Weatherhead Forum (Zoom)

Date and Time

December 4, 2023
12:00PM - 01:30PM EST

Location

Zoom (registration required)

Illustration of title in Israel and Palestinian flag colors.

 

The War in Israel/Palestine: A Primer

This session is open to the public and will be recorded, but dissemination is TBD. Registration is required for this Zoom webinar. Watch the video clips with Derek Penslar and Yael Berda

The war of 2023 is the latest eruption of a protracted conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that has sent shock waves around the world. In our Weatherhead Forum series on "The War in Israel/Palestine," we bring together scholars across disciplines and with different perspectives to better understand the dimensions of this conflict. Our series will provide a safe space to address current events, history, polarization, potential resolutions, the humanitarian response, implications for the region, the role of US foreign policy, and more—in an effort to provide thoughtful answers to complex questions.

Part 1: A Primer

How did tensions between Palestinians and Israelis reach the devastating breaking point of October 7? Our panelists will offer crucial background on recent history and events leading up to the attack on Israel and the war in Gaza. This forum will follow along the lines of a “teach-in” to educate and review what is known about the current situation—with the shared value of conveying compassion rather than blame. Scholars of Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East will share their insights on the forces that have shaped the war and how it is experienced on the ground.

Speakers

Derek Penslar, Faculty Associate. William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History, Department of History; Director, Center for Jewish Studies, Harvard University.

Yael Berda, Former Academy Scholar, The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies. Fellow, Middle East Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School; Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor), Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Amahl Bishara, Associate Professor, Anthropology; Associate Professor, Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora, Department of Anthropology, Tufts University.

Chair

Melani Cammett, Weatherhead Center Director. Clarence Dillon Professor of International Affairs, Department of Government, Harvard University.

Contact

Michelle Nicholasen
Editor and Content Producer
michelle_nicholasen@wcfia.harvard.edu

Remote Access Information:

To join by computer:

https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vBu0YvcEQXKDvkMOh6Iy8Q#/reg…

Please note: This event requires registration in advance in order to receive the meeting link and password. 

Valuing Accessibility

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the access provided, please get in touch with the person listed as the contact on the individual event listing in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the Weatherhead Center will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.