Talk by: Yariv Lapid
Moderation: María do Mar Castro Varela
The talk centers on the repercussions of the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians, emphasizing the psychological distress, ethical dilemmas, and profound inquiries into identity and accountability that have emerged on both sides of the conflict, among Israelis and Palestinians alike. The speakers emphasize that collective suffering can alter the Israeli self-perception, frequently influenced by external judgments and intricate moral debates. In comparison to historic traumas, the speaker advocates for the development of a novel narrative to address the prevailing sense of insecurity and purpose.
Yariv Lapid is a senior strategy advisor for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC, leading the conceptualization of a new research center on Holocaust and Education. He studied history in Israel and Germany, was amongst others a research fellow at Van Leer Institute and worked at Israeli NGOs dealing with social conflict. He was also the director of the Center for Humanistic Education at the Ghetto Fighters House in Israel.
The lecture series "Civil Society Engagement In Israel/Palestine: Voices Against Hopelessness" focuses on Palestinians and Israelis who are actively committed to deescalating the violence in the region. It offers a platform for voices that remain in the shadows of the conflict and addresses solidarity, memory work and dialogue in times of violence and hopelessness. The speakers will also be available to students and colleagues for exchange in seminars and workshops. The lectures will be held in English. Questions and contributions from participants can be translated into German if required.
