Truman News 2010

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What Lies Ahead for Iraq?

Silver Medal for Truman Fellows

Faces of Tomorrow: Young Truman Scholars

Thinking Differently About Latin America: New Truman Research Group

Amb. William Brown Leaves Truman Post

The EU’s Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Former Israeli Ambassadors Discuss Israel and the UN

Joint Israeli-Palestinian Academic Project

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NewsThe harry S. Truman reSearch InSTITuTe for The advancemenT of Peace

Looking Back, Looking Ahead15 Years Since the Peace Treaty with Jordan article on pages 4-5

(l-r) Jacob Rosen, Israeli Ambassador to Jordan; Ali al-Ayed, Jordanian Ambassador to Israel; Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, HU President; James B. Cunningham, U.S. Ambassador to Israel; Yossi Gal, Director-General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry and William A. Brown, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and outgoing Chairman of the Truman Board.

(l-r) Amb. Ali al-Ayed and Yossi Gal (l-r) Israel Supreme Court Justice Elyakim Rubinstein with former Jordanian Minister, Amb. Prof. Munther Haddadin

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WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF IN

will the global financial crisis threaten the stability of latin america’s new democracies? scholars and social scientists from Israel, argentina, mexico, Portugal, england and the united states debated that question at a two-day Truman Institute conference, which compared the effects of the current crisis to those of the Great Depression in the 1930’s.

Conference sessions explored possible political consequences such as civil disorder and a decline in the quality of democracy, as well as potential changes in the social and cultural fabric of

society. a special session was dedicated to looking at how latin america’s Jewish communities are coping with crisis-related issues such as emigration, sudden loss of wealth and political shifts.

The event was jointly sponsored by the liwerant Center, the Truman Institute, the Davis Institute and Hebrew university’s departments of romance and latin american studies and International relations.

Is it really possible to negotiate with syria? what is the best way of responding to threatening pronouncements and political developments emanating from Iran? These key questions were explored by a delegation from search for Common Ground, an nGO which seeks to transform conflict into cooperative action, on a visit to the Truman Institute. The delegation was led by amb. samuel w. lewis, who served as Chair of the Truman Board of Governors from 1986 to 1991. Other participants included amb. william miller of the woodrow wilson Center, Tom Dine of the Israel Policy Forum and sonya reines-Djivanides of search for Common Ground.

Amb. Sam Lewis leads visit from Search for Common Ground

An international forum on the financial crisisLATIN AMERICA?

TURNING CONFLICT INTO COOPERATION

Amb. Sam Lewis (center) with the Search for Common Ground delegation and Truman Institute administration

Latin America Unit members and conference speakers

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WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR IRAQ?

EXPLORING AN OVERLOOKED REGION

WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF IN

what lies ahead for Iraq – unity or disintegration? Democracy or dictatorship? One week after Iraqis went to the polls in elections that could shape their country’s future, a three-day international conference at the Truman Institute explored the current reality in Iraq and examined the prospects for unity and rehabilitation.

The program considered Iraq’s changing relationship with the united states, the potential and pitfalls that can lie ahead as Iraq strives to rebuild its society and institutions, and possible implications for Iraq’s neighbors, Israel and the international community.

amb. ryan C. Crocker, former u.s. ambassador to Iraq, opened the conference via live video feed. Other speakers included former Israeli ambassador to Iran uri lubrani, former mossad head efraim Halevy and former ambassador David Zohar. Two journalists who cover Iraq – Dr. Zvi Bar’el, middle east commentator for Haaretz and Dr. akeel Habeeb, a commentator from arabic language television, discussed the unique role that journalism has played through the war in Iraq.

The conference was a joint effort of the Truman Institute’s Iraq research group and the Center for Iraq studies at the university of Haifa.

with fewer than five scholars in Israel currently carrying out research about southeast asia, a joint project of the Truman Institute and the national university of singapore has begun focusing well-deserved attention on this fascinating region. researchers from Israel and the sociology department of the national university of singapore came together in a workshop at the Truman Institute to explore how the study of countries including singapore, Indonesia, malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines can enrich the study of other regions. The workshop was supported by the Davis Institute and the louis Frieberg Center.

“research of southeast asian countries has provided many important concepts and theories relating to commerce, economy and politics,” explains Truman scholar nissim Otmazgin. “This program is shedding new light on a very important region, while strengthening academic ties between Israel and singapore.”

An international forum on the financial crisis

Iraqi journalists attend conference

Important lessons from Southeast Asia

LATIN AMERICA?

Amb. Ryan C. Crocker via live video feed (top) and Prof. Amnon Cohen (bottom) open the conference

(l-r) HU Prof. Emmanuel Sivan, Amb. Reuven Merhav, former Director-General of Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, former Ambassador to Iran Uri Lubrani and former Mossad head Efraim Halevy(l-r) Arabic-language TV journalist Dr. Akeel Habeeb, Haaretz

journalist Dr. Zvi Bar’el and HU Prof. Menahem Blondheim

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD:

Jordanian dignitaries at Truman15 YEARS OF PEACE WITH JORDAN

(l-r) Truman Scholar Prof. Elie Podeh, Gen. Mansour Abu Rashid of Jordan and Truman Scholar Prof. Yitzhak Reiter

(l-r) Amb. Jacob Rosen, Supreme Court Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, Amb. Ali al-Ayed and Yasser Reda, Egyptian Ambassador to Israel

(l-r) Gen. Mansour Abu Rashid, Elyakim Rubinstein, Amb. William A. Brown and Amb. Prof. Munther Haddadin

First row (l-r): Supreme Court Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, Amb. Prof. Munther Haddadin, Amb. Jacob Rosen, Amb. James B. Cunningham, Amb. Ali-al-Ayed, Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson and Amb. William A. Brown Second row (l-r): Mrs. James Cunningham, HU Rector Prof. Sarah Stroumsa, Salih Abu Tarif of the Jordan Department, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, David Govrin, Director of the Jordan Department, Kristi Roberts, aide to Amb. Cunningham and American Center Director Alex Daniels

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In two days of reminiscing, reunions and reflection, a special conference at the Truman Institute marked 15 years since the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan.

