Between the recent Egyptian revolution, Palestine’s U.N. bid for statehood and the Israeli legislature’s recent Two-State Solution Caucus, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a focus for many of the world’s political leaders.
Tonight, Ohio University students will have the opportunity to learn more about these topics at a panel discussion hosted by OU’s Students for Justice in Palestine.
“We will also discuss terrorism and asymmetrical warfare, as well as have a time for audience questions,” said Eden Almasude, a first-year graduate student studying African Studies and the treasurer for Students for Justice in Palestine.
The panel will be composed of political science professor Marc Scarelli, classics and world religions professor Loren Lybarger and Palestinian-American student and activist Jana Al-Akhras.
“Students should attend if they have an interest in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and want to learn or if they know very little but want to become a part of this important discussion,” said Alana Dakin, a senior studying English. “We hope that students of all backgrounds and perspectives will come to voice their opinions and questions.”
Al-Akhras, an activist and sophomore at Ohio State University, said that these issues are not discussed in forums of academia or within the general media and are extremely biased when discussed.
“As an activist, I promote equality for all people, regardless of the separations we assign for ourselves,” said Al-Akhras. “I promote freedom and work to give a voice to those who don’t have one.”
The panel will give students the opportunity to become involved and stay up-to-date with current events, said Dakin.
“I hope that students will come to a more nuanced understanding of the conflict and be able to view Palestinians as humans deserving of the rights we all have — a right to personal security and safety, a right to national self-determination, and the right to return to their homeland,” said Stephen Pearson, a graduate student studying education.
What: Land in Conflict: Recent Events in Palestine and Israel
When: 7 p.m. tonight
Where: 132 Bentley Hall
Admission: Free
ao007510@ohiou.edu
