More than 280 students, faculty and community members converged on University Center on Thursday evening for the second event in UCCS’s Palestine/Israel Teach-In series.
The first Teach-In panel on Nov. 14 drew enough interest that an overflow room was necessary to accommodate the turnout. Thursday’s follow-up, which covered histories, rights and global perspectives on the current Israel-Hamas conflict, was relocated to Berger Hall in response.
Over plates of baba ghanoush and heart-shaped falafel provided by Heart of Jerusalem Café, attendees heard messages from Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and Provost Nancy Marchand-Martella followed by presentations from four distinguished visiting speakers:
- Liora Halperin, Professor of International Studies and History at the University of Washington
- Sa’ed Atshan, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Anthropology at Swarthmore College
- Sara Awartani, Assistant Professor of American Culture, Latina/o Studies, Arab and Muslim American Studies at the University of Michigan
- Jonathan Sciarcon, Associate Professor of History and Judaic Studies at the University of Denver
Halperin opened the panel with a perspective on historical relations between Israel and Palestine, with a special focus on the effects of Zionism and nationalist movements.
Atshan offered a series of suggestions to encourage attendees to become aware of their own interpretative lens and develop moral clarity around contentious events. He began his presentation with a statement about the importance of academic freedom and open dialogue and debate on all ideas.
“I really admire UCCS,” said Atshan, “for emphasizing those points of freedom and making these discussions possible.”
Awartani’s presentation focused on a long-term solidarity between Palestine and Puerto Rican communities, detailing connections such as a history of colonialism, national liberation movements and insufficient relief aid in times of disaster.
Taking a more personal tone, Sciarcon discussed the challenges of defining his responsibilities not only as an educator of students, but also as a teacher in society. He emphasized the importance of teaching his students to “assume the best in one another,” and encouraged attendees to do the same.
A brief Q&A session closed out the evening, with audience members asking the panel for their thoughts on U.S. policy and intervention, challenges for Palestinian and Jewish Americans, and hope for potential resolutory outcomes.
The event was organized as part of the Social Science Symposium Series and was supported by the Compass Curriculum program, the Center for Religious Diversity in Public Life, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a multitude of university clubs and departments.