The purpose of this guide is to be a resource for anyone who'd like a better understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The perspectives on the conflict are varied and complex; this guide is not meant contain comprehensive analysis or persuade the reader in any particular direction, but for one to gain a greater appreciation of the nuances, historical backgrounds, and cultures imbedded within the conflict that we see today.
This guide was last updated November 2nd, 2023.
Some of the editors and scholars who contributed to this Resource Guide:
Dr. Kaveh Hemmat, Assistant Professor of History
Dr. Rita George-Tvrtkovic, Professor of Theology
Dr. Theodore Foster, Assistant Professor of African American Studies
Carrie Ankeny and Carol Allen, Campus Ministry
Peggy Tomchek, Counseling Center Coordinator
Student Senate
Thank you,
Joy Matteson, University Librarian
Almost any conflict that has been waged in the 21st century has been labeled an information war, a war where the media and individuals fight for information dominance in the cultural narrative. The University Library is committed to combating misinformation, not combating people, nations, or religions currently embroiled in this conflict. We hope that the reader of this guide gains a greater understanding of the conflict and creates a lens of compassion, empathy, and kindness.
It must be stated that while University Library is not neutral, the Library firmly supports the leadership of the University in advocating for peace and nonviolence. The Library stands in solidarity with all oppressed and historically marginalized peoples, and we support the direction and leadership directives in praying for peace under our current presidential administration, led by Dr. Joseph Foy.
We also pray the prayer of peace of Pope Francis, "Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words 'division', 'hatred' and 'war' be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be 'brother', and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam!"
