İstanbul Bilgi University is preparing to host a very important meeting. This panel aims to confront the contradictions in institutions that advocate for freedom of expression but silence Palestine's voice. These contradictions necessitate discussing a systemic issue that excludes different perspectives from global debates, diverging from mainstream narratives.
The panel, highlighting marginalized voices about Gaza, will feature a critical discussion by Izzeldin Abuelaish, Omer Bartov, Arlene Elizabeth Clemesha, and Uğur Özdemir on how mainstream narratives are shaped and shared. Through this panel, led by M. Remzi Sanver, we hope to contribute to the efforts of creating a more fair, inclusive, and peaceful world by embracing different perspectives.
We would be delighted to see you at this important event on May 7, 2024.
PROGRAM:
- 10:00-10:30 Opening speeches
- 10:30-10:50 Clarification of concepts as a means towards peace, Omer Bartov
- 10:50-11:10 Clarifications of facts as a means towards peace, Izzeldin Abuelaish
- 11:10-11:30 Coffee break
- 11:30-11:50 Going beyond the Eurocentric perspective: a look from the global South, Arlene Clemesha
- 11:50-12:10 Digital activism: global solidarity or polarization? Uğur Özdemir
- 12:10-12:40 General evaluation
The event will be held in English with simultaneous translation into Turkish.
RSVP: You can register your attendance by calling 4440428 or by sending an e-mail to info@bilgi.edu.tr
PANELISTS:
M. Remzi Sanver
Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former rector of İstanbul Bilgi University, professor of economics at Paris Dauphine University. Sanver is one of the leading figures in applying mathematics to social sciences, with over 80 articles published in international scientific journals and receiving more than 1,000 citations. He also serves as an editor for significant scientific publications in his field.
Omer Bartov
Professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University. Bartov is known for his work reevaluating the German Army's involvement in war crimes during World War II and has made significant contributions to clarifying concepts around genocide and "industrialized killing." He advocates for applying historical lessons to contemporary conflicts and assesses Israel's policies towards Palestinians in this context.
Izzeldin Abuelaish
Professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, medical doctor, and peace advocate. Born in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Abuelaish became the first Palestinian doctor to work in an Israeli hospital. Surviving a personal tragedy during the 2009 Gaza War, Abuelaish wrote about his experiences in his autobiographical book "I Shall Not Hate." Continuously contributing to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, Prof. Abuelaish founded the Daughters for Life Foundation, providing scholarships to young women from the Middle East. He has received numerous honorary degrees and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to promoting dialogue and understanding, based on the belief that health and peace are intertwined.
Arlene Clemesha
Professor of contemporary Arab history at the University of São Paulo. Clemesha has been active in international dialogues in addition to her academic work on Arab history and issues in the Middle East, serving as the Brazil representative for the United Nations International Network for Palestine from 2005 to 2015. She has also brought her academic expertise to cultural and social fields, founding the "Images from the East" film festival and regularly providing commentary on TV Cultura.
Uğur Özdemir
Professor of quantitative political science at the University of Edinburgh. Özdemir conducts research on political behavior, social psychology, populism, authoritarianism, and polarization, offering education on digital inequalities and societal identity-centered polarizations in various countries and participating in public forums. He has contributed to societal issues beyond his field of study, with reports and articles published on topics such as awareness of harassment among primary school children and the psychological traumas caused by the pandemic.