Jordan’s Prince Hassan bin Talal and the prime minister at the time of the agreement, Prof. abdel-salam majali, along with Israeli President shimon Peres – then the foreign minister – sent warm greetings to the event, which was held in cooperation with Israel’s ministry of Foreign affairs.

The past came alive as former members of the Israeli and Jordanian negotiating teams shared experiences and perspectives in a session chaired by william a. Brown, former u.s. ambassador to Israel and Chairman of the Truman Institute Board of Trustees. Israel supreme Court Justice elyakim rubinstein, who chaired Israel’s delegation to the peace negotiations, reminisced together with former Jordanian intelligence chief Gen. mansour abu rashid and amb. Prof. munther Haddadin, former Jordanian minister of water and Irrigation. The Jordanian guests came to Israel especially for the conference, along with Father nabil Haddad, executive Director of the Jordan Interfaith Coexistence research Council.

The conference also brought together the current ambassadors of the countries that were directly involved in the peace negotiations. Jordanian

ambassador to Israel, ali al-ayed and Israeli ambassador to Jordan, Jacob rosen discussed the practical effects of the peace treaty in a session chaired by u.s. ambassador to Israel, James B. Cunningham.

On the second day of the event, Truman scholars joined the Jordanian guests in lively discussions about current topics such as the holy places in Jerusalem, the status of Jerusalem and human rights issues.

The conference was made possible by the generous support of Truman Board member Dr. leonard Polonsky as an anniversary gift to his wife, Dr. Georgette Bennett, who has dedicated many years to the advancement of inter-communal understanding and peace.

15 YEARS OF PEACE WITH JORDANFather Nabil Haddad, Executive Director of the Jordan Interfaith Coexistence Research Council

(l-r) HU President Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, Amb. Ali al-Ayed and Truman Institute Academic Director Prof. Steven Kaplan

(l-r) Amb. Jacob Rosen, Amb. Ali al-Ayed and Amb. James B. Cunningham

(l-r) Amb. Yasser Reda and Amb. Ali al-Ayed

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A HALF CENTURY OF AFRICAN INDEPENDENCE

WHAT DO ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS REALLY THINK?

scholars from south africa, nigeria, england, scotland and Germany joined colleagues from the Truman Institute and Israeli universities at a conference on “Fifty Years to european Decolonization in africa,” sponsored by the Institute in cooperation with Tel aviv university and Ben-Gurion university’s africa Centre and Centre of the study of european Politics and society. The two-day event was the forum for discussions on the political, economic, environmental, geographic and religious aspects of the decolonization process, and their continuing impact on africa and europe.

The majority of Palestinians and Israelis prefer a two-state solution to the current conflict over a bi-national state or a Palestinian-Israeli confederation. This, according to a recent poll of Israelis and Palestinians conducted jointly by the Truman Institute and the Palestinian Center for Policy and survey research in ramallah. some 71% of the Israelis surveyed and 57% of the Palestinians supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The poll revealed that some 40% of Israeli settlers living in Judea and samaria support a two-state solution. However, in comparison with a poll taken on the eve of the Gaza disengagement nearly five years ago, more settlers believe that the government has no authority to decide on the evacuation of settlements in Judea and samaria. similarly, there is a rise in the number of settlers who believe that the evacuation of settlements should be resisted by any means possible.

The joint surveys were conducted with the support of the Ford Foundation Cairo office and the Konrad adenauer stiftung in ramallah and Jerusalem.

Joint surveys on current issues

A two-day international conference

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GOOD IN MODERATION

MIDDLE EAST DIRECTIONS

WHAT DO ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS REALLY THINK?

In their first joint academic venture, the Clingendael netherlands Institute for International relations in the Hague and the Truman Institute held a conference on the role of the european union in the middle east peace process after the Gaza war.

Participants including Dutch ambassador to Israel, michiel den Hond, eu ambassador ramiro Cibrian uzal, Pa chief negotiator saeb erekat and ron Pundak, Director-General of the Peres Center for Peace, discussed ways in which the european union might stem the tide of rising extremism on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides and reinvigorate efforts toward building a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

“The european union and the Dutch government are eager to help the parties overcome the hurdles that lie ahead,” emphasized Bert Koenders, minister of Development Cooperation of the netherlands, in his opening remarks. The sessions that followed addressed changes in Israeli and Palestinian politics and perceptions of the conflict and explored the potential of eu diplomatic, political and economic activity for strengthening both Israeli and Palestinian forces of moderation.

The Dutch Friends of the Hebrew university provided generous support for the conference.

The Truman Institute sponsored the closing session of the first annual conference on The middle east in Transition, a large international forum organized by the Department of Islamic and middle eastern studies at the Hebrew university with the support of the ruth and mordechai abir Foundation. The conference surveyed current trends and developments in the region. In the closing session, Knesset member and opposition leader Tzipi livni spoke about the middle east peace process, with Hebrew university President Prof. menahem Ben-sasson serving as chair and discussant.

Can the European Union stem extremism in the Middle East?

