The Olive Tree Initiative at UCI is hosting a two-week educational peace awareness program on campus.  “Debate and Dialogue: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” will feature public forums, debates and lectures aimed at raising awareness of different perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict through open and engaging dialogue.  The program will kick-off Monday, April 19, 2010 with a formal teach-in followed by a public lecture featuring John Ging, United Nations Relief and Works Agency director of operations in the Gaza field office. 

“Debate and Dialogue: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
April 19-30, 2010

All events are free and open to the public.  For questions or further information, please contact Daniel Wehrenfennig, dwehrenf@uci.edu.

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Monday, April 19, 2010
“Teach-In: Religion, Culture, Politics & War”
with Cecilia Lynch, Professor, Political Science, UCI
Daniel Brunstetter, Assistant Professor, Political Science, UCI
Paula Garb, Adjunct Associate Professor, Anthropology, UCI
Daniel Wehrenfennig, Ph.D., Director, Program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, UCI
2:00-3:30 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Emerald Bay A

“Discussing Gaza”
with John Ging, United Nations Relief and Works Agency, Gaza Field Office Director of Operations
6:00-8:00 p.m. (reception to follow)
UCI Student Center, Crystal Cove Auditorium

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
“Panel Discussion on Teaching about the Middle East”
with Roberta Seid, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, UCI
Bojan Petrovic, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, UCI
Mark Levine, Professor of History, UCI
Daniel Brunstetter, Assistant Professor, Political Science, UCI
12:30-2:00 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Doheny Beach B

 “Middle East Meet and Greet”
For UCI professors and students interested in Middle East related courses and study
5:00-6:00 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Doheny Beach B

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
“Campus Forum: Current Events in the Region”
Moderated by OTI students
1:00-2:30 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Emerald Bay A

“Olive Tree Initiative II Itinerary Panel”
with Olive Tree Initiative students who went to Israel/Palestine in September 2009
3:00-4:00 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Emerald Bay A

Thursday, April 22, 2010
“Open Mic: Share Your Views on the Conflict”
Moderated by OTI students
12:00-1:00 p.m.
UCI Flagpoles (outside Aldrich Hall Administration Building)

“Dinner Discussion and Barbeque”
7:00-9:30 p.m.
UCI Student Housing, Vista Del Campo Norte Barbeque Pits

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
“Engage with Israeli and Palestinian Students from the OneVoice Movement”
OneVoice Movement Representatives
1:00-2:30 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Emerald Bay A

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
“Discussion on Potential for Regional Peace”
with student leaders at UCI
12:30-2:00 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Balboa Island A

Thursday, April 29, 2010
“Community Forum: America’s Involvement in the Middle East”
Moderated by OTI community board
6:00-8:00 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Pacific Ballroom C

Friday, April 30, 2010
“Debate: The Next Steps on Campus & Beyond”
with UCI students interested in the Middle East
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UCI Student Center, Pacific Ballroom A

About the Olive Tree Initiative: Founded in 2007 by a diverse group of students working in association with the School of Social Sciences’ Center for Citizen Peacebuilding, the Olive Tree Initiative seeks to create open dialogue on the Israel-Palestine conflict.  Students and community members involved with the initiative travel to the Middle East to hear perspectives from Israeli and Palestinian academics, community leaders, and other figures with first-hand knowledge of the conflict. Through their journey, they seek to gain an understanding of the issues beyond the stories found in media and share their findings with the campus and Orange County community upon their return. Learn more at http://www.olivetreeinitiative.org/.