Dr. Ivan Bassov (א״ב) is a freelance journalist, independent writer, and essayist who explores Israel, Jewish identity, and the ideas that shape human behavior and history. He is the author of the widely discussed essay The Palestinian Identity Manifesto, in which he argues that the term “Palestinian” was originally a Jewish identity later appropriated and weaponized by Arabs. His work engages heavily in the “War of Narratives” surrounding Israel and the historical significance of the term “Palestine,” emphasizing clarity and intellectual rigor.
Dr. Bassov regularly publishes essays on the blogs section of The Times of Israel, as well as on Medium and Substack. His writing combines assertive, direct language with thoughtful analysis, often examining the intersections of culture, history, and philosophy. Beyond political and historical commentary, he has published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed essays and poems to anthologies and general periodicals.
Identifying himself as a Russian-American-Israeli Palestinian — “because Palestine is Israel, and truth demands clarity” — Bassov aims to challenge prevailing misconceptions, promote evidence-based historical narratives, and highlight the role of dominant ideas in shaping societies.
Al Quds is Jerusalem. The West Bank is Judea and Samaria. Palestine is Israel. Names define reality.
