Event Archive:

ISIME is proud to have hosted notable speakers from throughout the Middle East on a wide range of topics from diverse perspectives about the Middle East.

2007

ISIME Partners for Peace Dinner

Join us for the ISIME Partners for Peace Dinner honoring Mayor Shmulik Rifman

October 23, 2007
6:00PM, Seawell Ballroom DCPA

For information and reservations call Lea at 303.871.2882

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Community Update - Hamas Control of Gaza

June 25, 2007
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Renaissance Room South
Mary Reed Building

Moderated by Professor Robert Kazan of Metro State University, the Community Update regarding recent events of Hamas’ presence in Gaza provided an enlightening evening event.

In concern to the Israeli perspective, ISIME executive director Professor Shaul Gabbay began the evening by detailing the social geography of the area: approximately 10 million people inhabit the land between the Mediterranean and Jordan River. To create peace, a possible two or three state solution exists which will aid with human security. In regards to Hamas, possibilities exist in that Hamas will not oppose or depose itself in government, so stability can occur. However, Hamas does not recognize the legitimacy of Israel, nor will Israel negotiate with terrorists (although the current promise of release of 250 prisoners is encouraging).

With a Palestinian viewpoint, Professor Amin Kazak began his talk by stating the situation is not good. Gaza and the West Bank cannot be seen as viable possible states due to blockades and the difficulty of life created by foreign embargoes. As Kazak emphasized, what is important to remember is that Hamas was democratically elected. As such, the decision should be respected and not rejected, as has been done by much of Europe, the United States, and Israel. Through rejection, hostilities remain and the quality of life in jeopardized with embargoes and instability. Thus, emphasis must be placed on maintaining a one-state solution, in which one nationality is created and upheld.

A spirited commentary and question and answer period followed, further discussing the possibilities of a single or multiple state solutions, state legitimacy, and cultural similarities and differences within the region.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Daniel Levy

May 24, 2007
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Renaissance Room South
Mary Reed Building

During a lunch lecture at the University of Denver, Daniel Levy highlighted the current situtation in Israel in regards to Palestine and discussed the consequences this has had in the rest of the world. In the first place, Mr. Levy explained the importance of an Arab-Israeli solution, in which Israel could interact more with its Arab neighbors. As a point of reference, Mr. Levy alluded to past failed measures, such as the militaristic attempt for a solution (2001-2004) and the unilateral attempt for a solution, which resulted on the civilian and military pull-out of Gaza. In either of these cases, attempts at a solution failed, so a new approach must be sought.

Furthermore, Mr. Levy discussed in detail the impact the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has had on the United States. According to Mr. Levy, the United States has sufferred due to failure of the Israeli-Arab peace process. In order to re-establish credibility in the region, the United States needs to re-engage the peace process and emphasize a two-state solution.

Mr. Levy indicated four suggestions for approval. First, American leadership needs to be predicated on American National Security interests in engaging Israeli peace talks. Second, interim relations must end so that Israelis and Palenstinians know where and when the current situation will end. Third, regional support must be looked into. Fourth, the approach to political Islam must be re-thought.Mr. Levy concluded his talk with questions from audience members.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Alon Ushpiz

May 14, 2007
7:00pm – 8:30pm

Renaissance Room South
Mary Reed Building

As Minister of Congressional Affairs at the Israeli in Washington DC, Alon Ushpiz serves as a special Israeli emissary, working to bring greater interaction between the United States Congress and Israel. Most recently, Mr. Ushpiz accompanied the Congressional delegation to Israel.

In regards to the current situation in the Middle East, Mr. Ushpiz noted a change of understanding within the region. Stressing current trends, Mr. Usphiz highlighted that the current understanding is no longer focused on the struggle between Arab and Israeli worlds, but instead a struggle between people that want peaceful solutions. However, harsh realities still lie ahead. In the first place, the Palestinian national unity government tends to undermine Israeli interests. Also, the emergence of Iran as a nuclear threat continues to destablize relations within the region.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East co-hosts Avner Cohen

"The Nuclear Danger in the Middle East"

May 8, 2007
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Room 301
Ben Cherrington Hall

In an event co-sponsored with the Institute on Globalization and Security (IGLOS), a large audience came to listen to guest speaker Avner Cohen. Author of the book Israel and the Bomb, Avner Cohen discussed the history and political thinking behind atomic weapons in Israel, emphasizing the years leading up to the 1967 war as essential to the nuclear program. Even today, Mr. Cohen emphasizes Israel's pursed debate in finding the right balance between resolve and caution in the nuclear discussion.

After a brief discussion about the current nuclear implications of Iran, Mr. Cohen concluded his lecture with questions from the audience.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Dr. Ziad Asali

“The Way Forward in the Middle East”

April 11, 2007
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

Speaking on the topic of how to move forward in the Middle East, Dr. Ziad Asali, founder and President of the American Task Force on Palestine, highlighted the historical situation between Israel and Palestine and options for the two groups. As Dr. Asali stated, both Israelis and Palestinians have had a long history of suffering and victimization. Both Israelis and Palestinians have been forced from land and are both still searching for a ‘Homeland.’ It is out of such recognition of historical similarities that Israelis and Palestinians can begin to forge peace.

Moreover, the current situation in the Middle East, predicated by history and the current state of Iraq, has created a volatile situation. Iran, emboldened by the weakening of Iraq, is strengthening its ties in the Middle East by monetarily aiding factions within Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Hamas.

Dr. Asali stated that there are three options for creating peace between Israel and Palestine. First, a greater attempt can be made for Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side, but this is not realistic in the current state. Second, a bi-national state can be created, in which Israeli’s will still not have a state of their own, nor will Palestinians be first-class citizens; again, this in unachievable. Third (and the most viable option of all, according to Dr. Asali), is to create two states, in which Israel will remain a Jewish state and Palestine will be an Arab state. Through creating two states, a greater chance for mutual recognition and peace can be achieved.

During the question and answer session, Dr. Asali spoke of his hope that the United States will take a lead role in negotiating the creation of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. As he stated, the establishment of a Palestinian state should be a strategic interest for Israel and the United States as a viable means for forging peace within the region.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Israeli Druze Arab

“Minorities in Israeli Society”

November 7, 2006
12:00pm – 1:30pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

During his three day visit with the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East, Zeidan Atashi gave a luncheon lecture focused on minorities within Israel. Not only is Mr. Atashi a member of the minority Druze group, but he has also had a distinguished career; Mr. Atashi was the first non-Jew appointed to a diplomatic post, he served two terms in the Israeli Knesset, and he has held a multitude of diplomatic and media positions.

Mr. Atashi began his lecture by noting that many Americans consider Israel to be a strictly Jewish country, but in fact there are many minority religious groups within Israel. He spoke first of the Druze, a religious minority that is monotheistic and Arab by nationality. Though Druze do not believe in religious conversion or marriage outside the religion, they do serve in the Israeli Defense Force and are integrated within Israeli society.

He also spoke about the Christian and Muslim minorities within Israel. While he believes that Israel must extend equal rights to all Israelis, he believes that Israel must maintain a Jewish majority.

After a spirited question and answer session, Mr. Atashi concluded his lecture.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East holds luncheon lecture with author William Simpson

“Shaping U.S. Policy in the Middle East: The role of Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia”

November 6, 2006
12:00pm – 1:00pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

bandar Author William Simpson gave a talk on his recent book, The Prince: The Secret Story of the World’s Most Intriguing Royal, and his friend Prince Bandar bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Simpson painted a picture of a driven man who gained the trust of government officials and politicians throughout the world, orchestrating countless behind-the-scenes international transactions. Through many anecdotes, he also showed Prince Bandar to be charismatic and a joker, as well as a person who seeks cooperation, especially between the world’s three major religions. Mr. Simpson concluded his talk after taking questions from audience members.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Leader’s Challenge Session

“The Israeli-Palestinian Question”

November 2, 2006
4:30pm – 8:00pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

ISIME sponsored a session of the Leader’s Challenge program, which is a non-profit youth program providing leadership training to high school students. This session focused on the Israeli-Palestinian question, opening with a presentation from Erin Breeze of Seeking Common Ground. A Middle Eastern dinner followed the opening presentation. The dinner proved to be quite exciting as many students had never tasted Middle Eastern food. After dinner ISIME Executive Director, Dr. Shaul Gabbay, and ISIME Research Associate, Dr. Amin Kazak, gave their perspectives on the situation as an Israeli and a Palestinian, respectively. Students were given time to ask Dr. Gabbay and Dr. Kazak questions before the session concluded.


