A Harvard professor who teaches a course on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has faced backlash from some students, alumni, and pro-Israel groups who accuse him of bias and anti-Semitism. The course, titled “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Microcosm of the Middle East”, is taught by Professor Cornel West, a prominent scholar and activist who has been vocal in his support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli policies.
The course, which is offered by the Harvard Extension School, aims to provide a historical and political overview of the conflict, as well as explore its implications for the region and the world. According to the course description, the course “examines the origins and development of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism, the role of external actors (especially Britain, the United States, and the Arab states), the impact of the Holocaust and the Nakba (catastrophe), the nature of the Israeli state and society, the Palestinian national movement and its internal divisions, the dynamics of the peace process and the prospects for a two-state solution, the role of religion and identity in the conflict, and the challenges of human rights, democracy, and justice in the context of occupation and violence.”
However, some critics of the course have argued that it presents a one-sided and distorted view of the conflict, and that it promotes an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic agenda. They have also questioned West’s academic credentials and qualifications to teach the course, and have called for Harvard to cancel or revise the course.
Professor West defends his course and invites dialogue
In response to the criticism, West has defended his course and his academic freedom, and has invited his critics to engage in a respectful and constructive dialogue with him and his students. He has also stressed that he does not hate or demonize Israel or Jews, and that he respects and welcomes diverse perspectives and opinions on the conflict.
On Thursday, March 7, West held a public conversation with Rabbi Jonah Pesner, the director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, a pro-Israel advocacy group that had expressed concerns about the course. The conversation, which was moderated by Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., the director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard, was attended by about 200 people, including some of West’s students and critics.
The conversation was tense at times, but also civil and respectful, as West and Pesner discussed their views and experiences on the conflict, and addressed some of the questions and criticisms raised by the audience. West acknowledged that he is not an expert on the conflict, but said that he is a passionate and honest learner who seeks to understand and empathize with both sides. He also said that he is motivated by a moral and spiritual commitment to justice and dignity for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality.
Pesner praised West for his courage and integrity, and said that he respects and admires him as a scholar and a friend. He also said that he agrees with West on many issues, such as the need to end the occupation, support human rights, and pursue peace. However, he also challenged West on some of his claims and assumptions, such as his characterization of Israel as an apartheid state, his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and his criticism of Zionism as a form of racism. He also urged West to acknowledge and address the rise of anti-Semitism and the threat it poses to Jews and Israel.
The conversation continues
The conversation between West and Pesner was not meant to be a debate or a resolution, but rather a starting point for further dialogue and understanding. Both speakers expressed their hope and willingness to continue the conversation, and to invite more voices and perspectives to join them. They also encouraged the audience to do the same, and to engage in respectful and honest dialogue with each other, especially with those who disagree with them.
The course, which has about 100 students enrolled, will continue until May, and will feature guest speakers from various backgrounds and viewpoints on the conflict. West said that he hopes that the course will be a learning experience for him and his students, and that it will foster a culture of critical thinking, compassion, and dialogue on campus and beyond.
