(Free for the first 360 registrants under age 30)

December 2, 11 and 16
6:45-8:30 p.m.
Atlanta, GA

You are invited to a unique learning opportunity with Professor Kenneth Stein, one of the world’s leading experts on the modern Middle East and Israel. Go beyond the headlines and delve into the history of Israel. This series is ideal for learners of all ages. Preregistration with a fee is required. Sandy Springs location will be provided after registration. Virtual registrants will receive login information in the days prior to each presentation. Registered attendees, whether in person or online, will receive access to video recordings of all three sessions.

Thanks to a generous donor, CIE is offering free registration to all three sessions for the first 360 people under age 30 who sign up. Simply use the coupon code DECEMBERUNDER30 at checkout.

Session 1: Jewish Peoplehood to Sovereignty (1880-1949) December 2, 2024

The origins of Zionism, identity formation as a nation, linking people to the land and state building.

• Nation-building and identity formation
• Zionist development through immigration and land purchase
• Arab responses to Jewish state-building
• Critical turning points from the Shoah to statehood

Session 2: The Journey to Recognition (1949-2023) December 11, 2024

Why didn’t the 1949, 1967 and 1973 Wars generate peace with its Arab neighbors?

• The Middle East as Israel’s setting
• Israel’s military, demographic, and economic development
• Impact of regional wars and peace initiatives
• Sadat’s unique path to peace
• Examining elements for the elusive two-state solution

Session 3: Charting Israel’s Future December 16, 2024

Why did negotiations work in the 1970s but have a greater hill to climb in 2024? Why is peace so elusive? Where do we go from here?

• Comparing October 1973 and October 2023
• Hamas/Hezbollah – what next?
• Iran as Israel’s nemesis
• US – Israel relations in the next administration
• Domestic issues and diaspora Jewry’s role

About the instructor: Dr. Kenneth Stein is Emory University Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern History, Political Science, and Israel Studies and President of the Center for Israel Education. During his 47 years at Emory, he became one of the school’s most beloved undergraduate teachers and mentors. In leading the Center for Israel Education, he is committed to teaching Israel’s story globally. The Center has reached some 7 million users via it’s website since it began its work in 2008 of enriching knowledge of Israel across the world. 

About the series: Registered attendees will receive preparatory materials before each session. The $180 registration fee covers all three sessions and is required even if you can attend only one or two sessions. $150 of the fee may be tax-deductible as a donation to CIE.