Universities across North America are responding to a new thirst for knowledge and information about Israel/Palestine. In a development reminiscent of antivietnam war “teach-ins”, many are offering non credit lectures. In Ottawa, after Carleton University cancelled a popular course in response to what it called “complaints from the Jewish community”, the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine filled the gap. It is now offering its third public lecture series this November. Read more
The news from Palestine is awful. The genocide continues in Gaza, as Israel kills men, women and childen with impunity. Settlers and the IDF attack Palestinians in the West Bank attempting to carry out the annual olive harvest. The settlers feel free to attack anyone who goes to see what is happening – including western journalists!!
How to understand it all?
If you are looking for an on-line course, it would be hard to find something richer than the 6 part lecture series primarily hosted by The People’s Forum NYC featuring historian Rashid Khalidi.
However if you are in Ottawa and interested in an in-person lecture/discussion series including slides and lots of time for discussion, you might be interested in OFIP’s program this November. See announcement below. Registration will close on November 1.
Announcement
OFIP 3-part public course on Israel Palestine
November 2026 – Registration now open
Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP) is offering a 3-part course on Israel/Palestine for those who find the interminable war hard to understand. The course will try to address why the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians seems to go on forever. It will also discuss possible solutions. Each session will entail a 1-hour presentation and another hour of question/answer/discussion.
Since October 10th, 2025, launch of the Trump “ceasefire plan” the fate of the Palestinians in Gaza has almost dropped out of the news cycle, but the killing continues on a slow burn. Over the last year, Israeli bombs and drones have killed more than 1000 people, more than three a day on average, claiming its trying to wipe out Hamas. And more recently, Israel has expanded its attack on the West Bank, where Hamas is not a significant presence. Why doesn’t it end?
Agenda
Lecture 1 – What does Israel want and why does it act that way?
Israel is an unusual country. Created with the help of Western powers, it sees itself as an extension of Europe in the Middle East. Its 36-month genocidal campaign against the Palestinians in Gaza has exposed a brutal side that surprised many Canadians. We will discuss why Israel was founded, what its leaders wanted, why it is willing to be so heavy handed in the face of local and international resistance.
Lecture 2 – What does Hamas want, and why does it act that way?
Israel and Canada both characterize Hamas as a “terrorist” organization, pointing to the events of October 7th 2023 as proof. But the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians began long before Hamas was created. Why does Hamas use violence instead of negotiating with Israel? We will discuss the origins of the Palestinian resistance movement, how Hamas fits into the overall picture, what its leaders want, and why Hamas is still the most popular Palestinian political party.
Lecture 3 – What should Canada do?
Two states? One state? A confederation? Various formulas are offered up as the “best” path toward a peaceful outcome. Canada’s official position is that the two-state solution is the only route. But that is firmly rejected by both Netanyahu and 80% of Israeli society. Canada has taken some steps – including the official recognition of the State of Palestine, but that does not seem to have made much difference. We will examine what Canada has done so far and what it might do to help bring this tragedy to an end.
Lecturer: The course will be presented by Peter Larson, Chair of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine
Format: The course will consist of 3 afternoon lecture/discussions running from 2 to 4 p.m. Each session will include a presentation of about 1 hour and a question and answer/discussion for the second hour.
Time: The lectures will take place November 12, 19, and 26th
Location: Quaker House, 91A Fourth Ave, Glebe K1S 2L1
Cost: The cost is $30 for the 3 lectures.
Transportation: OC Transpo routes 6 and 7. Municipal parking is available at 103 3rd Avenue.
Registration: will be limited to 20 to permit good discussion. First come first served. Please register by e transfer to Catherine Casserly, OFIP Secretary-Treasurer ofip.finance@gmail.com
Questions? Please contact Peter Larson, Chair, Ottawa Forum on Israel Palestine and spokesperson Canadians against Genocide ofip.chair@gmail.com