HU President Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson and Knesset Member and opposition leader Tzipi Livni

(l-r) Prof. Avraham Sela, Truman Institute and Alfred Pijpers, Clingendael Institute

(l-r) Prof. Avraham Sela, Ron Pundak, Amb. Ramiro Cibrian Uzal, and Saeb Erekat

(l-r) Moritz Tof of the Dutch Friends of HU; Truman Institute Executive Director Naama Shpeter; Amb. Michiel den Hond; Dutch Minister Bert Koenders; Truman Institute Academic Director Steven Kaplan and Amb. Yoram Shani, Coordinator of the Abba Eban Centre for Israeli Diplomacy

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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABBA EBAN

NORMAL LIFE UNDER MILITARY THREAT

Five former Israeli ambassadors discussed Israel’s complex relationship with the u.n. at a special conference organized by the Truman Institute’s abba eban Centre for Israeli Diplomacy. The event marked seven years since the passing of abba eban, Israeli statesman, legendary orator and Israel’s first ambassador to the u.n.

The conference analyzed Israel’s successes, challenges and aspirations at the u.n., beginning with a summary of the current situation by Danny ayalon, Israel’s Deputy Foreign minister. Former u.n. ambassadors Prof. Yehuda Blum, Yochanan Bein, Yoram aridor and Dr. Yehuda lankri provided an inside view as they shared their personal experiences in representing Israel.

abba eban’s widow, mrs. suzy eban and her sister, mrs. aura Herzog represented the eban family at the event.

The parallels between Israel and Korea – both living under a constant military threat to their survival, yet leading the world in technological innovation – were underscored by Korean ambassador to Israel ma Young-sam in a lecture at the Truman Institute.

“we are definitely threatened from the north. nevertheless, we believe that our daily lives should not be hampered by this kind of threat,” said amb. ma. The ambassador added that there is a greater likelihood of ending the north Korean nuclear threat through international pressure than ending the threat from Iran.

Ambassadors discuss Israel and the UN

Korean ambassador compares Israel and Korea

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson and Amb. Carmi Gillon

Former Israeli ambassadors to the UN: (l-r) Dr. Yehuda Lankri, Yoram Aridor, Yochanan Bein and Prof. Yehuda Blum with Amb. Carmi Gillon, HU Vice President for External Relations

(l-r) Amb. Yochanan Bein, Prof. Yehuda Blum, Dr. Yehuda Lankri, Amb. Carmi Gillon, Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, Mrs. Suzy Eban, Mrs. Aura Herzog, Amb. Yoram Aridor, Prof. Steven Kaplan and Amb. Yoram Shani

Korean Ambassador to Israel Ma Young-Sam with HU students

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PEACE WITH SYRIA: OPPORTUNITY OR IMPOSSIBILITY?

Planned when the topic was more theoretical than realistic, a seminar about the syrian-Israeli peace process took on new meaning in light of recent developments. Guest speakers who explored the obstacles, risks and options of peace talks between Israeli and syria included Gen. uri sagi, Israel’s chief negotiator during the time of Hafez al-assad, and Gen. amnon lipkin-shahak, who served as IDF Chief-of-staff during the negotiations with syria.

General shahak discussed his meetings with his syrian counterpart, and Gen. sagi stated that the line of sovereignty – rather than issues of security or water – is the main obstacle to a peace agreement. Truman scholar moshe ma’oz, author of a biography on Hafez assad, examined the obstacles and opportunities for peace. Truman scholar Yigal Kipnis emphasized that the gap between memory and history regarding Israel-syria relations and the Golan Heights is also a barrier to normalized relations between the two countries.

The seminar took place with the support of Konrad adenauer stiftung in Israel.

LISTENING TO ONE ANOTHER

Dialogue - a critical part of all peace efforts – can begin on a very personal level, even in a situation as sensitive as the middle east crisis. That was the message of a three-day workshop, which enabled 15 young Palestinian and Israeli academics to exchange personal and nationalistic views in order to gain a deeper understanding of one another. The extraordinary event was a joint project of the German Development service, the Palestinian nGO PrIme in Bethlehem, Konrad adenauer stiftung ramallah and the Truman Institute.

as they spent three entire days and two nights together, the participants – master and Ph.D. students from four Palestinian universities and young Truman researchers – all worked to create a constructive and respectful atmosphere. Guided by Dr. sami adwan of PrIme and Dr. maya Kahanoff on behalf of the Truman Institute, they described how they define their own identities and how their personal stories relate to their national identities, and engaged in mutual analysis of their narratives.

Despite the broad differences between the groups, personal bonds were formed and all participants expressed the desire to continue their discussion. a second three-day workshop was held in may to continue sowing these exceptional seeds of peace.

Military experts discuss the possibilities and pitfalls of peace talks

Young Palestinian and Israeli academics build bridges through dialogue

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A GREAT EXPERIENCE – IN ANY LANGUAGE

“The arabic language Program was the best study holiday!” enthused Yulia repina, a participant in the second annual arabic language Program for russian students at the Truman Institute. “what a wonderful opportunity to ‘feel’ the situation from the inside!”

Yulia’s enthusiasm for the two-week seminar was echoed by the other participants in the program, all students from st. Petersburg state university who came to supplement their

university arabic studies while learning about the cultural and social aspects of the region. after daily morning arabic classes, afternoons were devoted to lectures and discussions with Hebrew university and Truman scholars on middle east-related topics including Israeli and arab society and religions, regional politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The lectures were splendid and the arabic lessons provided wonderful knowledge of the Jerusalem arabic dialect,” said anvar Osmanov, another participant. “The seminar was very interesting and worthwhile and filled with unforgettable moments.”

The two-week program took place in cooperation with the russian Friends of the Hebrew university.

