Shalem Forum Creates Basis for Vibrant Student Life

This October, the eminent political scientist Shlomo Avineri inaugurated the Shalem Forum, a weekly series of guest lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, and live musical performances aimed at enriching campus life and complementing classroom learning with unique encounters and diverse points of view. Held in the Shalem student lounge, the series also provides an opportunity for Shalem students to engage some of Israel’s thought leaders in vibrant discussion and debate.

Stephen Hazan Arnoff, Shalem Director of Culture, Community, and Student Life, stated that “the Shalem Forum has emerged as an important and unique tradition on campus. Each Tuesday night our students have a chance for intimate, informed conversation with people working at the heart of Israeli policy and culture. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to build relationships with role models who can help them grow into the change agents they want to be.”

The recent list of speakers includes politician and former member of Knesset Einat Wilf, on “Liberal Education and Its Influence”; Dan Schueftan, senior Israeli academic and policy advisor, on “National-Security Studies and their Influence on Policy and the Military; Ehud Ya’ari, Channel 2’s senior commentator on Middle Eastern affairs, on “The Role of Middle Eastern Studies in Mass Media”; and musician, paytan, and storyteller Roni Ish-Ran on “Music, Community, and Identity.”