Hybrid Lecture series in the winter semester 2024/25
Mediterranean Platform with support from Anna Lindh Foundation, in cooperation with Colloquium Modern History and VW-Project "Violence in East and West"
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, discussions about Israel and Palestine in Germany have become increasingly difficult. While solidarity with Israel has been affirmed as a matter of national policy, expressions of solidarity with Palestine are often labeled as anti-Semitic. This German stance on the conflict has historical roots, especially tied to the Holocaust, which is central to Germany's memory culture. From this, German society derives a strong sense of responsibility not only toward Jewish people but also toward the state of Israel. Conversely, the impact of Israel’s establishment on the Palestinian Arab population, encapsulated by the term Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”), seems to hold less significance. Similarly, actions by Israeli governments that obstruct peaceful solutions in the Arab-Israeli conflict often receive limited attention. In German politics, media, and academia, critical voices—including Arab, Muslim, Israeli, and Jewish perspectives on the current Israeli government’s actions—are often marginalized or labeled as threats to German memory culture, or even anti-Semitic.
This lecture series aims to explore the origins and current dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict through the lens of cultural studies. Featuring internationally renowned scholars from various disciplines and countries, it seeks to clarify key concepts to foster a deeper understanding of the conflict. Instead of setting perspectives against each other or questioning the legitimacy of differing viewpoints, the series promotes openness to diverse perspectives, aiming to enhance dialogue and comprehension of the conflict’s many facets. This lecture series is a collaboration by the Mediterranean Platform and other members of the Humanities Section at the University of Konstanz, with support from the Anna Lindh Foundation and the VW Research Project “Violence in East and West.”
Online registration: Please register no later than 30 minutes before the start of the respective session.
29.10. Was ist Antisemitismus?
Peter Ullrich (Berlin) & Moshe Zuckermann (Tel Aviv)
Chair: Aleida Assmann (Konstanz)
Room: F420, Tue 17-18.30
Registration Link
12.11. What is Zionism?
Derek J. Penslar (Harvard)
Chair: Manuel Borutta (Konstanz)
Room: F420, Tue 17-18.30
Registration Link
27.11. What is Settler Colonialism?
Amahl Bishara (Tufts)
Chair: Lena Rose (Konstanz)
Room: Y 311, Wed 15:15-16:45
Registration Link
04.12. What is Mass Violence in the Middle East?
Dirk Moses (CUNY) & Laura Robson (Yale)
Chair: Pavel Kolář (Konstanz)
Room: Y 311, Wed 15:15-16:45
Registration Link
10.12. Qui sont les Palestiniens?
Maher Charif (Paris)
Chair: Daniel G. König (Konstanz)
Room: F420, Tue 17-18.30
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18.12. Where is the Holy Land?
Hillary Kaell (McGill)
Chair: Lena Rose (Konstanz)
Room: Y311, Wed 15:15-16:45
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22.01. What is the German-Israeli-Palestinian “Moral Triangle”?
Sa'ed Atshan (Swarthmore), Katharina Galor (Brown)
Chair: Sandra Rudman (Konstanz)
Room: Y 311, Wed 15:15-16:45
Registration Link
05.02. How to Rethink Israel/Palestine?
Bashir Bashir (Ra’anana/Berlin)
Chair: Wolfgang Seibel (Konstanz)
Room: Y 311, Wed 15:15-16:45
Registration Link