Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Muskegon Community College’s lecture series continues in September, with an upcoming discussion that explores how U.S. Jews understand Israel and Palestine, the history and perspectives surrounding the conflict, and the role the U.S. government plays.

The MCC Lecture Series will welcome Jewish Scholar Dr. Elliot Ratzman of the University of Michigan’s Raul Wallenberg Institute for his presentation, “After Gaza…and Before Gaza: How US Jews (Mis)Understand Palestine,” at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, in Room 1300 at Muskegon Community College.

As the Gaza War continues, debate over the broader Israeli Palestinian conflict has intensified dramatically.  The conflict has sparked passionate discussions across the United States, including on college campuses, in government, the media and within communities.

“The War in Gaza and US support for Israel are topics that have caused great debate and disagreement in the news and society,” said MCC Faculty and Lecture Series Coordinator Dr. Andy Wible. “This event provides an opportunity to step back from the headlines, learn more about the history and perspectives involved, and develop a better understanding of an incredibly complex issue.”

The lecture is presented in partnership with the MCC Lecture Series and the Raul Wallenberg Institute, which focuses on combating religious and ethnic hatred. 

The lecture is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit https://www.muskegoncc.edu/lecture-series/.