ONE GENDER, MANY IDENTITIES“Both Jews and muslims define themselves and each other by how they relate to women,” says Prof. ruth roded, coordinator of the “Gendered Other” research group at the Truman Institute. “so gender provides an especially interesting focus for research about the stereotypes that muslims and Jews have about themselves and each other.”

after devoting last year to the study of Islamic and Jewish religious feminism, the group is now researching multiple identities, such as the intersection of gender, religion and nationality, and how they work – or don’t work - together. while conducting their own individual research on topics ranging from north african Jewish women in Jerusalem in the late 19th

Century to Palestinian women in Israel today, group members have been meeting each month to discuss different theories of identity and their relevance to their own specific topics. among the theoreticians considered were Julia Kristeva and nira Yuval Davis. Concepts included intersectionality and “belonging,” as well as methods of narrative analysis. “Over the coming months, each of us will present how we have applied some of these ideas to our own research,” roded explains.

Intensive Arabic lessons for Russian students

Jews, Muslims and stereotypes

Arabic Language Seminar participants with Prof. Tigran Tumanyan of St. Petersburg State University and Iris Ziv of HU’s Israel and Russia Desk (left) and Truman Institute Directors Naama Shpeter and Prof. Steven Kaplan

Hostesses of the Saudi national TV program “Mukasarat”

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SILVER MEDAL FOR TRUMAN FELLOWS

The washington Institute for near east Policy awarded its silver medal Book Prize to Truman Fellows Dr. Isabella Ginor and Gideon remez at the organization’s annual Founders’ Conference. Ginor and remez won the prestigious $15,000 prize for their book, Foxbats Over Dimona:The Soviets’ Nuclear Gamble in the Six-Day War (Yale university Press), which sheds new light on the soviet military role in the arab-Israeli conflict.

¡HOLA ISRAEL!reporters, media personalities and communications experts from Brazil, argentina, Chile, mexico and Panama experienced Israel with all their senses on “abre la Puerta,” a 10-day introduction to Israel organized by the Truman Institute. although they report about Israel on a daily basis, most seminar participants had never visited the country. with a program that combined lectures, visits to historical sites, middle eastern cuisine and Jerusalem nightlife, the seminar helped participants develop a personal perspective on Israel and the middle east situation that will inform and enhance their reporting back home. The conference was organized in cooperation with the latin america, spain and Portugal Division for external relations at the Hebrew university.

Intensive Arabic lessons for Russian students

Honors for Ginor and Remez

Introducing Israel to Latin American journalists

Gideon Remez and Dr. Isabella Ginor (far right) receive the Silver Medal Book Award


NEW FACES AT THE TRUMAN INSTITUTE

MEET OUR YOUNG SCHOLARS

six young scholars from very different backgrounds are infusing energy and new outlooks into life at the Truman Institute as they enjoy being part of a vibrant, multi-disciplinary and very friendly environment. “It is really a pleasure to be here, interacting with others and broadening my perspectives,” says Finnish researcher Daniela Persin, echoing the sentiments of her fellow scholars.

Afnan Masawrah-Srour, who is working on a Ph.D. in the sociology of education, divides her time between Jerusalem, where she lives and studies, and the al-Qasemi College of education in her hometown, Baka al-Gharbia, where she teaches. afnan’s research topic is the muslim woman’s encounter with knowledge, focusing on women in east Jerusalem who are studying in various frameworks. “some of these women have finished high school, and some have not,” she says. “I am looking at how their current studies influence their standing in their families and in their society.”

Dr. Ran Shauli’s interest in Chinese culture was first sparked by a Hebrew poem called “In the land of China” that he read as a child. a post-army trip through China turned into a year-long stay and a subsequent academic career in Chinese studies. ran’s doctoral thesis explored the memory of Chinese massacres in Diaspora. “unlike some cultures which commemorate their collective suffering, diasporic Chinese do not see victimhood as an important part of their identity,” he says. ran’s current research, which focuses on malaya’s (contemporary malaysia) transition to independence, has revealed many parallels to the decolonization of British Palestine.

Dr. Ran Shauli


Dr. Helena Grinshpun also traces her research topics to her childhood. Helena, who was born in the former ussr and moved to Israel at age 14, says that her interest in Japan was sparked by growing up in a country with a strong interest in Japanese culture. “I was surrounded by books about Japan,” she notes. after spending five years in Kyoto, where she received her Ph.D. in anthropology (her research focused on the consumption of global brands in modern Japan), Helena is now studying the connection between consumption and urban public space in Japan. “I’m looking at how new public spaces are being designed and utilized to correspond with the constantly-changing consumer culture,” she explains.

Dr. Yusri Hazran “commutes” to the Truman Institute from his home in the Galilee village of Yarka, where he grew up. His dissertation focused on the Druze community in lebanon which differs in many ways from the Druze in Israel. now in the process of publishing that research as a book, Yusri is working on two other research projects: intermarriage among the arab elites and the social origins of sectarianism in the arab middle east. surprisingly, says Yusri, political sectarianism in the region, which encompasses Iraq, lebanon, egypt and syria, is not based on religion. “It is deeply rooted in the behavior of the political and social elite,” he reveals.

Daniela Persin was involved in promoting trade between Israel and Finland before she left Finnish high-tech to pursue a Ph.D. in international relations at the Hebrew university. “I am focusing on how the service industry can bring economic growth to developing countries,” she says. Daniela is studying the political economy on how service workers are allowed to move across borders to fulfill contracts. “This is a highly-sensitive issue in multi-lateral negotiations, because it touches on both trade and immigration,” she explains. although Daniela will move onwards from Israel this coming summer, she promises that she will be back soon. “For me, Israel is home,” she says with a smile.

Dr. Silvina Schammah Gesser, who grew up in argentina and has lived in Israel since 1985, is pursuing a research project with roots in her childhood. The granddaughter of four immigrants who came to argentina from syria, silvina is exploring the participation of second and third generation migrants of different religions in political and cultural activities in argentina. “I’m examining the extent to which ‘becoming argentinian’ serves as a platform for bringing together Jews, Christians and muslims whose parents and grandparents originated in the middle east,” she explains. silvina notes that her research fits into two of the Truman Institute’s research units – latin america and the middle east. “This place puts it all together for me,” she says.

