Author's background and book context
Mohammed El-Kurd, a Palestinian journalist and poet from Jerusalem, wrote Perfect Victims to critique how Western media and politics expect Palestinians to be "perfect victims" to gain empathy or justice. He argues that this expectation limits the ability of Palestinians to speak freely and be heard.Writing during a genocide
El-Kurd wrote Perfect Victims during Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, spending long hours watching the news and reflecting, with only a few hours dedicated to writing. He describes the emotional toll of writing during such a time, emphasizing the helplessness of words in the face of violence.Publication and themes
The book, translated into several languages, was published in French in October 2023 by Les liens qui libèrent. El-Kurd explores how in Western political and media spaces, a Palestinian voice is often deemed less valuable than an Israeli one, and Palestinians must be "irreproachable" to be heard.Early experiences with activism
As a child, El-Kurd became a spokesperson for his neighborhood in East Jerusalem, Sheikh Jarrah, which faced eviction threats from Israeli settlers. He later realized that the West often prefers to speak to children, seeing them as harmless and more credible.Campaign and international recognition
While studying in the United States, El-Kurd returned to Palestine in 2021 to mobilize against the eviction of his family and neighbors. Alongside his sister Muna, he led the #SaveSheikhJarrah campaign, which gained international attention and led to both being named in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people.Choice of language and audience
El-Kurd wrote Perfect Victims in English, addressing Palestinians, their diaspora, and allies. He envisions his readers as curious and interested individuals who are not easily deceived, and he treats them as friends, inviting them into his home with honesty.Opening and central argument
The book opens with the phrase "and even if" repeated three times in bold, rejecting the idea that empathy for Palestinians should be conditional on their political views or moral values. El-Kurd argues that only "perfect victims" — such as children and civilians — are allowed a voice, while others are labeled "terrorists."Case study: Shireen Abu Akleh
El-Kurd highlights the case of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in 2022 by Israeli forces while covering the conflict in Jenin. He notes that the global response focused on her American nationality, revealing a hierarchy in how empathy is given to Palestinians.Use of pronouns and personal narratives
To reflect the complexities of Palestinian identity, El-Kurd uses the pronouns "I," "we," and "they" to show the colonial fragmentation within the community. He also honors victims like Rachel Corrie and Hind Rajab, while also giving space to those who have not received widespread attention.Influence of decolonial thought
El-Kurd draws on decolonial thinkers like Aimé Césaire and Frantz Fanon, as well as Palestinian scholars and poets, to emphasize the role of poetry and oral traditions in preserving Palestinian history and identity.Tone and media critique
El-Kurd's writing mixes humor with sharp critique, rejecting passive journalistic language and the portrayal of Palestinian resistance as pathological. He argues that the media often discredits Palestinian voices while overlooking the ties of journalists to Israel.Call to action and hope
Perfect Victims serves as a guide for readers, urging them to use irreverence, honesty, and humility to challenge media hierarchies. El-Kurd emphasizes the need to move from rhetoric to action, translating support for Palestine into tangible change and institutional reform.
