While I would like to commend the Stand With Israel student group, I would first recommend any number of classes here at SU offered by the Jewish Studies Program and/or the Middle Eastern Studies Program.

Taught by professors in departments including History, Political Science and Religion, these offer more in-depth and complex approaches to the tangle of histories, languages, literatures, politics and religions of Israel, Palestine and the larger Middle East. Whether one supports Israel or opposes Israel or remains simply indifferent towards it and its conflict with the Palestinian people, as members of a university community it behooves all of us to avoid ready-made slogans in favor of better information, critical analysis and open debate.

Zachary Braiterman
Professor, Department of Religion
Director, Jewish Studies Program