The conflict in the Middle East provokes strong emotions from all involved, whether it is millions of Palestinians and Israelis or 25 UB students on the 10th floor of Clemens Hall.
In a passionate and personal debate, two UB organizations went toe-to-toe Thursday night in defense of their respective viewpoints on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The reason for the gathering was a showing of the film "Jenin Jenin," sponsored by UB's Institute of Equity and Justice. The film is a short documentary about a 2002 incident in a Palestinian refugee camp where Israeli soldiers attacked a village, killing at least 100, including women and children.
The event is still very controversial - many Palestinians claim it was a massacre, while many Israelis say it was in retaliation for a recent terrorist attack.
"It was a powerful production," said Sami Hanna, 30, a UB student in the Graduate School of Education who moderated the post-film discussion. "It shed some light on the injustices that Israel does to the Arab people on a daily basis."
Eight members of UB's chapter of the Zionist Organization of America showed up to illuminate alleged factual errors in the movie and to defend Israel.
"It was a totally one-sided movie," said Eric Bokobza, president of the Zionist organization and sophomore business major. "Had we not been here it would have been total Israel bashing."
"The movie was kind of funny because I know what the truth is," said Donna Graham, a member of the Zionist organization and a sophomore theater major. "It's such blatant propaganda."
In the discussion, Hanna attempted to draw a distinction between his support for Judaism and rebuke of Zionism.
"What's important is to distinguish political organizations like Zionism from religious groups like Judaism," said Hanna.
Imtiaz Hossain, a member of the Institute of Equity and Justice, agreed with Hanna that the two are distinctly different.
"Most of our problem is with Zionism," said Hossain, an undecided freshman. "Although we have Jewish sympathy, Zionism has to be distinguished."
Bokobza, said Zionism and Judaism would be forever inseparable.
"Zionism is the hope for the Israeli homeland, you can't separate the two," he said.
Their disagreement on this crucial point left them seemingly incapable of reaching common ground, invoking one question: when will all the violence end?
A survivor of Jenin, who was interviewed in the documentary, said the conflict would never end until there is a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Hossain's endgame is less ambitious, but also includes the creation of a Palestinian state.
"It will end with the recognition of a viable Palestinian state where they control all their own resources," said Hossain. "Unemployment is 40 percent in Gaza, and that's because of the total economic dependence on Israel."
Representatives from the Institute of Equity and Justice said they were very pleased the Israeli supporters came to the showing. According to the Institute members, they added a much-needed dimension to the discussion.
"We need dissent for democratic debate," Hossain said. "Without the other viewpoint there is no democracy."
After all the disputed facts and heated arguments, making the silent type in the crowd obviously uncomfortable, the night ended on a positive note.
At the conclusion of the debate, refreshments were served as both sides of the argument shared handshakes, friendly smiles and casual conversation.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