Dr. Helena Grinshpun

Dr. Yusri Hazran

Daniela Persin

Dr. Silvina Schammah Gesser


THINKING DIFFERENTLY

In his native Cuba, Eduardo Torres once wrote a poem about Jerusalem – but little did he know that he would end up studying and working here. eduardo’s life changed forever nearly seven years ago when he met – and fell head over heels in love with – an Israeli student who took a history course he was teaching at the Jose marti studies Center in Havana. He came back to Israel, converted to Judaism and married her. “I didn’t convert ‘from’ anything, as there is no religion in Cuba,” eduardo clarifies. Today, living blissfully in the city of modiin and completely fluent in Hebrew, eduardo is researching the search for identity among other converts from latin america: communities of Indians from Peru and elsewhere who have become Jewish and settled in Israel.

Deby Babis, who grew up in argentina, has lived and studied in Israel ever since coming to study for her B.a. at the Hebrew university in 1992. now pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology, Deby is researching the phenomenon of voluntary immigrant organizations and carrying out a case study on the Organization

of latin american Immigrants in Israel. within the framework of the Indigenous People research group, she is studying how voluntary “Indian” organizations in latin america express their “otherness” on their websites. “In the past, the ‘otherness’ of these indigenous people was shaped only through the eyes of outsiders,” Deby comments. “But today, the Internet provides them with a new technological setting for presenting themselves to the world.”

Dr. Amnon Nir first became interested in the history of pre-Columbian america when he traveled through south america after completing his service in the Israeli army. His doctoral dissertation focused on reconstructing Incan history based on oral traditions recorded in spanish, as the Incas left no written sources. For his current research, amnon is studying the indigenous “Other” during the Incan period. “I’m looking at how the Incas related to other Indian ethnic groups during the 15th and 16th century,” he explains.

ABOUT LATIN AMERICA:

These young researchers are all exploring topics related to the perception of the indigenous people of latin america as “Others” – from historical, sociological and cultural perspectives. “so much academic research is conducted alone,” muses group member Dr. amnon nir. “Being part of a community really energizes our work. academia should always be like this - sharing information and experiences with others.”

THE “GRAMMAR OF OTHERNESS” RESEARCH GROUPEduardo Torres

Deby Babis

Dr. Amnon Nir


Limor Mintz-Manor focuses on the 16th and 17th centuries as she analyzes the representation of the new world and its indigenous populations in european Jewish works from this period. “In 16th century Italy, these were mostly translations of travel literature and scientific knowledge, with annotations and additions for the Jewish audience by sephardic and Italian Jews who were interested in the scientific and geographical explorations,” she explains. “But from the 17th century onward, mostly in the sephardic congregations in Holland and england, works dealing with the new world were shaped by the ongoing religious and cultural dialogue between Jews and Christians, as well as by new information - including firsthand reports from members of the community who visited the colonies and their new Jewish communities, as well as those who were involved in transatlantic commerce.”

Assaf Ashkenazi has studied literature from the Golden age of spain and translated a few works of Cervantes into Hebrew. now, working towards his Ph.D. on the translation of literary works from spanish to Hebrew during the 16th and 17th centuries, he is researching the indigenous people of latin america from a combined literary-translation perspective. “a few works of non-Jewish literature were translated for Jews who wanted to read spanish literature,” assaf explains. “I’m exploring why they were translated, and what kind of literary changes the translations brought about in the format of the texts.” He notes that one of the texts he is working with is a spanish chronicle from the 16th century about the new world, which was translated into Hebrew and focused largely on the Indians.

Mauricio Dimant, now in his second year as a Truman scholar, is also a member of this research group.

ABOUT LATIN AMERICA: THE “GRAMMAR OF OTHERNESS” RESEARCH GROUP

Limor Mintz-Manor

Assaf Ashkenazi


A POSITION ENDS, BUT FRIENDSHIP WILL ALWAYS REMAIN

an 18-year era at the Truman Institute is coming to a close as amb. william a. Brown completes his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. with the same dedication that characterized his career as a united states diplomat, Bill Brown has been a vibrant force in steering the Truman Board. He is directly responsible for advancing the standing and activities of the Institute and for its many successes.

since retiring from government in the early 1990’s, Bill has been closely affiliated with Hebrew university, serving first as a board member of the american Friends of the university and currently as Vice President. He became Chairman of the Truman Board in 1992, taking leave for several months when he was brought out of retirement to head the u.s. embassy in Israel, and returning to the Institute – and his retirement – in early 1994. Through the years, he has been more “hands-on” than any other chairman in representing the Institute’s quest for peace.

It is little wonder that Bill Brown has earned the admiration and affection of the entire Board and staff of the Institute and the university as a whole. as we bid him a fond farewell, we look forward to many years of continued friendship and dedication to the common goal of peace!

“when I arrived from Taiwan in 1979, I knew nothing about Israel beyond what one read in the media. The times were hectic as they always are; Israel was having withdrawal pains over leaving the sinai; the PlO was intensifying terrorist attacks against Israeli civilian targets along the lebanese border; the peace with egypt was already cooling and the egyptian-Israeli talks about local autonomy for the Palestinians were going nowhere. meanwhile the us was constructing two large Israeli airbases in the negev, negotiating oil delivery guarantees for Israel and otherwise struggling to ensure that the terms of Camp David were fulfilled by all sides. On top of this, President Carter was facing a strong challenger, ronald reagan in the approaching presidential election, and the labour Party was seeking to replace Prime minister menachem Begins’ coalition government, so the political atmosphere was rapidly heating up.

