Series on Israel/Palestine
“Since October 7, passions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have run understandably high, making it difficult for people to think through its multifaceted issues in a relatively dispassionate way. By launching this series, we draw on the talents of scholars and practitioners at Harvard and beyond to address a set of core issues related to the conflict: key historical background, possible future scenarios, geopolitical dimensions, and others. We want to provide deep, informed perspectives from a wide variety of vantage points—even ones we may not agree with. It is essential that we at Harvard have difficult conversations to try to understand the roots of this longstanding conflict and its possible trajectories. The Weatherhead Center is an ideal conduit for such conversations, given our focus on complex global issues.”
—Melani Cammett, Weatherhead Center Director
In Part 1: A Primer, panelists Yael Berda, Amahl Bishara, and Derek Penslar offered crucial background on recent history and events leading up to the October 7 attack on Israel and the violence in Gaza. Scholars shared their insights on the forces that have shaped the crisis and how it is experienced on the ground.
In Part 2: Scenarios for Peace, panelists Leila Farsakh, Yuval Feinstein, and Shai Feldman debated the critical questions of sovereignty—such as a two-state solution, citizenship under one state, and a confederation of states under Israel. Scholars discussed theoretical proposals for peaceful coexistence.
In Part 3: Geopolitical Dimensions, panelists F. Gregory Gause, Adel Hamaizia, Peter Krause, and Dahlia Sheindlin discussed the volatile and fluctuating state of relations within the Middle East and the broader geopolitical ramifications of this heightened, century-long conflict. Nations have staked their positions based on various and differing grounds, be they humanitarian, security, economic, or strategic.
In Part 4: A Dialogue, Michael Sandel moderated a discussion between two prominent philosophers—one Israeli, Moshe Halbertal, and one Palestinian, Sari Nusseibeh—with the hope that philosophical reflection can contribute to our understanding of the crisis in the Middle East.
In Part 5: Peace Activism, panelists Alon-Lee Green, Rula Hardal, Mohammad Kundos, and Oded Leshem shared their experiences they have had in bringing people together and bridging gaps between Palestinians and Israelis. Undeterred by bans on protests and blowback on social media, peace activists and educators are pursuing distinct visions to construct new realities for people living in crisis.
To learn more about our online series, and watch video clips of all five parts, visit our page on the Weatherhead Series on Israel/Palestine.