The Zionist Character of the State of Israel

The Zionist Character of the State of Israel
A free public lecture by Norton Mezvinsky
Wednesday November 23 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Telus Building Room 236
Corner of 111 Street & 87 Avenue, University of Alberta Campus
(Click here for map)

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One of the myths about Israel/Palestine is that the current situation is the result of an “ancient conflict.” But the state of Israel was only created in 1948, and it was a direct consequence of European colonial rule in the Middle East. As a political ideology, a modern interpretation of Zionism was also instrumental in the initial formation of the Israeli state and it still continues to inform the political decision making in Israel. What is Zionism and how has it affected the formation and the current character of the Israeli state? Join us for a public lecture by distinguished American historian, Norton Mezvinsky.

About the speaker:

Norton Mezvinsky is a historian. He is a Distinguished University Professor, Emeritus, Connecticut State University and is the president of the International Council for Middle East Studies, Inc., a new academic think-tank in Washington, D.C. He has written numerous published books, articles and book reviews that deal with various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and Zionism. The book, Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel, which he wrote with the Israeli scholar, Israel Shahak, has been translated and published in four languages in addition to English. His most recent publications are a lengthy biographical essay of David Ben-Gurion in the new, highly praised Encyclopedia of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, published by Lynne Reiner Publishers (2010), and a chapter essay, titled “The Christian Zionist View of Islam,” in the new book, Islam in the Eyes of the West, published by Routledge (2010). Two additional essays of his on the Jewish religious Right and Zionism are scheduled for publication in 2011. Professor Mezvinsky is currently writing a book on Christian Zionism. Professor Mezvinsky has lectured and delivered papers at conferences around the world.