In the wake of May's round of violent escalation between Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians, it was time to both grieve and gather our thoughts:
What are the origins of this ongoing conflict and its recent iteration?
What are the psychological, social and political implications?
Are there promising paths for a better future?
Is Israel the world's pariah, and if so why and what can be done about it?
Uriel Abulof, Israel Institute Visiting Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell, joined the community to discuss these questions. Abulof studies the politics of fear, happiness and hope, legitimation, social movements, existentialism, nationalism and ethnic conflicts.
The program was well attended and appreciated.