By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East sponsors the Dean’s Forum on Contemporary Issues

“Discussion on the July 2006 Israeli Actions in Lebanon”

October 18, 2006
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Arthur Gilbert Cyber Cafe
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

The first panel in the Dean's Forum on Contemporary Issues proved to be quite lively. Moderated by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies’ Dean Tom Farer, the panel included Ambassador Sam Zakhem, Dr. Alan Gilbert, and Dr. Shaul Gabbay with commentator Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni. Speaking to a full crowd in the Cyber Café, Ambassador Zakhem, Dr. Gilbert, and Dr. Gabbay engaged in a spirited debate about the Israeli Actions in Lebanon and their implications.

By Nicole VanVeen

back to top

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East holds luncheon lecture with Philip Griffith of Habitat for Humanity Jordan

“Building social capital through community-based housing programs”

October 17, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 309
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Philip Griffith from the Habitat for Humanity office in Jordan gave a power point presentation on how Habitat for Humanity has developed in Jordan in its own unique way. His presentation included slides featuring five Jordanian communities at work to bring people together around family selection, construction, health and micro enterprise development. He emphasized the importance of personal relationships and the important role that local leaders play in the success of such community-based housing programs. Elements such as these combine to create the necessary social capital to make Habitat for Humanity a successful program in Jordan. Mr. Griffith’s eight years of grassroots experience in Jordan have developed his taste for genuine community and the practice of dialogue.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Dr. Tawfik Hamid

“The Roots of Jihad”

October 9, 2006
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Davis Auditorium, Sturm Hall
University of Denver

Dr. Tawfik Hamid, Egyptian scholar and medical doctor, delivered a powerful lecture from the point of view of a former member of a radical Islamic movement for the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East at the University of Denver.

Addressing an audience of several hundred, Dr. Hamid spoke as a man raised in a “moderate” Islamic country on the dangers that radical Islam posses to America. In his deeply personal account, he characterized radical Islam as “cancer” that if left untreated is deadly. He was careful to point out that his critique is of Salafi Islam and not necessarily Islam in its entirety. Dr. Hamid also emphasized that he speaks out against radical Islam not because he hates his fellow Muslims, but rather because he loves them.

As part of his mission to speak out against radical Islam, Dr. Hamid wrote the book The Roots of Jihad.

Dr. Tawfik Hamid lectured as a guest of the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East in cooperation with Action Israel. DVDs of his lecture are available to borrow from the ISIME library. Please contact isime@du.edu or 303-871-3094 for more information.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East together with the Josef Korbel School of International Studies hosted the French Ambassador

“French Foreign Policy in the Middle East Today”

September 15, 2006
7:30am – 8:30am

Arthur Gilbert Cyber Cafe
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

French Ambassador Jean-David Levitt speaks to an audience in the Cyber Cafe
French Ambassador to the United States, Jean-David Levitt, addressed a crowd in the Cyber Café over coffee and pastries. Welcomed by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies’ Dean Tom Farer, Ambassador Levitt opened his remarks by speaking of his presence at the United Nations on September 11, 2001. He spoke generally about France’s current role in the Middle East, talking specifically about Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. Ambassador Levitt took several questions from audience members before departing.

By Nicole VanVeen

back to top

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East co-sponsors a townhall meeting on the future of U.S. Muslim world relations

“Future Relations between the U.S. and the MUSLIM World”

September, 13 2006
5:00pm – 6:30pm

Arthur Gilbert Cyber Café
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

ISIME, Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), and several student organizations sponsored a townhall meeting with over 100 people in attendance. The townhall meeting brought together students, faculty, and community members to reflect on U.S. Muslim world relations five years after 9/11. The speakers at the townhall included Professor Liyakat Takim from the department of Religious Studies at the University of Denver; Professor Carl Raschke, Chair of the department of Religious Studies at the University of Denver; Professor Robert Lee from the department of Political Science at Colorado College; and State Representative candidate Joe Rice, who is a member of the Baghdad-Denver Partnership as well as an Army Reservist. Each speaker gave their view of future relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world, followed by a brief question and answer period.

To learn more about Americans for Informed Democracy, please visit

www.aidemocracy.org

By Nicole VanVeen

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2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

 

2006

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Israeli Druze Arab

“Minorities in Israeli Society”

November 7, 2006
12:00pm – 1:30pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

During his three day visit with the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East, Zeidan Atashi gave a luncheon lecture focused on minorities within Israel. Not only is Mr. Atashi a member of the minority Druze group, but he has also had a distinguished career; Mr. Atashi was the first non-Jew appointed to a diplomatic post, he served two terms in the Israeli Knesset, and he has held a multitude of diplomatic and media positions.

Mr. Atashi began his lecture by noting that many Americans consider Israel to be a strictly Jewish country, but in fact there are many minority religious groups within Israel. He spoke first of the Druze, a religious minority that is monotheistic and Arab by nationality. Though Druze do not believe in religious conversion or marriage outside the religion, they do serve in the Israeli Defense Force and are integrated within Israeli society.

He also spoke about the Christian and Muslim minorities within Israel. While he believes that Israel must extend equal rights to all Israelis, he believes that Israel must maintain a Jewish majority.

After a spirited question and answer session, Mr. Atashi concluded his lecture.

By Nicole VanVeen

back to top

 

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East holds luncheon lecture with author William Simpson

“Shaping U.S. Policy in the Middle East: The role of Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia”

November 6, 2006
12:00pm – 1:00pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

bandar Author William Simpson gave a talk on his recent book, The Prince: The Secret Story of the World’s Most Intriguing Royal, and his friend Prince Bandar bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Simpson painted a picture of a driven man who gained the trust of government officials and politicians throughout the world, orchestrating countless behind-the-scenes international transactions. Through many anecdotes, he also showed Prince Bandar to be charismatic and a joker, as well as a person who seeks cooperation, especially between the world’s three major religions. Mr. Simpson concluded his talk after taking questions from audience members.

By Nicole VanVeen


back to top

 

 

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Leader’s Challenge Session

“The Israeli-Palestinian Question”

November 2, 2006
4:30pm – 8:00pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

ISIME sponsored a session of the Leader’s Challenge program, which is a non-profit youth program providing leadership training to high school students. This session focused on the Israeli-Palestinian question, opening with a presentation from Erin Breeze of Seeking Common Ground. A Middle Eastern dinner followed the opening presentation. The dinner proved to be quite exciting as many students had never tasted Middle Eastern food. After dinner ISIME Executive Director, Dr. Shaul Gabbay, and ISIME Research Associate, Dr. Amin Kazak, gave their perspectives on the situation as an Israeli and a Palestinian, respectively. Students were given time to ask Dr. Gabbay and Dr. Kazak questions before the session concluded.


By Nicole VanVeen

back to top

 

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East sponsors the Dean’s Forum on Contemporary Issues

“Discussion on the July 2006 Israeli Actions in Lebanon”

October 18, 2006
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Arthur Gilbert Cyber Cafe
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

The first panel in the Dean's Forum on Contemporary Issues proved to be quite lively. Moderated by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies’ Dean Tom Farer, the panel included Ambassador Sam Zakhem, Dr. Alan Gilbert, and Dr. Shaul Gabbay with commentator Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni. Speaking to a full crowd in the Cyber Café, Ambassador Zakhem, Dr. Gilbert, and Dr. Gabbay engaged in a spirited debate about the Israeli Actions in Lebanon and their implications.

By Nicole VanVeen

back to top



Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East holds luncheon lecture with Philip Griffith of Habitat for Humanity Jordan

“Building social capital through community-based housing programs”

October 17, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 309
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Philip Griffith from the Habitat for Humanity office in Jordan gave a power point presentation on how Habitat for Humanity has developed in Jordan in its own unique way. His presentation included slides featuring five Jordanian communities at work to bring people together around family selection, construction, health and micro enterprise development. He emphasized the importance of personal relationships and the important role that local leaders play in the success of such community-based housing programs. Elements such as these combine to create the necessary social capital to make Habitat for Humanity a successful program in Jordan. Mr. Griffith’s eight years of grassroots experience in Jordan have developed his taste for genuine community and the practice of dialogue.


