Author, son of Holocaust survivors to talk on Israel-Palestine conflict

KALAMAZOO--A well-known author and son of Holocaust survivors is coming to the Western Michigan University campus this month to share what he thinks might be a way out of the standoff between Israelis and Palestinians.

Norman Finkelstein, the author of six books, will speak about the conflict at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the North Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. His presentation, which is free and open to the public, is titled "How to Resolve the Israel-Palestine Conflict."

Finkelstein has emerged as one of the boldest Jewish voices on the issue. He is expected to address a range of issues, including how to bring about a just solution to the conflict in accordance with international law.

"Finkelstein speaks honestly and clearly about the injustices occurring in the conflict and what is necessary to bring about a just solution for everyone," says Michael Dwyer, a member of West Michigan Justice in Palestine, the WMU student group sponsoring Finkelstein's visit.

The event is cosponsored by the Kalamazoo Non-violent Opponents of War, Hope Equals and the Kalamazoo Interfaith Coalition for Peace and Justice. It will be the first talk that Finkelstein will deliver on a two-day tour of West Michigan campuses. He will also speak at 3 p.m. at Calvin College and then again at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Grand Valley State University.

West Michigan Justice in Palestine is a student organization at Western Michigan University that seeks to promote peace, reconciliation and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis through dialogue and education.