“In these circumstances I had to learn a lot rapidly. ambassador sam lewis recommended that I visit the Hebrew university, especially the Truman Institute. Then and there began the wonderful relationship I’ve had ever since. Having just come from asia, I was pleasantly surprised at Truman’s strength on asian and african affairs, but what really grabbed me were the various Truman insights into achieving peace in the middle east and particularly the relationship Truman was quietly developing with the Palestinian intelligentsia.

“when I returned to Israel as ambassador in late 1988, I could see that investment beginning to pay off. There were ups and downs in this relationship as the peace process faded when the Intifada exploded, reemerged after Gulf war and the dramatic madrid Peace Conference, briefly flourished following the Oslo agreement and collapsed after rabin’s assassination, the second Intifada, the Hamas takeover of Gaza and the strong Israeli reaction to Hamas terrorist attacks.

“However, the relationship has survived these shocks and there have been some positive side effects on other fronts. For example, with the generous support of leonard Polonsky and Georgette Bennett, the Truman Institute recently hosted a symposium on Israeli –Jordanian relations. notwithstanding amman’s strong sensitivity over clashes on the Temple mount between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protestors, a prestigious Jordanian delegation led by a former minister participated in frank, wholesome exchanges.

“To sum up, the Truman Institute has been a very important asset to the Hebrew university, to Israel’s image in the face of heavy international criticism, and to the cause of peace. It deserves all the support it can get—and more.

“I’m deeply grateful for my long association with the Truman Institute. I wish the new Truman team continued success in this noble endeavor of advancing peace.”

In his own words

Amb. William Brown leaves Chairman's post

(l-r) Amb. William A. Brown, Gen. Colin Powell and former HU President Prof. Menachem Magidor at the Truman Peace Prize event in 2007


CONGRATULATIONS TOA MOST DESERVING RECIPIENT!

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW CHAIRMAN – AMBASSADOR MOSHE ARAD

Ira lee sorkin - attorney, Honorary Chairman of the american Friends of Hebrew university and dedicated member of the Truman Institute Board – has been presented with a well-deserved Honorary Doctorate from the university. The degree acknowledges Ike’s long-time dedication to the Hebrew university, writes its President, Prof. menahem Ben-sasson, telling the honoree that, “you have generously contributed toward improving the quality of life for our students, generated major support for the university and contributed greatly to its achievements.”

Ike’s new degree is the culmination of an “education” that began in 1996, when he was honored with the aFHu Torch of learning, an award given to lawyers. “at the time, I knew nothing about Hebrew university,” Ike admits, adding that he has learned a tremendous amount since then, as President of the new York regional Board, national President and Chairman of the Board of aFHu.

“In the last 10 years, I have been to Israel approximately 27 times, all in support of Hebrew university,” relates Ike. “I have gotten to know extraordinary people, doing extraordinary work, all for the benefit of an extraordinary country and the world at large. It has been an experience that will last a lifetime.”

while his strong commitment to aFHu and Hebrew university is felt at every level of the institution, Ike has a special relationship with the Truman Institute. “I take particular delight in being a member of the Truman Institute board,” he says. “The work the Institute does in building bridges between Israel and its neighbors - in what we all know is a very volatile part of the world - is critical to bringing stability and peace to this region. we should also not forget the important work of the Institute in reaching out and working with many other countries, as well as toward finding common ground and sharing common interests.”

ambassador moshe arad, who has served as Israel’s ambassador to the u.s. and mexico, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Truman Institute, succeeding ambassador william a. Brown. He is the first Israeli to become head of the Truman board.

a former Vice President for external relations of the Hebrew university, arad - an alumnus of the university – is a member of its Board of Governors.

In addition to serving on the executive committees of organizations including the mandel Institute in Jerusalem, the Israel Center for excellence in education and the Israeli branch of the anti-Defamation league, moshe arad has been a board member of numerous Israeli corporations and enterprises. we wish him much success in all his endeavors at the Truman Institute.

Truman Board member receives honorary degree

Former Ambassador Arad to lead Truman Institute Board


IRAN AND NORTH KOREA:

as China bolsters its diplomatic interests – pursuing energy routes in Iran and positioning north Korea as a buffer between China and u.s. troops in the Pacific – Iran and north Korea benefit as well. This according to Dr. Christina lin, a research analyst with the Jamestown Foundation and Jane’s Information Group, at a presentation on the strategic alliance between the three countries. The event was co-hosted by the middle east and asia units of the Truman Institute, together with the Hebrew university’s Institute of asian and african studies and the louis Frieberg Center.

Dr. lin explained that Iran has provided north Korea with alternative sites for developing its nuclear programs, allowing north Korea to sidestep its commitments to curtailing these projects. In return, Iran has received both technology and political backing. “China is the Great wall blocking the path towards sanctions and peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear crisis and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” Dr. lin declared.

FÉLICITATIONS!

The Truman Institute extends congratulations and best wishes to simone Veil, recipient of the first Truman Peace Prize in 1991, on her election to the academie Francaise. Veil is a former French minister and past president of the european Parliament.

The threat of nuclear weapons

A milestone for Simone Veil

IN MEMORIAM: DR. DAVID KIMCHERemembering a treasured board member

The Truman Institute mourns the loss of Dr. David Kimche, a dedicated member of its Board of Trustees. a former director general of the Israeli Foreign ministry and one of Israel’s top diplomats, Dave was a founding father of the mossad whose three decades of intelligence work could fill the chapters of a classic spy thriller. He contributed enormously to the Institute’s programs and activities through his extensive contacts with the Palestinians and the arab countries surrounding Israel. Dave’s indelible memory and legacy will remain with us and continue to guide the Truman Institute in its future endeavors.

