Go “Beyond Borders” with Melton: Understanding the Middle East Conflict
The Arab-Israeli conflict is complex and seems intractable. What if there were a way to get to “the bottom” of the conflict, gain a real understanding of its origins and be able to make sense of events in this turbulent region as they unfold?
Melton teacher Oren Thaler and students at the Taste of Melton “Beyond Borders” sample class held on 5 September at the Ha’Moadon Ha’Israeli (Israeli Folk Centre) in Woollahra
Sydney Emanuel School teacher, Oren Thaler, says it can be done. He’s looking forward to helping students navigate their way through this challenging topic at the “Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israel Conflict” course coming up at the Jewish Folk Centre in Woollahra on Wednesday 3 October. Offered by the highly respected Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, through the Centre of Continuing Education at the University of Sydney, the course runs for 10 Wednesday evenings 6.30 – 8.30 pm till 5 December.
Oren, an Israeli, is also a Masters student in the University’s Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, regarded as a focal point for the BDS, an anti-Israel movement in Sydney. Far from being daunted by studying in this environment, Oren sees it is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their ideas and motivations. He says: “The Arab-Israeli conflict has been going on for the last hundred years and it’s very dynamic. It is changing and evolving constantly, forcing us to rethink the way we understand the conflict and imagine its possible resolution”.
Melton courses are famous for being highly interactive. There are no pre-requisites, homework or tests. Students can expect spirited discussions and robust debates and, typically, make many new friends in the process.
Melton Director, Hilary May Black, says: “The strength of the Beyond Borders course lies in the wide variety of viewpoints and source materials considered to help students grasp the real challenges in attaining peace in the Middle East. Understanding the factual background to the conflict, in a supportive environment, really empowers students to make up their own minds, which is the essence of real learning.”
For more information about Melton in Sydney contact Melton Director Hilary May Black on 0400 435 099 or email: [email protected]
Booking for the Beyond Borders course can be made at the Centre for Continuing Education at: https://cce.sydney.edu.au/course/HAIC
