IsraCampus.Org

Menachem Klein, Bar Ilan University - Dept of Political Studies
Kenneth Mann, Tel Aviv University - Dept of Law
Eyal Wiezman, University of London - Dept of Visual Cultures

The Predicament of Gaza and Palestine: US/Israeli policies and the role of Academia. Conference: July 2-3 2008 Al-Quds University (Abu-Dis campus)

FIPP-International
{Logistics information Below}
Preamble
It has been almost two years since the last FFIPP conference in Ramallah.
Since then, the situation in the Occupied Territories has deteriorated with the
rapidly worsening conditions in Gaza, the continued construction of the Wall
and the settlements, continued violence— mainly against the Palestinians- and
the lack of any progress in the ‘negotiations’. The tensions between Hamas and
Fatah continued as well and the isolation of Hamas contributed to the general
deterioration. The Annapolis conference has failed to produce any positive
change in the region and the occupation of Iraq is now threatening to escalate
into, potentially, a major confrontation with Iran.
This turbulent political environment in Israel, Palestine and the region, coupled
with the devastating socio-economic conditions in Gaza, urgently call for better
understanding, cooperation and positive plan of joint action among
Internationals, Palestinians and Israelis. This conference has been designed as
an aid for such an action.
2
The Program - an outline
First Day
• The Gaza blockade and the demonization of Hamas.
• The Israeli strategy towards Palestine.
Second Day
• Academic involvement and the agenda for ending the
occupation.[Workshops]
a. Campaign for free education— how to conduct education under
conditions of encirclement.
b. The boycott and divestment campaign.
c. Alternatives modes of action.
• US and EU policies in the Middle East in light of the coming elections:
Israel/Palestine and Iraq.
Speakers
The following is a partial list of confirmed speakers and panelists:
First Day
9:30 Gaza blockade
Eyad el-Sarraj (President of FFIPP, Founder and Director of Gaza Community
Mental Health Program)
Salim Tamari (Institute for Jerusalem Studies, Board Member of FFIPP)
Hashim Shawa (President of the Bank of Palestine)
11:30-12:00 Coffee Break
Kamalin Shaath
Issam Younis (Director of Al Mizan Centre for Human Rights)
Abdel Karim Ashour (Director of Agriculture Relief Committees)
Mona Farra (The Red Crescent Society).
13:30-14:30 Lunch
14:30-15:30 Israeli policy
Eyal Wiezman (University of London)
Saleh el-Jawad (Birzeit University)
Menachem Klein (Bar Ilan University)
15:30-17:00 Questions
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Second Day
10:00-11:30 Workshops
Saleh el-Jawad (Birzeit University)
Islah Jad (Birzeit University)
Kenneth Mann (Tel Aviv University, Gisha)
11:30-12:00 Coffee Break
12:00-13:30 US policy
Richard Falk (Princeton University, UC Santa Barbara)
Mariano Aguirre (Director of the Peace and Conflicts unit at the Spanish
Institute of International Relations)
Eric Rouleau (Former Chief Middle East Correspondent, Le Monde; former
Ambassador to Morocco and Tunisia)
13:30-14:30 Lunch
14:30-15:30 Discussants
Phyllis Bennis (Institute of Policy Studies)
Bassma Kodmani (Director of Arab Reform Initiative; Board Member of
FFIPP)
15:30-17:00 Questions
Logistics
For questions prior to the conference, call: 054-689-7379 or
E-mail: ffipp.conference@gmail.com
Transportation
There would be transportation organized, free transportation from:
Binyanei H`auma
Hotel Notre Dame
Ramallah
Birzeit University
Tel Aviv University.
More details—soon