Gershon Baskin and Hanna Siniora, co directors of the Israel Palestine Center for Research and Information – IPCRI, shared their ideas on the topic “Will the promise of two states for two peoples be kept?” at the Political Science Department of Metropolitan State University of Denver on Monday, March 17, 2008.
The event was moderated by Dr. Akbarali Thobhani, the Executive Director of the Office of International Studies. During the discussion, Baskin and Siniora said that it is possible to keep the promise of two states for two peoples. They spoke about what needs to be done and how.

Dr. Akbarali Thobhani, Gershon Baskin and Dr. Hanna Siniora

Dr. Akbarali Thobhani, Gershon Baskin and Dr. Hanna Siniora

For decades, Dr. Akbarali Thobhani, has developed and taught numerous courses on Africa, the Middle East and Islam. He is the author of numerous articles and three books – Islam’s Quiet Revolutionary: The Story of Aga Khan IV; Mansa Musa: The Golden King of Ancient Mali; and Western Sahara Since 1975: Social, Political, and Economic Transformation Under Moroccan Administration. He is a recipient of six Fulbright grants to conduct curriculum enrichment seminars for teachers and faculty in Egypt, Kenya and Ghana. Dr. Thobhani is a recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Key Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Award, and the United Nations Peace Medal.

The Office of International Studies provides comprehensive advising and assistance to students interested in participating in study abroad courses and experiences; promoting a wide range of international educational opportunities; collaborating with faculty in developing study abroad courses; assisting faculty to participate in international professional development activities; and strengthening existing and developing new partnerships with institutions of higher education and community organizations.

Gershon Baskin at the Political Science Department of Metropolitan State University of Denver on Monday, March 17, 2008.

Gershon Baskin at the Political Science Department of Metropolitan State University of Denver on Monday, March 17, 2008.

Hanna Siniora and Gershon Baskin in Denver

Hanna Siniora and Gershon Baskin in Denver

Categories: Interviews

Gershon Baskin

Gershon Baskin is one of the most recognizable names in the Middle East Peace process. He is a political and social entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to peace between Israel and its neighbors. His dedication to creating a culture of peace and environmental awareness, coupled with his impeccable integrity, has earned him the trust of the leaders of all sides of the century old conflict. Few people have such far-reaching and positive impacts on promoting peace, security, prosperity and bi-national relationships. Gershon is an advisor to Israeli, Palestinian and International Prime Ministers on the Middle East Peace Process and the founder and director of IPCRI, the Israeli-Palestinian Public Policy Institute. He was the initiator and negotiator of the secret back channel between Israel and Hamas for the release of 1,027 prisoners – mainly Palestinians and Arab-Israelis of which 280 were sentenced to life in prison, including Yahya Sinwar, the current Palestinian leader of the Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The prisoners were imprisoned for planning and perpetrating various attacks against Jewish targets that resulted in the killing of 569 Israelis in exchange for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Schalit. Gershon is actively involved in research and advocacy concerning topics such as social policy, environmental security, political strategy, peace education, economics, culture and in the development of affordable solar projects with the goal of providing clean electricity for 50 million people by 2020. He is a founding member of Kol Ezraheiha-Kol Muwanteneiha (All of the Citizens) political party in Israel. He is now directing The Holy Land Bond and is the Middle East Director for ICO – International Communities Organization - a UK based NGO working in conflict zones with failed peace processes.