023)

PRESENTER

Philip is a Canadian freelance writer / editor / educator.

He has visited Palestine four times, most recently for a month in April 2025.

Since 2014, he has made over 100 in-depth presentations on Palestine in post-secondary classrooms and at community events.

Philip helps organize a local solidarity group and is a member of the national coordinating team of United Network for Justice and Peace in Israel / Palestine.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

“It Didn’t Start on October 7” is an engaging, informative and fact-based presentation that should be required background for citizens seeking to understand how we arrived at the current moment and what a just peace entails. I highly recommend it.”

“Philip’s talks are meticulously prepared, thought provoking, and engaging. His talks are both educational to the novice and intellectually stimulating to those with a bit more background.”

"The series is well researched and laid out, and it is presented in an objective manner. It tells the story so that it will never be forgotten."

“I have attended five sessions where Philip was a lead speaker on Palestine. I found his lectures informative, deeply researched, and straight-forward.”

“Philip is a Palestine walking encyclopedia. His thorough knowledge of the history of Palestine and his burning passion towards the Palestinian cause are a result of long years of studying, analyzing, and being on the ground in Palestine.”

“I am better informed and can answer questions.”

“I much appreciated the massive effort in researching and writing these concise talks.”