THE CHINA CONNECTION


ERITREAN ERUDITION

SPEAKING THE SAME LANGUAGE

eritrean ambassador Tesfamariam Tekeste discussed his country’s history and the diplomatic situation in the volatile Horn of africa with Truman Institute academic Director Prof. steven Kaplan, africa unit head Dr. Hagar salamon, amb. Yoram shani, Director of the abba eban Centre for Israeli Diplomacy and amb. Dr. arye Oded, who has represented Israel in several african countries. ambassador Tesfamariam Tekeste provided first-hand testimony about eritrea’s long struggle for its independence, which it achieved in 1993, and analyzed his country’s often difficult relations with its neighbors.

ambassador of the republic of macedonia to Israel, mr. Pajo avirovik, displayed his excellent command of spoken Hebrew in his conversations with Truman Institute directors during a recent visit. amb. avirovik discussed the idea of cooperation between the Truman Institute and universities in macedonia, and raised the possibility of a visit from his country’s foreign minister to Israel.

DIPLOMATS IN TRAININGnine young men and women, who are likely to be representing russia in foreign-service positions across the middle east someday soon, participated in a week-long seminar at the Truman Institute aimed at preparing university students from russia for a diplomatic career. This year, for the first time, two students from the Caucasus region attended the seminar, which was organized by the Institute and the abba eban Centre for Israel Diplomacy, in cooperation with the russian Friends of the Hebrew university.

Together with directors of the Truman Institute, the abba eban Centre and the Hebrew university, russian Friends director Dr. anna simonova welcomed the students, emphasizing that the seminar would enable them to experience and witness the political situation in Israel and the middle east on a firsthand basis. anastasia Fyodorov, press attaché at the russian embassy in Israel, shared some of her own experiences and described how each day in Israel is culturally and politically broadening.

A visit by the Ambassador

Young Russians prepare for foreign service

Participants of the Young Russian Diplomats Seminar with Anastasia Fyodorov and Amb.Yoram Shani (far left), Truman Institute Academic Director Prof. Steven Kaplan, (center) and Dr. Anna Simonova (far right)

(l-r) Amb. Yoram Shani and Amb. Pajo Avirovik

(l-r) Amb. Yoram Shani, Prof. Steven Kaplan, Amb. Tesfamariam Tekeste, Dr. Hagar Salamon and Dr. Arye Oded


Palestinian and Israeli Public Opinion: The Public Imperative in the Second IntifadaBy Jacob Shamir and Khalil Shikaki

since 2000, Jacob shamir and Khalil shikaki have directed joint surveys among Israelis and Palestinians, providing a rare opportunity for examining public opinion on two sides of an intractable conflict. adopting a two-level game theory approach, the researchers argue that public opinion is a multifaceted phenomenon and a critical player in international politics. They examine how the Israeli and Palestinian publics’ assessments, expectations, mutual perceptions and misperceptions, and overt political action fed into domestic policy formation and international negotiation, from the failure of the 2000 Camp David summit through the second Intifada and the elections of 2006. The book concludes with a discussion of the study’s implications for policymaking and strategic framing of future peace agreements.

THE TRUMAN SHELVES: NEW BOOKS BY TRUMAN SCHOLARS

THE CHANGING FACE OF JAKARTAJakarta, the capital of Indonesia, has had many faces in its long, complex history. In an asia unit lecture, Truman scholar Dr. Giora eliraz shared a panoramic view of the architectural scene in Jakarta, focusing on some political and social aspects. He said that the authoritarian regime, which ruled for years in independent Indonesia until 1998, delivered – through architectural elements – a comprehensive message of dominant control, solid territorial unity, national unity and ambition for economic and technological development. Giora noted that this same city has played a very significant role in the transition of Indonesia, home to the world’s largest muslim community, into a democracy – the third largest in the world. “I assume that this new socio-political reality of Indonesia will further imprint itself on the appearance of Jakarta,” he predicted.



The Mountain that was as a Monster: The Golan Between Syria and IsraelBy Yigal Kipnis

The story of the Golan and its position between Israel and syria has been interwoven into the political experience of the two states, exposing a gap between memory and history. while the retelling of history ultimately depends upon accepted methods and rules of research, memory is personal, subject to distortion and dependent on its agents. In Israel, where public opinion sways the decisions of leaders, the gap between memory and history directly influences the political process. Thus, in order to reach a peace agreement with syria, the Israeli public must recognize this gap, and evaluate the process in a serious manner, with careful consideration based on the facts and as detached as possible from the emotions that are evoked.

Muslim Attitudes to Jews and IsraelBy Moshe Ma’oz

while anti-semitism is the credo of fanatic groups and regimes, it is not representative of traditional and contemporary Islam. For centuries, muslim attitudes to Jews were ambivalent: rejection and antagonism alongside tolerance and cooperation. In fact, Jews fared much better under Islam than under Christianity. a similar pattern of relations has developed over the last several decades between muslim nations and the Jewish state: hostility and violence, mostly by muslim arabs, but also dialogue and cooperation with many other muslims. In this volume, muslim and Jewish scholars analyze the religious, cultural, political and economic factors that have shaped muslim attitudes to Jews and Israel and offer suggestions for improving muslim–Jewish relations.

Preparing the Mothers of Tomorrow: Education and Islam in Mandate Palestine By Ela Greenberg

The first study to examine the education of muslim girls in Palestine from the end of the Ottoman administration through British colonial rule, this book shows that members of all socioeconomic classes understood the potential of girls’ education in preparing the “mothers of tomorrow” who would raise nationalist and modern children. utilizing extensive archival sources, official reports, the Palestinian arabic press, and interviews, Greenberg reveals how muslims, often portrayed as indifferent to girls’ education, actually responded to the inadequacies of government education by sending their daughters to missionary schools - despite religious tensions - or by creating their own private nationalist institutions.