By Nicole VanVeen

back to top



Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Dr. Tawfik Hamid

“The Roots of Jihad”

October 9, 2006
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Davis Auditorium, Sturm Hall
University of Denver

Dr. Tawfik Hamid, Egyptian scholar and medical doctor, delivered a powerful lecture from the point of view of a former member of a radical Islamic movement for the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East at the University of Denver.

Addressing an audience of several hundred, Dr. Hamid spoke as a man raised in a “moderate” Islamic country on the dangers that radical Islam posses to America. In his deeply personal account, he characterized radical Islam as “cancer” that if left untreated is deadly. He was careful to point out that his critique is of Salafi Islam and not necessarily Islam in its entirety. Dr. Hamid also emphasized that he speaks out against radical Islam not because he hates his fellow Muslims, but rather because he loves them.

As part of his mission to speak out against radical Islam, Dr. Hamid wrote the book The Roots of Jihad.

Dr. Tawfik Hamid lectured as a guest of the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East in cooperation with Action Israel. DVDs of his lecture are available to borrow from the ISIME library. Please contact isime@du.edu or 303-871-3094 for more information.

By Nicole VanVeen


back to top

 

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East together with the Josef Korbel School of International Studies hosted the French Ambassador

“French Foreign Policy in the Middle East Today”

September 15, 2006
7:30am – 8:30am

Arthur Gilbert Cyber Cafe
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

French Ambassador Jean-David Levitt speaks to an audience in the Cyber Cafe
French Ambassador to the United States, Jean-David Levitt, addressed a crowd in the Cyber Café over coffee and pastries. Welcomed by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies’ Dean Tom Farer, Ambassador Levitt opened his remarks by speaking of his presence at the United Nations on September 11, 2001. He spoke generally about France’s current role in the Middle East, talking specifically about Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. Ambassador Levitt took several questions from audience members before departing.

By Nicole VanVeen

back to top

 

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East co-sponsors a townhall meeting on the future of U.S. Muslim world relations

“Future Relations between the U.S. and the MUSLIM World”

September, 13 2006
5:00pm – 6:30pm

Arthur Gilbert Cyber Café
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

ISIME, Americans for Informed Democracy (AID), and several student organizations sponsored a townhall meeting with over 100 people in attendance. The townhall meeting brought together students, faculty, and community members to reflect on U.S. Muslim world relations five years after 9/11. The speakers at the townhall included Professor Liyakat Takim from the department of Religious Studies at the University of Denver; Professor Carl Raschke, Chair of the department of Religious Studies at the University of Denver; Professor Robert Lee from the department of Political Science at Colorado College; and State Representative candidate Joe Rice, who is a member of the Baghdad-Denver Partnership as well as an Army Reservist. Each speaker gave their view of future relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world, followed by a brief question and answer period.

To learn more about Americans for Informed Democracy, please visit www.aidemocracy.org

By Nicole VanVeen

back to top

 

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East together with the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and Partners in Learning presented a screening of film Raid on the Reactor and expert panel discussion

May 16, 2006
6:30pm - 9:30pm

The Cable Center
2000 Buchtel Blvd.
Denver, Colorado

Over one hundred guests gathered at the Cable Center for a screening of the film Raid on the Reactor and a panel discussion entitled “Iran—the next nuclear threat to Israel.” The evening commenced with a reception to a view of the Rocky Mountains and an American, Colorado, and Israeli flags billowing outside through the three story glass windows around the Daniels Great Hall.

Afterward guests moved to the Center Theater for the film presentation. The film viewing was followed by a question and answer session. The panelists included a current Minister in the Iraqi government, filmmaker Steve Feld, two university professors from Iraq, ISIME Director Shaul Gabbay and Shaul Amir of the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado.

The panelists emphasized the need for peace in the region and called for dialogue to resolve the situation. The Iraqi panelists emphasized the importance of respecting national sovereignty and that in military assaults, it is the citizen’s and not the brutal regimes or dictators of the region that suffer. The audience had the opportunity to discuss the lessons from the attack in Iraq, possible measures to take action in Iran and questions of military capabilities.

By Yelizaveta Shalamova

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts His Excellency Ali Suleiman Aujali, Chief of the Libyan Liaison Office

May 11, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00 pm

Renaissance Room – South
Mary Reed Building

Among the various engagements, Ambassador Ali Aujali lectured on the topic of “US-Libya Relations” during a public address, and more specifically, the development of stronger relations between the United States and Libya after lifting the U.N. and U.S. Libya-specific trade sanctions. He also spoke of normalization of U.S. relations with Libya including diplomatic representation as well as cultural relations and prospect for commercial relations and the opportunities for U.S. companies to work in Libya. The Ambassador declared that there is no excuse for Libya to stay on the U.S. State Department's list of states sponsoring terrorism and that Libya can become an example for other countries, such as Iran, in encouraging moving away from production of weapons and nuclear programs.

Appreciative of the opportunity to be a guest of ISIME on the University campus, he emphasized the importance of cooperation through university exchange and other exchange. This way, people can learn from each other to promote understanding and cooperation and that it would make world safer and more peaceful. He explained that restoring visa privileges between the two countries would be a major step in improving the political and personal relations.

When addressing the role of Israel, Ambassador Aujali said that Libya is in Africa, and far from the issues of the Middle East. The country, as a society, is not in a place to deal with the issue of Israel. However, as members of Arab League, Libya supports the Saudi Initiative for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

The day Ambassador Aujali returned to Washington, DC from his trip to Denver it was announced that Libya would in fact be removed from the lists of states sponsoring terrorism and full diplomatic relations between Libya and the United States were reinstated.

By Yelizaveta Shalamova

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosted a luncheon lecture with Dr. Gamze Cavdar

“Political Islamism in Turkey: The model of the Justice and Development Party and its Regional Applications”

May 8, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Dr. Gamze Cavdar is a professor of courses on Islamist movements, gender relations, democratization and state-society relations in the Middle East and will join the Political Science department at Colorado State University in the fall. Her lecture focused on the potential for using Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) as a model for Islamist parties. Dr. Cavdar touched on the unprecedented degree of moderation that the AKP contains, saying that Islamists tend to moderate when they are included in the political process. She posed the question as to whether using AKP as a model for Islamist parties is feasible or even desirable. Dr. Cavdar then noted that AKP receives acceptance and praise from various groups across the Arab world. And while she acknowledged that the AKP is not a perfect political party, Dr. Cavdar concluded with the thought that the AKP can nevertheless serve as a useful model.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a lecture with Lt. Colonel Joe Rice

“Reflections on a New Iraq”

May 1, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

The former mayor of Glendale, Lt. Colonel Joe Rice served two tours in Iraq from March 2003 to April 2004 and then again from October 2005 to February 2006. He began the lecture by stating that he was offering his views as a private civilian and did not intend to discuss how or why the United States was involved with Iraq, but rather wanted to share his experiences in forming the Baghdad city council. Lt. Colonel Rice astounded those gathered in attendance when he said that the formation of the Baghdad city council resulted from just a two-page concept paper. He then spoke about the logistics of creating the council by holding caucuses and selecting members, among other steps. He noted that efforts are still hampered by the initially poor planning and elements of the insurgency. He did highlight the fact that the council was the first democratically selected local government in Iraq’s history and is ethnically and religiously diverse. Finally, Lt. Colonel Rice touched on his involvement with the Baghdad-Denver Regional Partnership which promotes a cultural and professional exchange program. For more information on the Baghdad-Denver Regional Partnership, please visit www.drcog.org/bdrp.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a luncheon lecture with Dr. Tahira Khan

“Gender Based Violence: Theoretical Explanations”

April 27, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Gender and Islamic studies specialist, Dr. Tahira Khan presented her research on gender based violence in the Muslim world and especially her native Pakistan. Students and community members in attendance enjoyed a preview of the investigation of honor-killings in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India from the speaker’s book Beyond Honour: A Historical Materialist Explanation of Honour Related Violence. Dr. Khan explained that there is a motive beyond the cultural notion of honor that prompts such violence. The lecture concluded with questions and comments from audience members.

