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Lessons from South Africa directed at Middle East conflict
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Contact:
Heribert Adam, 604.228.8369, 250.629.6229; adam@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, media/pr, 604.291.4323
Heribert Adam, 604.228.8369, 250.629.6229; adam@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, media/pr, 604.291.4323
August 23, 2005
As the relocation of settlers in the Gaza strip and parts of the West Bank is carried out, the authors of a new book comparing struggles in South Africa and Israel suggest that a truth commission, similar to one held in South Africa, could serve well in the peace-making process in the Middle East.
SFU political sociologist Heribert Adam and UBC sociologist Kogila Moodley are the authors of Seeking Mandela: Peacemaking between Israelis and Palestinians (publication date Aug. 31, 2005). The book highlights how lessons learned from reconciliation in South Africa could diffuse the ongoing strife in the Middle East.
The authors examine the controversial analogies between the anti-apartheid struggle and the ending of the Israeli occupation of Gaza. They also look at how the political situation could have changed if a strong moral leader had emerged to negotiate peace.
While they acknowledge that anti-apartheid strategies may be counterproductive in Israel, the authors say a truth commission would set the historical record straight and establish a shared narrative about a disputed past.
Adam has published extensively on comparative ethnic conflicts and peacemaking and also teaches at the University of Cape Town. Moodley's research focus is critical multiculturalism, anti-racism education and citizenship.
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SFU political sociologist Heribert Adam and UBC sociologist Kogila Moodley are the authors of Seeking Mandela: Peacemaking between Israelis and Palestinians (publication date Aug. 31, 2005). The book highlights how lessons learned from reconciliation in South Africa could diffuse the ongoing strife in the Middle East.
The authors examine the controversial analogies between the anti-apartheid struggle and the ending of the Israeli occupation of Gaza. They also look at how the political situation could have changed if a strong moral leader had emerged to negotiate peace.
While they acknowledge that anti-apartheid strategies may be counterproductive in Israel, the authors say a truth commission would set the historical record straight and establish a shared narrative about a disputed past.
Adam has published extensively on comparative ethnic conflicts and peacemaking and also teaches at the University of Cape Town. Moodley's research focus is critical multiculturalism, anti-racism education and citizenship.
-30-