PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

6/10/2014

Is Palestine Occupied? Benefit of Doubt or Benefit of Boycott? A Public Lecture and Discussion.

We encourage you to join us for a public lecture and discussion regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people. The recent intensification of violence between these parties has led to greater public consciousness of this conflict and many are questioning what can be done in seeking a resolution. Specifically, the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement calling for boycotts, divestment and sanctions of the state of Israel and other Israeli economic, cultural and academic institutions has been promoted by some as one feasible and legitimate method of responding to the conflict. This event aims to provide information and context regarding the conflict itself, and answer questions as to why many see the BDS Movement as a response to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The event will begin with a talk by Dr Najibullah Lafraie from the University of Otago’s Department of Politics. Dr Lafraie’s talk will give information and context on both historic and current aspects of the conflict. This talk will be followed by an interview with a member of the local Palestinian community, highlighting the nature of the everyday existence of many Palestinians. The first half of the event will conclude with a talk by Professor Richard Jackson of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies. Professor Jackson will introduce the topic of how we might respond to this conflict. In the latter half of the event members of the audience will be given time in which to pose questions/initiate discussion.

"Partly as a result of the recent violence in Gaza, the global movement to apply pressure on Israel to settle justly with the Palestinians through the boycott of goods, disinvestment in Israeli companies and sanctions on arms transfers is gaining real momentum. We feel that there is a need to educate the public about the real conditions the Palestinians suffer under, which is in many ways, equal to or even worse than the apartheid regime in South Africa. Most New Zealanders are probably not aware of the suffering that Palestinians have to live with on a daily basis, merely because of their ethnic identity. Settling justly with the Palestinians is really the only way for Israel to achieve long-lasting security, and many see a boycott as the only option left to create momentum towards peace. Living behind a wall or engaging in more wars is not true security. This public meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss all these issues in a calm and reasonable manner, without the anger and prejudice that has often characterised such conversations in the past."-Professor Richard Jackson, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago.

All are welcome.

When: 9.10.14. 7:00pm

Where: St David 2, University of Otago

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