By Yelizaveta Shalamova

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East held a discussion with Dr. Jan and Phyllis Updike

“Managing and American-Jordanian Joint NGO Project: Community Health Program in rural Jordan”

April 25, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Over Middle Eastern food, Dr. Jan and Phyllis Updike discussed their recent trip to the Middle East and the work of their NGO, Summit Alliance for Global Health, in promoting sustainable health and education. Jan and Phyllis engaged those in attendance in a dialogue about their most recent project to develop a health program in rural Jordan (where such programs have been virtually non-existent) and the role that civil society plays in this work. Phyllis emphasized the fact that programs like the one in Jordan are only sustainable by involving local individuals. Jan focused on the idea that the role of civil society has weakened over the past half century. Overall their message was clear; their work and consequently talking to others about their work allows them to be the voice of those without a voice across the globe.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East together with the Mizel Museum presented “Promises”

April 4, 2006
11:30am – 1:30pm

Sturm Hall Auditorium
University of Denver

PromisesTogether with the Mizel Museum, the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a screening of the documentary “Promises” to over 100 local middle and high school students. “Promises” explores the physical, historical, and emotional obstacles between Israeli and Palestinian children through their own words. The documentary follows seven children living in Jerusalem, an Israeli settlement, and Palestinian refugee camps. The film culminates in the face-to-face meeting of the children and their reactions to one another. After the film the students expressed their overwhelmingly positive reactions to the film and were eager to learn more about the children in the documentary.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a series of events with Gadi Baltiansky, Director of the Geneva Initiative

April 3, 2006

12:00pm – 2:00pm
Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

7:00pm – 9:00pm
Four Points Sheraton
600 South Colorado Boulevard

April 4, 2006

9:00am – 10:00am
Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Gadi Baltiansky gives a luncheon lecture at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies
ISIME offered a luncheon lecture and an intimate dinner with Gadi Baltiansky, who currently functions as the head of the Geneva Initiative in Israel and the Director General of “Education for Peace Ltd.”, a NGO that deals with the Middle East peace process. Mr. Baltiansky served as Press Secretary for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and as an official member of the Israeli negotiation teams with Syria and the Palestinians. He also worked as a career diplomat at the Israeli Foreign Ministry and as a senior contributor to the Tel Aviv University Institute for Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation.

During the luncheon lecture at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Mr. Baltiansky addressed the “Israeli and Palestinian elections – what's next in the peace process?” He believes that both Israelis and Palestinians do not expect immediate peace, but they do expect something significant to happen soon. He clearly supports negotiations over unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. He stated that it is not possible to negotiate with Hamas, the newly elect Palestinian government, but Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, may prove to be a viable negotiating partner. He also spoke of the recent elections in Israel which provided a narrow victory to Kadima, the centrist party founded by former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and now headed by Ehud Olmert. Mr. Baltiansky acknowledged that already Olmert is willing to withdraw to the security barriers, removing the Israelis from 90% of the land claimed by the Palestinians. Mr. Baltiansky expressed his view that this land should not be given away, but rather traded for security.

At the evening lecture, Mr. Baltiansky addressed a small gathering of ISIME board members and guests over dinner at the Four Points Sheraton. He spoke of many of the same topics, but also engaged all of those in attendance in a lively discussion about the role of the United States in the Israeli/Palestinian peace process. Mr. Baltiansky believes that the United States and groups within the country will be very influential in supporting the process.

Finally, Mr. Baltiansky gave an hour guest lecture to Professor Shaul Gabbay’s “The Role of NGO's in Conflict” course on Tuesday, April 3rd. Gadi told students about the function of NGO's in modern society. He argued that NGO's play a vital role where governments cannot go due to their political constraints. Gadi gave an example from the Geneva Initiative, respected NGO in the Middle East which began a people to people program. Today the model of the possible final status solution is in the homes of millions of Palestinians and Israelis thanks to the Geneva Initiative. What was conceived as impossible has become a real model for peace in one of the bloodiest conflicts of modern days. Adding his personal career trajectory, he eluded to what little impact he would have as a professional diplomat as opposed to his present work within the framework of an NGO. It was a big success, Gadi told the students, if he met three ambassadors a year as a diplomat. At present almost every visiting ambassador to the region asks to spend a day or two listening to the analysis and opinions of Gadi and his collogues. Only later they do the ambassadors meet with state officials.

Gadi agreed to be a guest on ISIME's telephone lectures when developments benefit from his analysis. To learn more about Mr. Baltiansky and his organizations, please visit www.geneva-accord.org.

By Nicole VanVeen

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ISIME Director, Shaul Gabbay, gives a call-in lecture

“Hamas and Israel – the Moment of Truth”

February 16, 2006
12:00pm

In this unique format ISIME Director, Shaul Gabbay, gave a lecture by telephone on the recent Palestinian elections. Those who wished to participate in the lecture simply called a local number from their own telephone and were able to listen to Professor Gabbay’s lecture.
Professor Gabbay was optimistic in his lecture. While he acknowledged that there are many problems with the newly-elected Hamas government, he took hope from the fact that a true democratic election was conducted.
The unique format of this lecture allowed people from around the world to call from the comfort of their home or office to hear Professor Gabbay speak. ISIME wishes to thank ACT Teleconferencing for the technical assistance in holding the call-in lecture and hopes to offer this type of lecture again in the future.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a lecture by Dr. Hussein Amery

“Water in the Arab-Israeli Conflict: Scenarios for peace”

February 15, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Professor Hussein Amery gives a lecture on water in the Arab-Israeli conflict
Professor Hussein Amery from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden presented a talk about the scenarios for peace in the Middle East and the role of water. He emphasized that the ecosystem does not recognize international borders and that hydrology, economy and security are interdependent. His talk stressed the need for peace and the difficulty of cooperation as there are six states sharing the water of the Jordan River Basin that do not trust each other because of a long history of war. The lecture concluded with several questions and comments from audience members.

By Yelizaveta Shalamova

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Father Elias (Abuna) Chacour, Palestinian-Israeli priest in the Melkite Catholic Church

January 31, 2006
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Father Elias Chacour gives a lecture at the Josef Korbel School of International StudiesFather Elias (Abuna) Chacour held an audience of almost 100 people rapt for nearly two hours as he spoke about his life as a Palestinian-Israeli Catholic priest. Father Chacour has become an ambassador for non-violence and as such he was named 2001 “Man of the Year” in Israel. He is the author of Blood Brothers and We Belong to the Land and is also the founder of the Mar Elias Educational Institutions in the Galilee.

In speaking about his experiences, Father Chacour also incorporated the issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He expressed his opinion that peace will not be reached if each party is only concerned about its own needs. Not wanting to live in the past, he spoke of a desire to see an integrated Israel.

Many times Father Chacour noted that he was not born an Israeli nor a Palestinian, but rather he was born a baby, illustrating the basic humanity in all people. He believes strongly that the future depends on educating the young people. Because of this belief, he has opened eight public libraries as well as several schools and a university.

Father Chacour concluded by stating that the best way for people to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is by giving the gift of friendship to the “other”. He instructed the audience, “We do not need you to become one-sided and hate our Jewish brothers. We need one more common friend.” After several questions from audience members, the lecture concluded.

The lecture was video taped and copies of the DVD are available to borrow from the ISIME library. Please contact Nicole at nvanveen@du.edu for more information.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East together with the Metropolitan State College of Denver’s Political Science Association held a panel discussion

“Israel and Palestine: Two Perspectives on Peace”

January 26, 2006
12:00pm-2:30pm

Multicultural Lounge
Tivoli Student Union
Auraria Campus

Professors Robert Hazan, Amin Kazak, and Shaul Gabbay speak at Metropolitan State College of Denver

Professor Shaul Gabbay, Director of the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East and Professor Amin Kazak, professor of Political Science at the University of Colorado at Denver and President of American Interuniversity Consortium for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, participated in a discussion moderated by Dr. Robert Hazan, Chair of the Department of Political Science at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Over 100 Auraria Campus students and community members filled the Multicultural Lounge for this dialogue following the Palestinian elections. After brief comments, the professors engaged in an extended and lively exchange with the audience.

By Yelizaveta Shalamova

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East honored Jordan Perlmutter at the Hope Dinner, with a keynote address by Daniel Ayalon, Ambassador of Israel to the United States

"A Tribute to Peace"

January 10, 2006

Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom
The Denver Performing Arts Complex
14th and Curtis Street
Denver, CO

On Tuesday evening 550 guests gathered in the Seawell Grand Ballroom to honor Jordan Perlmutter, Denver community developer, builder, and philanthropist. Guests also heard a keynote address by the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Ayalon.

The evening commenced with a cocktail reception, including a special meeting of Ambassador Ayalon with 30 local high school students. Following the cocktail reception, guests moved into the dinning room where ISIME Board Chair Bob Loup welcomed those in attendance. After remarks by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and ISIME Executive Director Shaul Gabbay, dinner was served.

