September 15, 2004 :: No. 36

Peace Activist to Speak on Behalf of Israeli Peace Bloc

As part of the University Honors and Scholars Speaker Series at Cal State Fullerton, Adam Keller, a Jewish-Israeli peace and justice activist, will address the campus Tuesday, Sept. 21, on “Sharon’s Disengagement From Gaza Plan: Who Is He Trying to Deceive?”

The 7:30 p.m. program in the Titan Student Union is open to the public free of charge.

Keller is a spokesperson for Gush-Shalom, a grass-roots movement that opposes the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The group advocates “two states with a single future,” and supports the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

Keller is in North America for a speaking tour, including a presentation this week at a United Nations conference. The program at Cal State Fullerton will be his only appearance in Southern California.

“We invited Adam Keller here to offer his perspectives on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the role of the U.S. in that conflict,” said Stephen Simon of the university’s Philosophy Department. Simon had met Keller during a trip to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in 2003. “He offers a viewpoint on the conflict very different than that heard by most Americans.”

”As part of the University Honors and Scholars Speaker Series, we bring in speakers to discuss topics that provide insight or different perspectives on problems or dilemmas,” said Wayne Hobson, director of the University Honors Program and professor of American studies.

In addition to his work with Gush-Shalom, Keller is the editor of The Other Israel and writes regularly for The New Politics and other political journals. He has been jailed several times for refusing military service and other acts of civil disobedience.

In addition to his public lecture, Keller will meet with Cal State Fullerton students in the afternoon.