Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

SAFI hosts expert on Iran, Israel at U. Massachusetts
By Danielle Kahn
Massachusetts Daily Collegian, U. Massachusetts
October 23, 2008

The Student Alliance for Israel at the University of Massachusetts is hosting Ambassador Dore Gold to speak at Bartlett Hall about the Arab-Israeli peace process on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Ambassador Gold will specifically address the situation with Iran and how it will affect this process, as well as the involvement with the United States. The lecture is entitled "Facing Tomorrow: Steps Forward for Israel and the next U.S. Administration."

Ambassador Gold is the 11th permanent ambassador to the United Nations. He previously served as Foreign Policy advisor to the former Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. He also served as an advisor for Ariel Sharon and attended the Aqaba Summit with President George W. Bush.

Because Gold has previously had experience with the American government and its Middle Eastern relations, he understands some of the challenges that will be presented in the future.

"Ambassador Gold will be focusing on the role of Iran in the Middle East from an American point of view and how it will effect the upcoming election," said SAFI President Michael Feder.

There are also issues close to home that will be affected by U.S. relations with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, such as fluctuating gas prices.

"We're just hoping for people to hear different opinions from both sides, even if they disagree with them," Feder said. "We want it to be an eye-opening experience."

"It's important for students here to learn about the different issues in the Middle East, especially Israel," said junior political science major Molly Hartshorn.

"The election is in a few short weeks, and we, as students need to be as informed as possible when making our decision in the voting booths," she added

The lecture will be held Tuesday, October 28, in Bartlett Hall Room 65 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

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