As dinner concluded, Ambassador Ayalon delivered his remarks. Ambassador Ayalon expressed his gratitude for the work that ISIME does and hoped that more institutes like ISIME will be established across the United States. He talked about the important relationship that exists between Israel and the United States and expressed his belief that, with both countries working to bring peace, he is very hopeful for the future.

After Ambassador Ayalon concluded his remarks, University of Denver Chancellor Emeritus Dan Ritchie presented Jordan Perlmutter with the evening’s award. Jordan shared his award with all who have worked to build ISIME in its mission to educate the community. Jordan also remarked that if what he has done helps to bring peace, then “that would be the greatest gift to me and humanity.”

Jordan was joined on stage by his wife Essie Perlmutter. Essie wished him a very happy birthday as January 10th is Jordan’s birthday. Guests were treated to cupcakes in celebration, after which the evening came to a close.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East offers the Middle East Seminar for Colorado high school students for a second time

"Israel in the Middle East: Challenges and Opportunities"

November 2nd through December 14th

Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Students from fifteen area high schools began a seven-week seminar in November focusing on issues that concern Israel and her neighbors in the Middle East. College professors and other experts on the Middle East presented topics ranging from the people and cultures of the Middle East to the diversity found in Israeli society; from US foreign policy in the Middle East to the history of the region from Abraham to the present. Students came to the class with a vast range of knowledge and experience; some have traveled in the region and have taken several classes on the history, while others are novices being exposed to the region for the first time. This is the second time ISIME has offered the course, and plans are now underway for another class in the fall as well as future classes for both adults and high school teachers.

By Deborah Schlueter

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2005

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East commemorates the 10th anniversary of the assassination and celebrates the life of Yitzhak Rabin with Peace by Piece

November 9, 2005

Driscoll Bridge
2050 East Evans Avenue
University of Denver

Photo of Yitzak Rabin ISIME staff set up a table on the Driscoll Bridge to hand out information about Yitzhak Rabin and the peace process as well as free pieces of cake in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his assassination. The pieces of cake proclaimed “Peace by Piece,” and Professor Shaul Gabbay was on hand to talk about Rabin and the peace process to those that stopped for a piece.

Please click here to view the informational handout commemorating Yitzak Rabin.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East sponsored a screening of the film Paradise Now

November 8, 2005
7:30pm

Chez Artiste Theater
2800 South Colorado Boulevard
Denver, CO

Nearly 250 people filled the Chez Artiste Theater in Denver to watch a fictional account of two young Palestinian men as they embark upon what may be the last 48 hours of their lives. They are chosen for this mission as a team, because each has expressed a wish that if either is to die a martyr, the other would want to die alongside his best friend. The men are led to a hole in the fence that surrounds the West Bank city of Nablus, where they are to meet a driver who will take them to Tel Aviv. But here the plan goes wrong, and they are separated. When they are intercepted at the Israeli border and separated from their handlers, a young woman who discovers their plan causes them to reconsider their actions.

Following the screening, Professor Shaul Gabbay, Director of the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East (ISIME) at the University of Denver, and Professor Amin Kazak, professor of political science at the University of Colorado at Denver and President of American Interuniversity Consortium for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, engaged in a discussion moderated by Mrs. Deborah Schlueter, author of Moghrabi's Olives. Professors Gabbay and Kazak also took a few brief but heated questions from audience members.

For more information about Paradise Now, please visit http://wip.warnerbros.com/paradisenow/.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East held a thought provoking luncheon lecture with Kim Kavrell Savit

“The Role of Congress in U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East”


November 1, 2005
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Ben Cherrington Hall, Room 301


Kim Savit lectures on the role of Congress in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East Ms. Kim Savit is the Senior Professional Staff Member for the Middle East, Central and South Asia on the Majority Staff of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee. With more than twenty years experience in civil service positions within the Department of State and the Department of Defense, Ms. Savit kept an audience of over 50 people captivated. She characterized work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as “long stretches of boredom punctuated by seconds of sheer terror.” As part of her work with Senator Richard Lugar (R Indiana), she organizes speaking and education events as well as forums. Another significant part of her work is to put on the Foreign Relations Committee hearings, of which there were over 200 last year. Ms. Savit meets with representatives from across the political spectrum and she remarked that “every now and then you get to feel like you make a difference.”

Ms. Savit also commented on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She expressed the view that all parties involved in the conflict are exhausted by the violence and all parties are aware of the scope of the problem. Offering her views on the situation, she concluded that three issues must be addressed. First, does Ariel Sharon truly want to make peace? Second, does Mahmoud Abbas have the political will? And third, what the parties need is not more aid, but security with a guarantee that groups such as Hamas will not benefit from foreign aid. Ms. Savit concluded by taking a lively round of questions from audience members.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East co-sponsored a Middle East Cooking Class with the University of Denver chapter of Hillel

October 24, 2005

Hillel House
2240 E. Wesley Avenue
Denver, CO

Yaffa Hanouna demonstrates how to make baklavaCommunity members and students gathered at the DU Hillel house for dinner and a cooking workshop presented by Yaffa Hanouna of Yaffa’s Savory. Under Yaffa’s instruction, all in attendance learned to prepare traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus and baklava. As the dishes were being prepared, Yaffa talked about the many cultural influences and the Biblical history that created a unique Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine. Beforehand Yaffa also prepared a traditional couscous with vegetables and spicy salmon. After much hard work, the most enjoyable part of the evening came with tasting all of the flavorful dishes.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosted world renown Syria expert Dr. Moshe Ma’oz

"Syria’s Changing Role in the Middle East"

May 19, 2005

Luncheon Lecture in Ben Cherrington Hall for GSIS Students

Evening Lecture in Shwayder Theatre
Mizel Center for Arts and Culture
350 So. Dahlia Street
Denver, CO

ISIME presented two events with Dr. Moshe Ma’oz, currently a Senior Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. Professor Ma’oz, who holds a doctor of philosophy in the History of the Middle East from Oxford University, gave a luncheon lecture at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies for students, as well as an evening lecture at the Jewish Community Center in Denver.

In both his talks Dr. Ma’oz addressed the growing significance of Syria and its role within the Middle East. He covered such issues as Syria’s past and current influence in Lebanon, the possibility of building peace between Syria and Israel, and the always fluctuating relationships between Syria and her neighbors, Iraq and Jordan. Dr. Ma’oz described several scenarios whereby the U.S. could foster better relations with Syria, from imposing economic sanctions (an option he considers ineffective at best and damaging to building a relationship) to entering a dialogue for improving cooperation. He described the unrealistic notion some hold for insisting that countries in the Middle East become democracies before the U.S. can have good relationships with them, and suggested a path of working with countries in their current political reality and encouraging the development of democracy over time in a more natural and stable manner.

By Deborah Schlueter and Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a lecture by Dr. Ilai Alon

”Preparing for Negotiations with Arab Countries”

April 21, 2005

Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Dr. Ilai Alon began his lecture by asserting that negotiating partners must be well-versed in the culture of the other side. The Israeli Professor of Islamic Studies --currently a visiting scholar at the University of Chicago-- explained that warfare is no longer hierarchical but consists of small groups fighting one another. Unlike past negotiations between Israel and Palestinians that began after the cessation of fighting, negotiations now take place intermingled with violence. Dr. Alon illustrated that there is no dictionary definition of any one culture and it can be quite easy to misinterpret a culture from an outside view.

Dr. Alon highlighted several differences between Arab and Israeli cultures that could be misinterpreted. He addressed the difference between western ‘clock time’ and ‘Arab ‘event time’. In the western perception of clock time, meetings are carefully scheduled and tardiness beyond fifteen minutes or so is offensive, according to Dr. Alon. But with Arab event time, more emphasis is placed on the present matters even if it means missing other scheduled events. Dr. Alon then gave a humorous example of the difference in language. He noted that if you were on a crowded bus in the middle of July, and Israeli would not hesitate to tell you that you smell because Israelis are quite straight-forward. An Arab, on the other hand, would not make such a comment because Arabs attempt to preserve your dignity in any manner possible. Through these generalizations, Dr. Alon addressed cultural differences that play a role in negotiations.

Dr. Alon concluded his remarks with several recommendations for holding successful negotiations. He suggested that negotiators not be stingy with time spent preparing for negotiations because creating relationships is the key to building trust. More than creating a deal, he explained, negotiations create relationships. Try to reach an agreement in principle before nailing down the details. Finally remember that all decisions are conditioned upon the future.

