Session 2 • September 12, 2024

Why does this feel so complicated?
Protests, Cease-fire, and Two-States

During the Spring of 2024, numerous college and university campuses became hubs of protest, with various calls for freedom and justice for Palestine. Demonstrators urged for economic pressure on Israel and a statement calling for a ceasefire. Today, we are also witnessing large Israeli protests calling for agreements to release the remaining hostages. This session aims to foster discussion that considers the complex dynamics of Israel-Palestine by exploring the diverse histories, theologies, and experiences that influence positions that create impasse. As a community of learners, we will engage with experts in political and biblical history and social strategy to examine a spectrum of dynamics associated with protests, ceasefire, and the two-states proposal.

Facilitated by President Lee H. Butler, Jr.

Speakers

Dr. Karim Mattar
Associate Professor of English
University of Colorado at Boulder

Karim Mattar is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A descendant of survivors of the Palestinian Nakba of 1948, he works at the intersection of Palestine studies, the humanities, and higher education. He is currently at work on two book projects, titled The Ethics of Affiliation and Reflections on Palestine: Exile, Privilege, Responsibility. Also a dedicated community organizer, Karim works at the local, state, and national levels to enhance public awareness and understanding of Palestinian literature, history, and politics and to advocate for free speech and academic freedom in the Palestinian case. Karim received his D.Phil. in English at the University of Oxford in 2013, and writes and teaches more broadly on comparative Middle Eastern literatures and cultures, the history of the novel, media and technology, and critical theory

Scott Wasserman
Political Strategist

Over 10 years of experience in policy craft and public affairs, managing complex campaigns focused on strategic positioning and real world outcomes for the people I represent. Focused on new ideas and solutions that transcend the stubborn barriers of the past.Strategy: Immediate understanding of climate, context, and sensitivities inside and outside the organization. A valuable and experienced grasp of the multiple disciplines that make a successful campaign.Communication: Excellent spokesperson and writer. Experienced at jumpstarting and facilitating dialogue, both within the media and behind the scenes. A knack for creative, tasteful, and effective communication over any medium.Management: Proven ability to manage multi-million dollar budgets and comfortable with the responsibility that comes with raising and spending resources. Experienced manager of people, resources, vendors, and organizational structures.Relationships: An earned reputation for trust, integrity, and accountability.Specialties: strategic leadership, communication, public affairs, government relations, political campaign

Dr. Mark George
Professor of Bible and Ancient Systems of Thought

Mark K. George is Professor of Bible and Ancient Systems of Thought and Director of the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology Joint PhD Program in the Study of Religion. He works primarily with the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and, within that corpus, the Pentateuch and narrative texts. The focus of his work is ancient systems of thought operating within this literature and the societies that produced it, whether they be social systems and structures expressed through the practices and conceptions of space, or how they make possible specific ways for individuals and communities to conduct their lives.George teaches courses on the Bible. These include critical studies of specific books, such as Deuteronomy, and examinations of larger issues, such as The Bible and Contemporary Issues or The Bible in the Digital Age. Fundamental to his teaching is the conviction that each generation must find new ways to make the Bible relevant for themselves. This is especially important as we live through the current digital revolution. His publications include books, encyclopedia entries, scholarly articles, and occasional pieces in publications including The Conversation. His current book project, Conduct Becoming Israel: Deuteronomy’s Subject and the Creation of “Israel,” is an analysis of how Deuteronomy presents an idealized system for becoming Israel.A member of both the Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religion, George regularly presents his work in the US and internationally. He frequently speaks and makes presentations to local organizations and religious communities, including at Denver’s Brew Theology gatherings.