The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu

May 5, 2009

Honors Seminar Presents Jewish/Palestinian Dialog

Michaela Brown, left, is an instructor in an honors seminar in which her sister Maia Brown, right, is a student.UNM senior Michaela Brown is studying psychology and political science. She’s also teaching real world application of her education in an honors seminar this semester. Her students read, “The Much Too Promised Land: America's Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace,” by Aaron David Miller. Then, they took on the roles of interested parties – Jews and Palestinians, the League of Arab Nations, and different individuals within the respective governments– to negotiate a peace agreement.

Their dialog will be presented in a public forum on Thursday, May 7 at 12:30 p.m. in Acoma rooms A&B in the Student Union Building. The event is free and open to the public.

In his book, Miller puts forward diplomatic and political history, as well as a personal memoir, and advises on the future U.S. role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Miller blends personal anecdotes and experiences from the peace process while demonstrating a clear understanding of the complex issues both parties face.

Ed DeSantis, lecturer in University Honors, said that he’s been impressed with the ideas students presented in class. “Historically, there has not been a strong desire for a peaceful settlement.  Most of the negotiation is a demonstration and not done in sincerity,” DeSantis said.

“I am Jewish and studied in Jerusalem in 2007. I recognize that many people here don’t have a genuine understanding of the conflict. I wanted to raise awareness,” Brown said.

DeSantis said that it’s been interesting to hear some of the students’ suggestions. “One recommended that a Palestinian and a Jewish security guard be stationed at each checkpoint. That would reduce the threat the Palestinians feel as well as reduce aggression on the part of the Jews,” he said.

“The key to negotiation is to listen more. We’ve heard Barack Obama say so with regard to Cuba and Iran,” DeSantis said.

“We want the UNM community to come and listen,” Brown said. A Q&A period will follow the dialog.

For more information, contact Michaela Brown at mbrown4@unm.edu

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