It Didn't Begin on October 7: Zionism and its Victims

A series of illustrated talks that traces Zionist Israeli efforts to occupy historic Palestine, from the late 1800s to the present.

How has Zionism dispossessed Palestinians and denied them human rights and self-determination? And how have Palestinians resisted?

This free online series is introductory and non-academic, and no prior knowledge of the history of Palestine or Israel is necessary.

Each of the 9 sessions includes a 60 minute presentation followed by 30 minutes for questions. 

Sessions take place over Zoom on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm Pacific, January 13 to March 10, 2026. An access link will be emailed the day before each session. The presentations will be recorded and posted online.

“Education changes people. People change the world.”

- Paulo Freire

Free: registration required. Registration after the series begins is welcome!

9 sessions, on Tuesdays, 7pm - 8:30pm Pacific.

Session 1, Jan 13: The Birth of Zionism (until 1919)

Session 2, Jan 20: The British Mandate (1919 – 1947)

Session 3, Jan 27: The Nakba (1948 – 49)

Session 4, Feb 3: The Aftermath, Exile, Identity, Resistance (1949 – 1966)

Session 5, Feb 10: The Naksa, Occupation, Recognition, Resistance (1967 – 1977)

Session 6, Feb 17: The Lebanon War, Exile, Occupation, (1980 – 1987)

Session 7, Feb 24: Intifada, Declaration of Independence, Hamas, Gulf War and Madrid, Oslo Accords, (1988 – 1993) 

Session 8, Mar 3: Oslo, Camp David 2, Second Intifada, Wall, A Farewell (1993 – 2003)

Session 9, Mar 10:  Election, Power Struggle, Gaza Wars, March of Return, Unified Uprising, Apartheid, Conclusion, Next Steps (2004 – 2023)

The organizers welcome all who wish to participate in creating a respectful space where we can learn about Zionism and the Palestinians’ historical struggle for human rights and national liberation.

About the presenter

Philip is a BC 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 Palestine / Israel.

What people are saying about this series:

“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 talks.”