Dr. Alon then asked for questions from audience members. After several questions, ISIME Executive Director Shaul Gabbay thanked Dr. Alon for his remarks and the evening concluded.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East Inaugurates the Middle East Seminar for Colorado High School Students

Israel in the Middle East: Challenges and Opportunities

October 20, 2004 through April 6, 2005

Last October the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East launched its new seminar series for high school students with the goal of providing students with information about Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East. This inaugural group of 26 was comprised of students from many high schools throughout the metro area including both public and private schools. Over the course of 8 sessions, the students attended lecturers by prominent professors and professionals from the Denver area, many of whom are originally from the Middle East. The culmination of the seminar was the presentation of projects during the final session on April 6th.

As with every seminar session, the students enjoyed dinner and talked with one another before beginning the evening. Next they presented their final projects that represented a culmination of knowledge they gained over the 8 weeks, including artwork, a video, a power point presentation, speeches, essays and a series of haikus. The evening concluded by honoring the students with certificates of completion.

ISIME was able to sponsor this seminar through a generous grant from the Rose Youth Foundation and plans to offer the program again next year.

Click here to view the brochure.

For more information about next year’s seminar, please call 303.871.3094

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a talk by Shaul Amir


Renewed Peace Negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians – Are both sides ready?

Renewed Peace Negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians - Are Both Sides Ready? presented by Shaul Amir
March 29, 2005

Josef Korbel School of International Studies

A crowd of over 50 people enjoyed an assortment of cheeses and wine while listening to Mr. Shaul Amir’s talk. Mr. Amir focused a great deal on the recent Israeli plan under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza Strip beginning in July. Citing a poll of 100,000 Israelis conducted last month, he stated that 68% of the Israeli population supports the disengagement plan. Though there is strong support among the public, the disengagement is clearly not supported by settlers in Gaza and ideologists because it will be a truly difficult process for them to leave the homes where they have lived for decades.

Mr. Amir also noted that the disengagement coincides with the Palestinian elections to be held in July. He asserted that terrorist groups such as Hamas and Fatah, which will be participating in the elections, maintain a strong hold in Gaza because of their usefulness as social organizations, providing services such as education and sanitation. Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Masin has offered these groups a place in the Palestinian security forces which would allow them to serve the Palestinian people in an acceptable manner. Mr. Amir believes that the Palestinians must make other similar gestures to show their serious intentions for peace.

Finally Mr. Amir addressed the issue of the fence currently under construction around the Gaza Strip. In his view the fence is there only to protect Israelis and Palestinians. He believes that it is better for a Palestinian student to be late to school rather than have an Israeli student never reach the school because he was blown up along the way. More terrorist attacks will only hurt both sides, creating more suffering. Mr. Amir concluded that both sides are psychologically ready to resume negotiations toward a peace agreement because both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered far too much violence. He hopes to one day see two states living side by side in peace.

The talk concluded after several questions posed by audience members.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East held its First Annual Fundraiser

An Intimate Evening with Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 6:00pm
Held at the home of John and Anna Sie

Photo of Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen with Anna and John Sie


As guests began to arrive shortly after 6:00 o’clock, they were greeted by soft piano music, elaborate flower arrangements, cocktails, and light hors d'oeuvres. Dressed in fine black tie apparel, the guests congregated in the foyer as well as downstairs around the bar and great fire place until dinner service began just after 7:00 o’clock. The attentive staff presented a wide array of fruits and cheeses, seafood including sushi, shrimp and crab together with meats of sliced beef and chicken skewers in the billiard room and the main area downstairs. At 8:00 o’clock guests moved to the heated tent on the patio to hear Mr. Cohen’s remarks.

Mr. Cohen was introduced by Mr. John Sie, Mr. Robert Loup, Mr. Peter Kudla, and a videotaped message from former Senator Gary Hart. After serving twenty-four years in Congress and then as the Secretary of Defense and only Republican in the Clinton Administration, Mr. Cohen offered many insightful comments. He began his talk by echoing the words of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin; the future looks “good” yet there are still forces at work that look “not good”. He affirmed that we must focus our attention on people who are not connected to globalization and its benefits like the Palestinians, so that they may achieve a better life. He asserted that if people are deprived of a better life, then they will destroy you. In addition he said, “The Palestinians need sovereignty, dignity, and opportunities.” Israel has all of these elements, he added, but what Israel does not have is security. Everyone involved wants security and peace, but Mr. Cohen believes that Israel must give up some land and freeze settlements in order to achieve a real peace agreement. In order to structure an agreement that will work, all involved must be treated with dignity.

Mr. Cohen also spoke about Iraq. He affirmed that the United States is in Iraq to promote democracy, but we must continue to ensure that the seeds grow. The task of promoting democracy is not easy and as a nation we will continue to see our people die, but if we pull out of Iraq too soon, we may jeopardize the entire region. He said, “It has been argued that the road to peace in the Middle East runs through Baghdad,” but in his view success lies in Jerusalem with peace on both sides. Democracy does not come all in one size, but it is up to the United States to articulate why its interests outweigh its ideals.

After several questions from audience members, ISIME Director Shaul Gabbay thanked Mr. Cohen for his remarks and the talk concluded. The guests moved back into the main level of the Sie home for dessert of chocolate covered strawberries and light pastries. Slowly guests left and the evening concluded about 10:30pm.

A videotape of the event is available to borrow from the ISIME library. Please contact ISIME at 303.871.3094, or isime@du.edu for additional information.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East together with Priority Peace and The Iliff School’s Peace and Justice Studies Department held a presentation and discussion with negotiators and signers of the Geneva Accords.

January 19, 2005

Great Hall at the Iliff School of Theology

Photo of Dr. Menachem Klein and Dr. Nazmi Al-Ju'behSpeaking to a crowd of over two hundred people in the Iliff School of Theology’s Great Hall, Dr. Menachem Klein (an Israeli) and Dr. Nazmi Al-Ju’beh (Palestinian) gave individual presentations followed by several questions from audience members. Both speakers took hope from the fact that the Geneva Accords are supported by approximately 45% of Palestinians and Israelis and were reached without any third party involvement. While they agreed the Geneva Accords provide a sound beginning for peace, they also said much still must be done to reach a final status agreement and bring lasting peace to both Israel and Palestine.

In his presentation, Dr. Klein stated that the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians will only change after a legal treaty is signed between the two governments. The first step toward reaching a legal signing is to gradually change public opinion; however, the strong negative emotions felt on both sides will not disappear over night. Dr. Klein concluded that in order to bring lasting peace to the societies, both sides must return to the borders that were in place in 1967, share Jerusalem in an attempt to rescue it, and find a solution to the refugee problem that began in 1948.

Dr. Al-Ju’beh began his presentation with three personal stories exemplifying the complex relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. He asserted that we deserve to fight for peace and not only war because the conflict is no longer clear cut and there is much pain felt on both sides as a result of the fifty-year long brutal conflict. He acknowledged that the psyche of both peoples is sick, and added that hopeless people are the most dangerous. Dr. Al-Ju’beh concluded his presentation by stating that although international support was not needed to reach the Geneva Accords, it will be needed to implement them. He views a two state solution as the only way to bring lasting peace.

After several questions from audience members, the talk concluded.

A videotape of the event is available to borrow from the ISIME library. Please contact ISIME at 303.871.3094, or isime@du.edu for additional information.

By Nicole VanVeen

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a lecture by Professor Ved P. Nanda


International Law and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

January 11, 2005

Josef Korbel School of International Studies


The University of Denver Law professor spoke to a crowd of 85 people in the Arthur Gilbert Cyber Café. Over coffee and dessert, Professor Nanda explained the complexities of international law and its relation to the present conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. His lecture carried a tone of optimism, expressing his view that a resolution to the conflict can and will be reached. The evening concluded with several poignant questions and comments from audience members.

By Nicole VanVeen

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2004

Iraq Today: Personal & Professional Reflections

English Literature Professor, and Member of the Baghdad Provincial Council and the Baghdad City Council

Professor Siham Hattab Hamdan - Fullbright Scholar, English Literature Professor, and Member of the Baghdad Provincial Council and the Baghdad City CouncilA special summer introduction to our speaker's series: Beyond Borders with special guest speaker professor Siham Hattab Hamdan.

When:  Tuesday, August 3, 2004 ,   5:30 p.m.
Location:  Cyber Café, Lower Level of Ben Cherrington Hall on the DU Campus
2201 South Gaylord Street
Denver , Colorado
Wine, Soft Drinks, and Hors d'oeuvres will be served.

