2. In the long run, none of the segments of the Palestinian people will benefit from this fragmented view of history. And in the case of the forgotten Palestinians (those who are citizens of Israel), such a narrow oersoective of history affords Israel the opportunity to continue the daily orocess of eroding and attempting to erase this community. It is incumbent UDon the international community (Governments as well as non-governmental organizations) to do two things: acquaint itself with the plight of the foraotten Palestinians and provide the kind of supoort that will strengthen and empower them. For more than 40 years, now, the Palestinians who became citizens of Israel have endured a succession of devastatina events. These include: massacres of civilians; a vicious expulsion of the majority of their community (about 750,000 people); almost 18 years of official and brutal military rule; and a systematic and massive expropriation of most of the land of those who managed to remain as well as of those who did not. Tragically,, this is only the beginning of the story. These Palestinians have effectively been relegated to the status of internal refuqees - "present absentees" - as many of them are referred to in Israeli newspeak - in their own homeland. Contrary to popular mythology, Israel is not a democracy. It is no less an apartheid State than South Africa. Its Palestinian citizens are subjected to a cleverly masked, legally mandated and systematized deprivation in every aspect of life. From cradle to grave, the forgotten Palestinians are condemned to a life of institutionalized racism. What follows is a discussion of some current aspects of the situation; what this Palestinian community would like to do for itself; and what the international community can do to help improve the chances of some success. Some background notes 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the social and political situation of the Palestinian people, particularly those living in Israel, and the need for the international community to recognize and address their plight. It discusses the historical events, the current situation, and the desired actions to improve the situation. The text highlights the issues of erasure, exclusion, and institutionalized racism faced by the Palestinian community.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education