Controversial Jewish-American author Norman Finkelstein discussed the Arab-Israeli conflict in Houston Hall Tuesday night.
Penn for Palestine presented the event, which was co-sponsored by the Penn Arab Student Society and Temple Students for Justice in Palestine.
Discussing the 2008-2009 military conflict in the Gaza Strip, the deadly raid of a Turkish ship in 2010, as well as current efforts to achieve “just and lasting peace,” Finkelstein expressed the staunchly anti-Israel views that have earned him notoriety in the past.
He stressed, however, that he has no pro-Arab or pro-Muslim agenda —?“it just has to do with having a heart,” he said.
The son of two Holocaust survivors, Finkelstein has authored several books on the Arab-Israeli conflict. The strongly anti-Israel views expressed in his works have caused much controversy in academic circles, allegedly leading to Finkelstein being denied tenure at DePaul University.
At the panel, Finkelstein strongly criticized the Israeli blockade as well as the military tactics employed by the Israeli Defense Forces against Palestinians in Gaza. Some members of the audience applauded enthusiastically, while others yelled in outrage and stood up to challenge his statements afterward.
“Why are you glamorizing Hamas?” asked one member of the audience regarding the militaristic Palestinian political party.
“Why do you attack Israel and not Egypt?” asked another audience member, referring to Egypt’s role in blocking Gaza’s border.
Reflecting on the event, College sophomore and Penn for Palestine President Humna Bhojani said, “What Penn for Palestine does is not about being pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli. It is about being pro-human rights. And we will continue struggling for the rights of the Palestinian people in the future and providing a platform for those who give voice to the Palestinian struggle.”
Outside the doors to the Hall of Flags, members and supporters of the Hillel group Penn Israel Coalition held up Israeli flags and danced to Israeli songs. Coalition Vice President of Events and College sophomore Tamar Karpuj said, “We’re here to promote peace, not hatred. We respect academic discourse and ultimately want peace.”
Throughout the event, facing both support and disagreement from the audience, Finkelstein remained positive that the Arab-Israeli conflict could be resolved: “The people of Gaza have the right to be free,” he said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.