Scholar of note in Israel examines the "Who Owns the Holy Land?" conundrum

In a thought-provoking lecture at Rhem Library, Ilan Troen, the Director of the Israeli Studies Department at Brandeis University and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, discussed the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and proposed secular and pragmatic measures, including formal peace accords, as a means to resolve the issue.

Troen, who lost his daughter and son-in-law during attacks launched by Hamas in October 2021, sympathizes with both the Palestinians and the Jews who have inhabited the land for centuries. He believes that it is necessary to "make distance between theology and practical politics" to find a lasting solution.

The Gaza Strip, considered a "venue that is sacred to billions of the world's population" including Jews, Muslims, and Christians, has been the centre of conflict for many years. Troen stated that to erase Jews from the narrative of the Holy Land is to "re-invent a historical perspective that was not applicable a century ago."

Troen's lecture, titled "Contesting the Legitimacy of a Jewish State: Toward a Second Century of a Modern Conflict," also touched upon the British Empire's decision to erect a "Jewish state" as an attempt to renew the 1917 Balfour Declaration and address the devastating impact of the Holocaust.

In addition to his work on the Middle East conflict, Troen has written a book titled Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land? (2023).

Aside from his academic pursuits, Troen also advocated for students to take advantage of opportunities such as the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships to a select few students distinguished for their academic merit and accomplishments. Founded in 1946 and funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program is a prestigious scholarship that provides students with the opportunity to study, conduct research, and teach abroad.

Holy Cross is among the nation's top producers of Fulbright Scholars, and students can attend information sessions to learn more about these opportunities. Kate Santini '27, the Chief News Editor for the news article and News Editor in the Profiles section, is also a recipient of a Fulbright scholarship.

The Office of Study Abroad has also announced Maymester opportunities for the 2025 Spring Semester, providing students with the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture and gain valuable academic experiences.

Despite the criticism he faced from an unspecified organization during his lecture, Troen's message of peace, understanding, and academic pursuit resonated with those in attendance. His work continues to shed light on the complexities of the Middle East conflict and inspire students to seek knowledge and make a positive impact in the world.