Centenary University to host inaugural lecture series honoring late history professor
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University will host a free public lecture and panel discussion Nov. 19 examining the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as part of a new annual lecture and workshop series honoring the late history professor Noah Haiduc-Dale.
The inaugural event, titled “When Did the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Begin?” will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Little Theatre in the Seay Building on the university’s Hackettstown campus. The discussion will explore how people’s understanding of a conflict can be shaped by where and when they choose to begin examining its history.
The lecture is part of a full-day workshop and lecture series established in memory of Haiduc-Dale, Ph.D., a former Centenary University history professor. The university said the annual event is intended to honor his commitment to historical inquiry, thoughtful discussion and the examination of complex issues.
The program will be led by Jonathan Gribetz, Ph.D., of Princeton University, an international expert on the history of Palestine and Israel.
“Professor Haiduc-Dale’s classroom was a space increasingly endangered in American universities: complexity, nuance, and (serious) play were not just encouraged, but nurtured,” said Robert Battistini, Ph.D., Senior Dean, School of Education and Humanities. “This workshop & lecture series strives to honor and extend Professor Haiduc-Dale’s legacy of free inquiry and the quest for knowledge, no matter how uncomfortable or difficult it may be.”
In addition to the evening lecture, Centenary University will offer workshops, discussions and text studies from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with secondary school teachers particularly encouraged to participate.
According to the university, the daytime sessions are designed to provide educators with tools to help students better understand the origins and development of Jewish and Palestinian national movements. The workshops will also explore approaches to teaching other historical events involving significant complexity.
The evening lecture and panel discussion are free and open to the public, although registration is requested. Those interested in attending can register online.
For additional information about the lecture or daytime workshops, contact Battistini at robert.battistini@centenaryuniversity.edu.
