S.L.C. Hillel Holds Debate on Middle Eastern Conflict

by Shayna Goodman

Wednesday February 14, 2007

Hillel invited Rabbi Dr. David M. Elcott to Sarah Lawrence to discuss the “pertinent” subject of Arab-Israel relations. Rabbi Elcott is the executive director of the Arab Israeli Forum, an organization that advocates for “active U.S. engagement in producing an Arab-Israeli peace.”

Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, Program Director at the Hillels of Westchester said that in bringing Rabbi Elcot to speak he was, “Trying to say that you don’t have to choose one side. In keeping with Jewish tradition of being a Rodef Shalom— a persuer of peace— we have to understand the motivations of the other side.”

Although the audience was comprised of a varying range of racial, religious, and political differences, the discussion presented a positive attitude towards resolving the conflict.

“What I dislike most about conversations on this subject is that they’re so often polarizing,” said Kirsten Sands, professor of Middle Eastern studies.

Rabbi Elcot spke to approximately forty students and faculty members assembled in the library’s Pillow Room about the importance of understanding both sides of the conflict. “The time for activism is here,” said Elcott. “Always pose the queston of narrative; am I finding ways for these narratives to coexist?”

The Israelis argue that the Jews are a small and often oppressed people who have finally gained the right to their own sovereign state, in their own land, only to be repeatedly attacked by an uncompromising enemy. The Palestinians argue that they, the israelis, are an illegitimate occupying power, signifying the last remnants of a long history of equal oppression and imperialism.

One student spoke of being fed propaganda as a child in Hebrew school. In response Rabbi Elcott explained the propaganda is ued for exclusion of another argument, and Reiterated that both sides have legitimate claims and need to recognize the other as being equally legitimate.

Another student posed the question of power, regarding which side possesses it and if they abuse it. Rabbi Elcott argued that the reuption of conflict at the Lebanese border this past July implies that the gap between powers is shrinking, and both Palestinian and Israeli advocates need to act wisely.

Throughout the evening, his emphasis seemed to be that, with understanding and resilience, a fair solution can be attained. Another key ingredient to his solution is intervention. He stated that Americans and Europeans are afraid to offer any mediation because the situation has deteriorated so rapidly and severely.

Rabbi Elcott also stressed the importance of a two-state system. Both the Arabs and Israelis have individual concerns and affairs, and the important thing is to acknowledge these differences by giving credence to both. A process he believes will require a great deal of mediation.

“It’s frustrating. But this gave me a little hope. I don’t know what to think. I’m too emotional about this subject,” said first-year Sarah Reifschneider, an international student from Israel.

The discussion proved to be extremely emotional and frustrating for many, but as Rabbi Elcott said, “The time for activism is here.”

Contact Program Director Michael Rothbaum at:
michael@hillelsofwestchester.org
or go onine at:
www.hillelsofwestchester.org