ECC hosts Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event on Nov. 9

Elgin Community College is hosting a Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series event titled "Understanding Conflict: Israel and Palestine. How Did We Get Here?" on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

This series is sponsored by the ECC Global/International Studies Taskforce (GIST). This virtual event is free and open to the public, and people can join via Zoom.

The presentation will explore the historical context surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the relationship between the two parties since 1948.

Leading the discussion is ECC's Vincent Gaddis, PhD, professor of history. Gaddis will examine how this context played a role in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli response.

"The goal of the Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series is to promote critical thought about the state of global affairs and further our understanding of the world," said Lauren Nehlsen, PhD, associate dean of recruitment and outreach services and global engagement. "The conflict in Israel and Palestine is a complex and multifaceted issue with profound historical, humanitarian, and global significance. By bringing this discussion to the community, we hope to contribute to informed citizenship and foster understanding of the struggles and perspectives of both sides."

The Bill Pelz Global Speaker Series was named in memory of the late William Pelz, PhD, who taught history and political science at ECC for more than 19 years. The event will be facilitated by Anthony Ramos, PhD, executive director of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and Nehlsen will lead the Q&A portion of the event.

For more information, contact Lauren Nehlsen at (847) 214-7809 or lnehlsen@elgin.edu.