FREE AND LOYAL ART THOU
William Sieghart Lecture on Middle East In February 2013, a group of A-Level History and Politics students were given the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Godolphin parent William Sieghart on the Middle Eastern Peace Process, hosted by the Current Affairs Society. The stimulating and thought-provoking lecture centred on understanding the Israel-Palestine conflict, followed by a round table discussion of the topic. The issue of the Israel-Palestine conflict is one of deep-seated political, historical and religious complexities which diplomats and academics alike have been struggling to overcome for decades. The opportunity to hear about the subject from an inside expert offered us valuable insight into what commentators have recognised as one of the biggest obstacles to peace in the Middle East. William Sieghart is a founder and Chairman of ‘Forward Thinking’, an organisation which seeks to foster the Middle East peace process through grassroots campaigns and creating dialogue between leaders of the religious and secular worlds. Recent examples of their work, which Mr Sieghart discussed during the lecture, include speaking at conferences to international leaders, meeting public officials such as Israeli parliamentarians and writing analytical articles for international press on topics such as the importance of pluralism and the effects of grassroots campaigns. Over the course of the fascinating lecture, Mr Sieghart explained the origins of the conflict, showing how it has developed over time and how the role of the international community has affected the situation. He also offered his unique perspective on the steps which should be taken in order that peace is restored to the region. The lecture, as well as the discussion which followed, provided food for thought on this challenging and topical issue. We whole-heartedly thank Mr Sieghart for what was an enjoyable and engaging lunchtime. Claudia Hyde and Molly Delaney UVI
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