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Israel's Quest for Acceptance and Recognition in Asia

Dr. Jacob Abadi - Author and U.S. Air Force Professor

Israel's Quest for Acceptance and Recognition in Asia - Dr. Jacob AbadiJoin us for an informative and compelling lecture.

Tuesday, May 11, 2004
7:00p.m. in the Cyber Cafe
(lower level Ben Charrington Hall)
2201 S. Gaylord St.
University of Denver Campus
Dessert and Coffee will be served

Dr. Abadi will provide an overview of Israel's relations with Asian countries from 1948 until the present, touching on the political, social and economic factors in various Asian countries and the role that each played in the process of rapprochement with Israel. As he does in depth in his book, he will explore some of the reasons for Israel's successes as well as its failures, and analyze the flaws in Israeli diplomacy.

The event is free, however reservations are necessary. Call 303-871-3094 to RSVP. Click on the Poster above for more details.

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Back From Iraq - U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Rice

Lt. Colonel Rice shares insights from his one year journey to Baghdad and his efforts to teach local leaders how to build a democracy

Back From Iraq Evening Reception with Lt. Colonel Joe RiceEvening Reception
Wine, Soft Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres
Event is free, but reservations are required
RSVP 303-871-3094

Date:
Wednesday, April 28th, 2004
Time:5:30pm
Location:
Cyber Cafe - Lower Level, Ben Charrington Hall
2201 S. Gaylord St.
Denver, CO 80208

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Rice was the Mayor of the City of Glendale, Colorado from 1996 through 2003. He resigned as Mayor upon being called to active duty with the Army Reserves for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, from May 2003 until March 2004, he was assigned duties as the Senior Governance Officer for Baghdad Province. In this capacity, Lt. Colonel Rice played a key role in the formation of post-war local governments in the Province, including Baghdad City and Provincial Councils. He served as the primary liaison between the councils and coalition authorities, and servedas an advisor to the councils on their roles, policies, and procedures.

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Peace is Possible

Rocky Mountain News Article By Jeff Kass, April 12, 2004

Professors Amin Kazak and Shaul Gabbay: There's room for both perspectives.Palestinian, Israeli teach there's room for both perspectives

Professors Shaul Gabbay and Amin Kazak were a stone's throw apart in 1982 in Beirut, Lebanon, as war raged in that Middle Eastern country.

Gabbay was a commander in the Israeli infantry, which had pushed into the Lebanese capital; Kazak was a Palestinian refugee studying for a doctorate at the American University of Beirut.

They figure they were just blocks apart on either side of the "Museum Alley" checkpoint, named for the National Museum, which designated the no man's land dividing the city.

Today, the two share a different space: Room 218 at the University of Denver's Cherrington Hall, where they are teaching the first of many planned classes on the Middle East.

If the medium is the message, the professors are living examples of the class title, "Arab/Israeli: War or Peace?"

And their message to the class of 27 students Monday and Wednesday mornings comes down on the side of peace.

"If they (the students) meet someone who says there is no solution, they can say, 'I took a class with a Palestinian refugee and with an Israeli soldier, and I saw this cooperation playing out every day for 11 weeks,' " said Gabbay, sitting in his office after class eating a bagel and cream cheese. "No one can persuade them any more there is no chance for peace."

A class on the Middle East co-taught by an Israeli and Palestinian is unusual, but not unheard of.

The University of California at Los Angeles has offered similar classes in the past couple years, said Jonathan Friedlander, the school's assistant director of the Center for Near Eastern Studies. But he applauds such efforts everywhere.

"There's room for negotiation," he said, even as Israeli-Palestinian relations seem to be at a low point. "Dialogue is better than shooting."

For more information on the class, please click here:
Arab/Israeli: War or Peace?

For the full Rocky Mountain News article, please see
Jeff Kass "Professors Amin Kazak and Shaul Gabbay: There's room for both perspectives" Rocky Mountain News 12 April 2004.

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The Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East (ISIME) hosted Middle East Water Specialist Professor Raphael Semiat who spoke on:

Water in the Middle East : Challenges and Cooperative Opportunities

Professor Raphael SemiatMarch 1, 2004
Luncheon Lecture & Dinner Lecture
Ben Cherrington Hall
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Professor Raphael Semiat is a professor at the Technion, Israel 's Institute of Technology . He is Director of the Stephen and Nancy Grand Water Research Institute & Head of the Rabin Desalination Laboratory. It was from that expertise that he spoke to two audiences at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies – a noontime lecture attended by several faculty of the Chemistry and Engineering schools here at DU, as well several students, professors, and many in the general public interested in the social and political ramifications of Israel's water research and policies. The evening Middle Eastern dinner and lecture was attended by members of the ISIME board, friends, and associates of ISIME.

Professor Semiat began both lectures with some dismal facts: 1.5 billion people in the world do not have access to fresh water, ten-thousand people die daily from water-related diseases, and 2.2 million children die annually. Many of these deaths are due to very simple factors that could easily be remedied, such as pumping fresh water from nearby rivers rather than drinking stagnant water that's used in some remote areas. However, he noted that the availability of clean water in rivers is becoming rare since 50% of the world's major rivers are either essentially dry or heavily polluted.

These and other factors are behind the drive to find new sources of water for the world's population, something Professor Semiat is doing through research and development on the process of desalination; that is, using high tech methods to convert ocean and brackish water to clean, potable water.

In the Middle East , water continues to be a source of great tension between Israel, the Palestinians, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and others. The situation in each area, however, varies dramatically. Turkey, Professor Semiat noted, has plenty of water, and Israel is currently in the process of purchasing fresh water from that country. Lebanon is also rich in water resources, but due to poor infrastructure in the south of the country it is not well distributed. Israel continues to send some water to villages in southern Lebanon as it did during the time it occupied southern Lebanon . The Gaza strip is arguably in the worst position of those the professor mentioned, and several thousand new wells have been drilled since Israel ceased to control the situation after Oslo agreements were implemented. Due to over-drilling, fresh water aquifers have become contaminated with salt water, putting Palestinians there in further need of water.

Professor Semiat also described a few of the various joint-ventures between the people's in the region, particularly between Jordan and Israel, who together are cooperating on the construction of a desalination plant. The hope is that a future peace will be reached that will allow Israel and Palestinians to move beyond the talking stage and cooperate on sharing water more equitably, and that better relations in the region overall will help reduce the tension and allow scientists like Professor Semiat and his colleagues in Arab countries to pool their knowledge and their resources and provide water for all in need.

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The Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East (ISIME) presented Israeli author and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi at an evening reception and lecture entitled:

Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Middle East : Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

Israeli author and journalist Yossi Klein HaleviFebruary 24, 2004
Cyber Café
Ben Cherrington Hall
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

A capacity crowd welcomed well-known and highly respected Israeli author Yossi Klein Halevi for an intriguing evening lecture in the Cyber Cafe' that focused largely on the religious component of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, as well as the role religion could — and he would argue should — contribute to peace making efforts in the region.

As both a religious Jew (he wrote the well-received book entitled “At the Entrance to the Garden of Eden: A Jew's Search for God with Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land”) and a savvy political analyst (he writes regularly for the Jerusalem Post and The New Republic and occasionally for the New York Times and the Washington Post), Mr. Halevi offered a unique view of the religious and political complexities that derail peace plans and confuse those who try to understand the conflict from a distance.

A self-described religious pluralist, he believes the greatest flaw in the Oslo peace effort was the attempt to circumvent religion. “To ignore religion in the Middle East peace process meant to ignore the source of people's aspirations, to deprive the peace of one of its most vital sources.”

Halevi described the general Israeli mood and mindset today as being one of despair. The overall debate between the left and the right that used to dominate political discourse has transformed to a belief that neither occupation nor peace is possible. The manifestation of this stalemate, he believes, is the construction of the security fence/wall currently being built to separate the two peoples. “There was a time during the Oslo process,” he said, “When we believed that all we needed to do was find the exact point on the map that would allow both peoples to fulfill their basic national needs…Israelis needed to believe that this was a rational conflict subject to rational decisions.” Now he believes the current conflict is a war over Israel 's basic legitimacy within any borders.

Halevi added that the future is bleak if one considers the Muslim view that Islam makes no allowances for a Jewish state. “A crucial component of the Middle East conflict which we (Israelis) ignore at our peril is the Muslim theological repudiation of Jewish sovereignty in any border.”

