Dartmouth College has taken a proactive approach in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by organizing forums aimed at educating students and the wider community. Professors Susannah Heschel and Tarek El-Ariss, both chairs of respective programs - Jewish Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, have been at the forefront of these efforts.

The recent surge in anger and fear on college campuses following the October 7 attacks on Israel has led to a student at Cornell University being arrested and charged with threatening the lives of Jewish students. Students from both Jewish and Arab backgrounds have expressed reluctance to share their views openly. Recognizing the need to teach and foster understanding, Dartmouth College established forums to provide a platform for discussion and address questions about the conflict and its historical roots.

These forums have seen packed auditoriums on campus and have also been well-received online, attracting hundreds of viewers. The collaboration between the Jewish Studies and Middle Eastern Studies programs, as well as student groups, has been fundamental in promoting dialogue and preventing polarization.

Professor El-Ariss, who was in Cairo when the attacks occurred, emphasizes the importance of engaging with the wider community and allowing people to express their thoughts and emotions. Having built a strong relationship with their students over the years, both professors were able to create a safe space for discourse. While some students expressed fear and anger, discussions remained civil and focused.

The impact of Dartmouth's initiative has extended beyond its campus. Colleagues from other universities have reached out, seeking advice on how to address similar challenges. This highlights the need for more collaboration between Jewish studies and Middle Eastern studies programs across colleges and universities nationally.

During one of the forums, a student posed a question about whether Israel could be fairly called an apartheid state. Professor Heschel responded, saying that international law definitions of apartheid do not apply universally to Israel. She also encouraged students to consider the purpose of using such labels, questioning how it contributes to peace and resolving conflicts.

Professor El-Ariss emphasized the need for continuous engagement and understanding, rather than simply assigning blame or labeling parties involved in the conflict. Reflecting on his personal experiences in Beirut during the civil war and teaching about the Middle East during 9/11, he stressed the importance of listening and engaging in conversations that allow for a deeper understanding of the complexities of the situation.

Looking toward the future, Professor Heschel urged people to think beyond the current horrors and consider a vision of a better future. She emphasized the need to envision a future that is not punitive but focuses on empathy and mutual understanding.

Dartmouth College's forums have provided a platform for critical discussions, fostering empathy and understanding among students and the wider community. By promoting dialogue and collaboration, they serve as a beacon of hope for addressing complex global issues on campuses and beyond.

Title: Dartmouth College Facilitates Forums to Promote Dialogue on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict