Right now, it is a critical time in geopolitics. After four elections in just two years, the Israeli government is unsettled, tensions are escalating over demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem, and dozens have been killed and injured by airstrikes by Palestinian militants and the Israeli army. There is growing concern that the latest escalation in conflict could spiral into an all-out war in the weeks and months to come.

We are pleased to welcome experts on the region to WHC (virtually) on Wednesday May 19, May 26, and June 2nd to discuss the latest developments in this very volatile region of the world with Rabbi Lustig and Rabbi Miller.

May 19

We welcome Jason Isaacson, Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer for the American Jewish Committee for a discussion with Rabbi Lustig and Rabbi Miller.

May 26*

Rabbi Lustig and Rabbi Miller will be joined by men and women living in Israel who are on both sides of the conflict to share their experiences living day-to-day through this latest round of violence and tension. The group will include the director of a Jewish-Arab Community Center, and a previous scholar-in-residence for WHC who works in the field of cross-cultural understanding.

*This is a very difficult time for those who live in Israel – both Arabs and Jews. Our goal is to better understand the situation, and we appreciate that people from all sides of this conflict are open to sharing their stories and experiences. Please note, their viewpoints may be uncomfortable to process, but they are important for us to hear.

June 2

Rabbi Lustig and Rabbi Miller will be joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Their discussion will focus on Iran, and the role that nation plays in the (in)stability of the region as a whole.

This series is free and open to everyone.

A Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP.

RSVP HERE

Please note that you only need to RSVP once for any of the dates in this series. The same Zoom link will grant you access to all three lectures.

Important Note About Zoom Recording:
When entering the program, you will be asked for your consent to be recorded. You must consent in order to participate in the program or Zoom will not grant you access. You are instead welcome to request a copy of the recording after the event by emailing Marsha Humphries. Videos are typically available within a few days of the event.
Please note that this consent is required by Zoom, NOT by Washington Hebrew Congregation. Thank you for your understanding.