The Politics of Exile in Latin AmericaBy Mario Sznajder and Luis Roniger

This work provides the first systematic analysis of, and long-term perspective on latin american exile on a continental and trans-national basis. It traces variations in the intensity of exile among different expelling and receiving countries; across different periods; with different paths of exile, both elite and massive; and under authoritarian and democratic contexts. The project integrates theoretical insights and empirical findings, analyzing the importance of exile as a recent and contemporary phenomenon, while reaching back to its origins and phases of development. It also addresses presidential exile, the formation of latin american communities of exiles worldwide, and the role of exiles in shaping the collective identities of these countries.

Shadows of War: A Social History of Silence in the Twentieth CenturyEdited by Efrat Ben-Ze’ev, Ruth Ginio and Jay Winter

silence lies between forgetting and remembering. This book explores the ways in which different societies have constructed silences that enable people to survive and make sense of the catastrophic consequences of armed conflict. These essays examine the silences that have followed violence in twentieth-century europe, the middle east and africa and show that silence is a powerful language of remembrance and commemoration; a cultural practice with its own rules. Bringing together scholarship on varied practices in different cultures, this book breaks new ground in the vast literature on memory, and opens up new avenues of reflection and research on the lingering aftermath of war.

Iran – Anatomy of RevolutionEdited by David Menashri and Liora Hendelman-Baavur

Three decades after the Iranian revolution, research carried out by Israeli scholars follows and analyzes different means used by the Iranian theocratic regime to translate Islamic-shiite ideology and its revolutionary vision into political and social policy and practices. The essays in this volume focus on the domestic policies in Iran and the challenges they face. stressing that the Iranian confrontation can not be sufficiently understood without a meticulous examination of the country’s internal dynamics, the authors attempt to open a small window towards a better understanding of the important and less commonplace aspects of revolutionary Iran.


Good ArabsBy Hillel Cohen

with information gleaned from top-secret files of the Israeli police and the prime minister’s office, Hillel Cohen exposes the full extent of the crucial - and previously hidden - history of Palestinian collaboration with Israel after the war of Independence. Bringing together the stories of activists, mukhtars, collaborators, teachers, and sheikhs, Cohen reveals how Israeli security agencies penetrated arab communities to obtain collaboration, arab resistance to it and its strong influence on daily life. a bestseller in Hebrew, this book has revived bitter memories and triggered intense discussions among Palestinians in Israel and prompted the reclassification of many documents Cohen viewed while uncovering the story.

Architecture of Collective Memory: Remembering the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Kibbutz Yad-Mordechai 1943-1951By Koby Peled

Through interviews, archival work and the analysis of art and architecture, this book examines the commemoration of mordechai anielewicz, leader of the warsaw Ghetto uprising, particularly at Kibbutz Yad mordechai. It explores how the warsaw uprising is intertwined with the kibbutz’s dramatic role in Israel’s war of Independence. at the heart of this book is an analysis of the complex relations between the powerful - but often unexpressed - memory of the Holocaust and the manner in which the kibbutz honors its members who lost their lives in battle.

The Study of Tavsili According to the Book of GenesisBy Reuven Enoch

This book is the product of eight year’s research on the linguistic characteristics of the ancient Georgian Jews’ translation of the Torah. It is based on the translation of the book of Genesis previously published by Dr. enoch in the eda Velashon series. Both the text itself and this study are pioneering works. among the interesting linguistic features of the translation are archaic terms which are found in neither the old Georgian translations nor the Jewish Georgian dialect of today.

Truman Institute statistics:Founded in 1965since its establishment:more than 500 research fellowsmore than 2,000 research projects

at present:76 research fellows6 research groups and projects4 regional research unitsan average of 100 lectures, seminars and conferences per yearGoverning Body

Chairman: Ambassador William A. Brown (Outgoing)

Chairman: Ambassador Moshe Arad (Incoming)

Academic Director: Prof. Steven Kaplan

Executive Director: Naama Shpeter

Board of TrusteesProf. Menahem Ben-Sasson, President, HU

Prof. Gershon Ben-Shakhar

Ernest Bogen

Stanley M. Bogen

Alan Fiske

Daniel Furman

Dr. Susan A. Gitelson

Lawrence E. Glick

Dan Halperin

Martin Karlinsky, President AFHU

Isaac Kaye

Harvey M. Krueger

Michael Kurtz

Barbara Mandel

Lee I. Miller

Dan Offer

Dr. Leonard Polonsky

George A. Schieren

Jerold S. Solovy

Ira Lee Sorkin

Prof. Sarah Stroumsa, Rector, HU

Harry Van den Bergh

Honorary Members of the Board of TrusteesSamuel Rothberg*, Honorary Chairman

Senator Rudolph Eli (Rudy) Boschwitz

Senator Daniel K. Inouye

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg

Todd S. Lundy

Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum*

Senator Daniel P. Moynihan*

Senator Arlen Specter

Governor Pete Wilson

*deceased

Academic CommitteeProf. Avraham Sela, Chairman

Prof. Roni Ellenblum

Dr. Meir Hatina

Prof. Steven Kaplan, Academic Director

Prof. Sarah Stroumsa, Rector, HU

Prof. Mario Sznajder

Prof. Alfred Tobias

Dr. Lihi Yariv-Laor

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2 0 0 8NewsThe harry S. Truman reSearch InSTITuTe

for The advancemenT of Peace

General Editor: Naama ShpeterLanguage Editor: Bracha OsofskyPublications Coordinator: Jill TwerskyDesign: www.JanisDesign.netPhotography: Sasson Tiram

The Harry S. Truman Research InstituteFor the Advancement of PeaceThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem 91905, IsraelTel: 972-2-5882300 Fax: 972-2-5828076E-mail: [email protected]: http://truman.huji.ac.il

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Truman News 2010