Scholar of Note in Israel Addresses Controversial "Whose Land?" Inquiry
In a captivating lecture at Rhem Library, Ilan Troen, Director of the Israeli Studies Department at Brandeis University and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, delved into the intricate historical and religious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Troen, a lifelong scholar of Israeli history and author of the book "Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land?" (2023), offered a nuanced perspective on the longstanding conflict.
Troen's lecture, titled "Contesting the Legitimacy of a Jewish State: Toward a Second Century of a Modern Conflict," explored the religious convictions underlying secular language used by political institutions, emphasizing the intertwining of religion, politics, identity, and territorial claims. He sympathized with both the Palestinians and the Jews who have inhabited the land for centuries, while expressing discontent with the Israeli government's handling of the situation in Gaza and its exclusive claim to the land.
Troen outlined the evolution of claims to the Holy Land, dating back 2,000 years, and discussed the role of Zionism and Jewish connection to the land. He also highlighted the importance of recognizing the religious dimensions of the conflict, particularly in understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For those interested in Troen's work, his insights on Zionism and the formation of the Jewish state, as well as his participation in interdisciplinary seminars and workshops, can be found in scholarly discussions and academic forums. University event archives, such as the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, are valuable resources for accessing recordings of his lectures focused on religious aspects of this complex conflict.
Meanwhile, the Office of Study Abroad at Holy Cross has announced Maymester opportunities for the 2025 Spring Semester. Unlike a traditional semester or year abroad, students participating in these programs depart shortly after the conclusion of the spring semester. The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers scholarships to a select few students distinguished for their academic merit and accomplishments. Holy Cross is among the nation's top producers of Fulbright Scholars.
Students are invited to attend information sessions to learn more about these programs. Attending these sessions could provide valuable insights and opportunities for students looking to engage with global issues and broaden their academic horizons.
Kate Santini '27, who serves as the Chief News Editor of this article and also holds the position of News Editor in the Profiles section, underscores the importance of shedding light on such critical issues. Santini's work, along with Troen's, offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its historical and religious dimensions.
[1] Troen, I. (2023). Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land? New York: Oxford University Press. [2] Troen, I. (2023, April 10). The Religious Dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict [Lecture]. Rhem Library, Holy Cross. [3] Troen, I. (2023, March 15). Zionism and the Formation of the Jewish State [Lecture]. Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism. [4] Troen, I. (2023, February 22). Myths, Points of Contention, and Narratives Shaping the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict [Seminar]. Brandeis University.
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