Chapman hosts Shared Humanity conversation events centered around ongoing Israel-Hamas war

Wilkinson’s History and Peace Studies Department commenced Day 1 of the 'Shared Humanity: Conversations between Jews and Palestinians for a Better Tomorrow' series entailing a compelling conversation featuring Mira Sucharov, a Jewish-Canadian political scientist, and Omar Dajani, a Palestinian-American legal scholar. 

The cornerstone of the discussion, which took place in late February, was the importance of civil dialogue as a foundation for education, as pointed out by Provost Norma Bouchard in her opening remarks. The Peace Studies and History departments played a vital role in fostering an environment conducive to such discussions, including the venue of the event: the Fish Interfaith Centre Chapel. 

Nicole Rangel, an assistant professor in the Peace Studies department, highlighted the importance of solidarity with colonized peoples and the pursuit of equality to lift communities. 

Moreover, Rangel was the only person at the event who referred to the catastrophic events in Gaza as a genocide. 

The event was mediated by Lisa Leitz, an associate professor and the chair of Chapman’s peace studies department, who urged the speakers to not only delve into the essence of conflict between Israel and Palestine, but also the impact on Sucharov and Dajani’s personal and professional lives. 

Mira Sucharov, a political scientist from Carleton University in Ottawa, shared personal experiences that brought forth the impact of geopolitical events on individuals in the Jewish community.

Omar Dajani, a legal scholar from the University of the Pacific, highlighted the vulnerability felt by Palestinians, drawing attention to instances of violence and fear within his community. 

Both the speakers emphasized the need to establish a solid groundwork for conversations that promote understanding, equality and respect. 

What keeps you up at night?

Sucharov stated that grappling with the personal impacts of geopolitical events keeps her up at night, especially in light of her pregnant friend being forced to escape through the Egyptian border. Moreover, the humanitarian consequences of Israel's starvation policy and the fear that friends were almost taken hostage or murdered further intensifies her concerns. 

“Help us find common ground rather than pushing us into our corners,” Sucharov said. 

Her plea for finding common ground reflects a deep commitment to fostering understanding amid challenging circumstances.

Dajani discussed his struggles with insomnia, which were heightened by the vulnerability Palestinians face. Instances like his friend losing 23 family members in a bombing strike contribute to his sleepless nights. 

“The ways in which fear operates in all of our lives right now didn’t 6 months ago, and where we’re going in the future causes us all anxiety,” Dajani said. 

Fear & family 

Sucharov’s family dynamic introduces a personal layer to her concerns, as her teenage son hesitates to disclose his Jewish identity in light of Israel’s persisting attacks on Gaza. She believes that engaging in debates with those who can influence U.S. policy here helps to combat these challenges. It reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by her community, coupled with a conscious effort to provide space for reflection on significant events like Oct. 7 but not using it as an excuse to stay silent.

Dajani, as a Palestinian/Arab American, shares the anxiety stemming from incidents like a stabbing in Chicago, a shooting in Austin, and violence against college students in Vermont, all based on their Muslim faith. He emphasized that his concerns extend beyond immediate threats, encompassing the broader geopolitical situation. Reflecting on the past, the displacement of his family in 1948 from Gaza adds a historical layer to his personal and professional approach. 

Current projects 

Mira and Omar are actively engaged in the "Project of Understanding," a collaborative effort that includes a book and podcast. Their goal is to showcase experiences in diverse communities, exploring contrasting backgrounds. Specific aspects include experiencing the same cities and languages from differing identities, delving into the concept of Jewish privilege and promoting appreciation through a different lens.

Mira stated that the ethos of the project has largely been centered around “appreciating through the lens of the other and learning something along the way.” 

Omar shared details about his family's history in Jaffa, emphasizing its significance in Palestinian heritage. The discussion ventured into the impact of historical events, including the 1948 Nakba and the subsequent challenges faced by his family. Engaging with Mira, they explore complex questions about the land's future, aiming for a consensus that could shape the trajectory of Israel and Palestine.

How has Oct. 7 and the subsequent Gaza bombings affected your relationship?

“It was all eyes on Israel. And then hours later, it was all eyes on Gaza as Israel unleashed a flurry of attacks,” Sucharov said.