A very active question and answer period followed Mr. Halevi's talk including many flashpoints of debate, including Israel 's' human rights record, the right and duty of Israel to defend itself against terror acts. Halevi ended with by telling the audience that Israelis need to respect Palestinians as an enemy; an enemy who need not to be pitied, but rather one to be respected as a people capable of becoming a viable partner in peace.

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented a Luncheon and Lecture for Colorado Security Officials

Speaker: Israeli Security Chief
January 28th, 2004
Mary Reed Building
2199 So. Gaylord Street
Denver, CO

Challenges in Providing Security for Jerusalem

Security Luncheon - Challenges in Providing Security for JerusalemLocal Mayors, sheriffs, and security personnel listened intently as the Israeli Security Chief addressed a topic of deep concern to each of them--keeping the residents of their respective communities safe.

As the head of undercover security forces for the city of Jerusalem, the security chief, who is also a colonel in the Israeli army, shared his experiences in trying to protect the residents of the city where sixty percent of all suicide attacks occur.

As he had the previous evening, the colonel opened his talk with an alarming video entitled “Seeds of Conflict.” The video revealed scenes of bus-bombings and other acts of terror his department is responsible for helping detect and prevent. It also depicted Palestinian training camps where young children are taught to fight and kill Israelis.

Following the video, the colonel showed photos he had taken at similar tragedies, and cited statistics to indicate the positive results Israeli police forces have experienced in reducing suicide attacks. However, he noted that although detection and prevention have greatly improved and reduced the number of bombings, the effectiveness of the suicide bombers' tools has also improved, so that each bombing has resulted in a far greater number of deaths and injuries.

Directing his comments to a group who share jobs similar to his, the colonel engaged the audience in questions of how they would handle some of the difficult situations he and his department have faced, such as how to restrain a person who is wrapped in explosives. As they offered suggestions, he explained why many of their answers were not feasible given the reality of the danger posed by such a circumstance. For many in the room listening, the difficulties of dealing with someone who “came to die” became uncomfortably apparent.

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East presented an Evening Reception featuring Israeli Security Chief

Speaker: Israeli Security Chief
January 27th, 2004
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
2201 So. Gaylord Street
Denver, CO

Challenges in Providing Security for Jerusalem

Israeli Security Chief - Challenges in Providing Security for JerusalemA crowd of forty people gathered at The Graduate School of International Relations to listen to an undercover commander of security forces for the city of Jerusalem share his experiences in trying to protect the residents of the city where sixty percent of all suicide attacks occur.

The commander, also a Colonel in the Israeli army, opened his talk with an alarming video entitled “Seeds of Conflict”. The video revealed scenes of bus-bombings and other acts of terror his department is responsible for helping detect and prevent. It also depicted Palestinian training camps where young children are taught to fight and kill Israelis.

Following the video the colonel showed photos he had taken at similar tragedies, and cited statistics to indicate the positive results Israeli police forces have experienced in reducing suicide attacks. However, he noted that although detection and prevention have greatly reduced the number of bombings, the effectiveness of the suicide bombers' tools has also improved, resulting in each bombing producing a far greater number of deaths and injuries.

The colonel also showed photos demonstrating the many and varied items terrorists use to disguise their explosives, including computers, cell phones, basketballs, laundry detergent, milk bottles and, in the case of the Sbarro Restaurant bombing, a guitar. The frustration Israeli police feel in trying to detect such items was obvious. When asked how he felt about the security wall/fence being constructed, he answered, “I do not get involved in politics. I know that the wall is a ‘heavy' measure, but from my perspective as a security chief, I welcome anything that will help stop the violence.”

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Tzoffim: Israeli Scouts Making a Difference

Speaker: Orit Mofaz
January 21, 2004 1:00 pm
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
2201 So. Gaylord Street
Denver , CO

Orit MofazThe Israeli scout organization for boys and girls is known as Tzoffim, and its impact on Israel's society is far-reaching. Orit Mofaz, wife of Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, spoke to an ISIME sponsored gathering about her work as the head of the scouts' Sh'va project that provides programs for children and youth from Ethiopia. Citing the challenges Ethiopians and other immigrants face as they adapt to Israeli culture, Orit spoke passionately about the need to help every child in the country reach their potential and learn the skills needed to take advantage of opportunities they encounter in their new home.

The mother of four children who have all been involved in the scout program, Orit has seen first hand the benefits and challenges that face scouts as they reach out to help the needy, the disabled, the poverty stricken. Orit spoke clearly about the importance of keeping the scouting program politically and religiously neutral, enabling them to reach out to Bedouin tribes in the Negev, to Arab Israelis, to Ethiopians, to the settlements, and to all children across the land. “Our motto is live and let live,” she said. “Respect those around you, and they will respect you.”

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2003

Yael Swerdlow: The Media and the Middle East:
An International Photojournalist's Perspective

Tuesday, November 11th, 2003: at Noon
Room 201 Cherrington Hall

Light Snacks will be served

Co-Sponsored by: ISIME and Hillel

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Israeli made documentary: Two States of MindA scene from the Israeli documentary Two States of Mind

Award winning documentary, Two States of Mind
Tuesday, October 28th, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.
Showing at Hillel
2240 E. Wesley Ave. (next to campus safety)
303-777-2773

This award winning documentary chronicles the relationship between two women, an Israeli and Palestinian who are paired to compete in a cross desert car race. Their completion of the competition depends upon how they work together as a team and documents their stuggles and triumphs as these two cultures clash to achieve a common goal. Interactive discussion to follow.

Co-sponsored by: ISIME and Hillel

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The Wisdom of the PretzelA scene from Israeli feature film The Wisdom of the Pretzel

Israeli feature film, The Wisdom of the Pretzel
Monday, October 27th, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.
Showing at Hillel
2240 E. Wesley Ave. (next to campus safety)
303-777-2773

This full-length feature film depicts contemporary Israeli culture from the twenty something perspective. This film won a national Israeli film award for best direction. Interactive discussion to follow.

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Friends of ISIME
Jerusalem Mayor - Ehud Olmert - guest speaker at "Friends of ISIME" Kick-off Evening in March 2003.
The Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East (ISIME) is hosting Mayor Olmert as its special guest speaker.
Mayor Olmert will be speaking at the dinner of The Friends of ISIME group.

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2002

Conference Location is Vail Cascade Resort Conference: Israel in the Middle East
18th Annual Meeting
May 26th - 28th, 2002
Sunday-Thursday
Memorial Day Weekend
Vail Cascade Resort


Call for Panel Organizers
The Conference Program Committee invited scholars to propose and organize thematic panels for the meeting, and invited proposals that focused on "Israel in the Middle East".

Conference Program Committee
Chair: Alan Dowty Department of Government, University of Notre Dame
Vice-Chair: Vered Vinitzky-Seroussi Dept. of Soc. And Anth., Hebrew Un.
Rachel Brenner Department of Hebrew Studies, University of Wisconsin
Shaul Gabbay Executive Director Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East
Becky Kook Department of Political Science, Ben Gurion University
Yoram Meital Chair, Dept. of Middle Eastern Studies, Ben-Gurion University
Hannah Naveh Chair, NCJW Women and Gender Studies Program, Tel Aviv University
Mark Tessler Department of Political Science, University of Michigan

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90 Days Later
Panel Discussion: "90 Days Later": Colorado Legislative Mission to Israel in Retrospect
Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.
Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building, 2nd floor
University of Denver
2199 S. University Boulevard
Denver, Colorado

Sen. John Andews (R)
Mrs. Robin Chotin
Rep. Michael Garcia (D)
Prof. Robert Hazan
Mrs. Michele Right

Colorado legislators and community members visited Israel on a mission in mid-November. Ninety days later, representatives of the mission discussed the mission, their experiences and reflections, as well as their conclusions about events in the Middle East since their mission took place. A video from the mission was presented.

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Benjamin Netanyahu Expert Lecture
January 16th, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.
Buell Theater (DCPA)

The Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East and the Allied Jewish Federation's Israel, National and Overseas Center (INO) sponsored a public event featuring Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Prime Minister and current Likud Leader.

Born in Tel-Aviv, Netanyahu grew up in Israel and spent his high school years in the United States. In 1979, Netanyahu initiated and organized an international conference against terrorism. Netanyahu served in the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C., was Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations and in 1996 became the country's ninth and youngest Prime Minister. He is the author of Terrorism: How the West