University of Memphis students have organized a debate over theIsraeli-Palestinian conflict in hopes of increasing studentawareness and starting a new student organization.
Mark Lance of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. willspeak in support of Palestine in tonight's debate overIsraeli-Palestinian issues. Lance will exchange views with DavidPatterson, U of M director of Judaic studies.
"We had done events like this in the past, and this time around,we decided it would be a good idea to have a two-sided talk," saidjunior Omar Baddar, a graphics design and political analysis majorwho organized the event.
Lance, involved in Stop U.S. Tax Funded Aid to Israel Now(SUSTAIN), has been a vocal supporter in ending the Israelioccupation of Palestine. Patterson, who holds the Bornblum Chair ofExcellence, is a local expert on Israel, Judaism and Jewishphilosophy.
"I was invited to speak to give balance to the program," saidPatterson. "I'm known as a supporter of the Israel cause. I'm goingto speak on obstacles in the peace process and what might be doneto overcome them."
The event will be held at the Psychology Auditorium at 7:30 p.mand is sponsored by the International Student's Office and theMid-South Peace and Justice Center.
Event organizers say they hope the debate will spark enoughinterest in Israeli-Palestinian issues to begin a new studentorganization.
"One of the goals of this is to start a group on campus," Baddarsaid, "something along the lines of Students for Peace in theMiddle East.
"I think people are interested enough in this where we can starta basis of dialogue in the future."
Starting a new student organization aimed at promoting ideas ofpeace in the Middle East appealed to senior international studiesmajor Rhonda McCarty.
"This is an issue that everyone has a lot of opposition aboutwhen brought up. Because we don't talk about it, a lot goes on thatpeople don't know about," she said.
"The more we know about it, the better judgment we have aboutwhat we can do next. It's a topic we don't have to avoid,especially in an academic setting."
Baddar said he also hopes students who attend the debate get abetter understanding of the issues.
"I hope students get a better impression," he said. "I think themedia generally does a poor job on the issue and usuallycomplicates it. Two people talking about the issue may simplify itto get a better understanding."
Patterson said his goal in participating in the debate is toprovide a greater understanding of the Palestinian-Israeliconflict.
"I hope students will get a bigger picture of the problems thatface Israelis and Palestinians to arrive at a peaceful settlement,"he said. "My only concern is that people who don't know a lot aboutit can get a full and more comprehensive picture of what createsviolence there."
