PALESTINIAN DREAM

MIRAGE OF A STATE AND GLOBALIZATION UNDER OCCUPATION Since several decades, the representation of Palestinians has been shaped around the conflict, with images of refugee camps, intifadas and Israeli operations in Gaza. Even though the stories behind these images are real, they have progressively produced a fixed representation of the Palestinian people. “The Palestinian Dream” project reveals a different vision, showing a new aspect of the country’s reality: The emergence of liberalism influenced by the international community is transforming the society and economy. Although Palestine was recognized as an observer state by the UN assembly in 2012, the title remains purely symbolic, as the “country” doesn’t control its own border or resources, and is still under Israeli military occupation. Former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has implemented a strong liberal economy as a way of achieving a genuine state, following the recommendations of the IMF, the World Bank and the western donors. This economic ethos has encountered strong success amongst the Palestinian elite, and the international community. The main cities such as Ramallah, Bethlehem or Nablus are metamorphosing. Shopping malls, banks, insurance companies, fast food and luxurious hotels are constantly being built. Western entertainments have emerged: horse-riding clubs, music clubs, gym, etc.... Meanwhile, Palestine remains one of the most aid-dependant countries in the world. “The Palestinian Dream” interrogates the mirage of a model in the particular context of Palestine.