A controversial speech and discussion by internationally-recognized author and filmmaker Steve Emerson focused on one word -- terrorism.
Emerson is an expert on international militant Islamic terrorism who is often quoted in the media.
"This is an opportunity to receive first-hand knowledge that has been in the news now and will be for a while," said Gary Erlbaum, former editor of the Jewish Exponent, while introducing Emerson. "I salute you."
Emerson spoke before a crowd of roughly 150 students and faculty members in Houston Hall Wednesday. He outlined his career path, which included work on the documentary program "Jihad in America." The film, which was released prior to Sept. 11, exposed the actions of Islamic terrorists on American soil.
Emerson expressed his views regarding the nature of terrorism, emphasizing that the cause is not Islam, but rather the way some Muslims interpret their religion.
"Islam is not the issue," Emerson said. "The issue is militant Islam."
Emerson gave a definition of terrorism before delving into current events.
"Terrorism is a systematic use of violence in pursuit of political purposes," he said. Emerson used this broad definition as a way to address the question of alleged Israeli violence towards the Palestinian people.
Emerson energetically defended Israel's actions.
"I do not believe that the Israeli government went after the civilians any more than the U.S. did in Afghanistan," Emerson stated.
To solve the problem of terrorism, Emerson emphasized the importance of self-critiquing, which he sees as a basis for personal and social development.
"Self criticism is the only intellectual approach to how you grow," he said. "We have not seen enough self criticism in the Muslim and the Arab world."
But Emerson was did not only discuss terrorism. He urged those students in attendance to take action in order to protect their futures.
"Make your voices heard," he passionately said. "Don't sit back and let the others say that they will take care of the problem."
Engineering freshman Bashar Saleh said that, being from Jordan, Emerson's remarks were especially meaningful for him.
"Being an international student here at Penn, I feel touched by these issues," he said.
The opportunity for questions following Emerson's remarks highlighted the controversy of the topic of terrorism.
Audience members raised a diverse set of questions, ranging from Sadam Hussein's contributions to terrorism to Emerson's previous comments regarding the Oklahoma City bombings.
While answering a question about the future security of the U.S., Emerson commented on the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden.
"Frankly, the U.S. government doesn't know," Emerson said.
When the event came to an end the audience was still eager to ask questions. Emerson remained after the event for over 30 minutes to answer the additional questions of a large crowd that gathered around him.
The event was sponsored by Hillel, the Jewish Heritage Program and PennPAC.