Omar and Mira reflected on the complexities, fears and emotions that surfaced during this period, navigating through disagreements and seeking common ground. 

The anecdote shared by the speakers was about an argument they had regarding a New York Times article that alleged Hamas’ weaponization of sexual violence. 

Dajani said the article made him uncomfortable because the first-person accounts were concerning based on evidence from one person in each case, and the nature of the violence was so horrific that he worried that public opinion in Israel would worsen because genocidal rhetoric was already there. 

On the other hand, Mira stated she believes that “to deny that violence was akin to holocaust denial”. 

“Each of us was worried about different things. Each of us was also thinking about our respective communities,” Dajani said when asked about the situation. 

He continued: “Trying to get under what we’re feeling has been helpful. As we have been engaged in talking about our different approaches, asking what is making us angry with each other. For me, it was fear. I was very worried about what these allegations were going to mean.”

What have you come to understand that you didn’t know before?

“Zionism is an ideology conceived differently by different people, which in some versions is about Jewish self-determination,” Dajani told the audience. “In others about Jewish self-determination on the land, and then others it is about Jewish self-determination on the land with Jewish Supremacy. Mine as a Palestinian was very different from Mira’s.”

He continued: “I believe in equality for Israel and Palestinians and mutual self-determination. I think our working together has caused me to see the attachment of Jews to Israel as far more multifaceted and complex. I recognize that their attachment is real but that doesn’t mean I believe in Jewish Supremacy,” Dajani continued. 

Dajani’s discussion of Zionism sheds light on the ongoing discourse about the subtext and implications of the terminology and phrases that are used while addressing Israel-Palestine dynamics. 

“I was intellectually aware but our work together obliged me to face them emotionally. This made me confront the parallels of how I feel about Palestine and Palestinians—ways in which our history perseveres, and how we can build a safe space.” 

Mira reflected on her deep attachment to Israel and the realization that her cultural reference points may not be as politically neutral as she perceived. Language dynamics, such as using Hebrew, are explored in the context of connecting with Palestinians. The experience contributes to a growing understanding of privilege and the significance of multicultural perspectives in fostering empathy. 

Understanding Israel-Palestine dynamics

Dajani highlighted the disparities between Jewish and Palestinian citizens, emphasizing discrimination faced by Palestinian citizens in Israel and those without political rights. The asymmetrical nature of the conflict, with a powerful Israeli state and daily challenges to Palestinian security, adds a crucial perspective to understanding the complex dynamics.

Sucharov explored her identity as a Zionist, emphasizing that the terms refers to her emotional attachment and a belief in a Jewish democratic state. The discussion acknowledged differing perspectives on the term "Zionist" and its implications, shedding light on how these identities influence perceptions of governance and privilege in the Israeli-Palestinian context.

Navigating campus activism and free speech

Dajani referenced his background as a Constitutional law professor in his advocacy for free speech and emphasized the importance of civility and empathy in discourse, especially within university settings. The challenges of balancing free expression with safeguarding shared humanity were crucial to this discussion. It extended to the varying interpretation of slogans like "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," thus highlighting the need for deeper conversations that go beyond slogans and remove ambiguity. 

Mira underscored the importance of avoiding bad faith interpretations and advocating for engagement in discussions calling for justice, dignity and safety for all. The conversation delves into the challenges of determining the balance between what is right to say and what is effective in promoting understanding. The interpretation of the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" was explored, and the need for context and understanding beyond assumptions was reiterated by her. 

Where are you turning for hope?

Sucharov shared her source of hope through the creation of "Hebrew for Pathways," a platform encouraging Jews to engage in Palestinian solidarity work.

Dajani draws hope from the "Land for All" movement, emphasizing a surge in membership and the participation of both Israeli-Jews and Palestinians. 

“Even in the hardest times, there’s reasons and ways to work together,” Dajani said. 

The proposal for a unique two-state solution, ensuring mutual self-determination, freedom of movement and residence for all presents an innovative approach. The shared vision aims to address long standing issues such as settlements, the return of refugees and the status of Jerusalem, reflecting the belief that collaboration can persist even in challenging times.

Despite the challenges and complexities, the conversation between Mira Sucharov and Omar Dajani reflects a shared commitment to understanding, dialogue and the pursuit of a better tomorrow for Jews and Palestinians alike.