In defense of neutral space
On December 5, I had the honor of convening “A Talking Circle on the War in Israel and Gaza: Sharing Our Pain” alongside Professors Abdullah Antepli and Peter Casarella. This event was sponsored by The Duke University Chapel, Duke Divinity School Center for Reconciliation, Fons Vitae and Student Affairs. Over 40 people — undergraduates, graduate and professional school students, staff and faculty — attended this two-hour event, where we were able to share the pain that we are feeling following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 and its continuing aftermath. At five tables, we introduced ourselves, our reasons for attending and our connection to the current crisis. In the second round, we talked about our personal pain about the Oct. 7 attack and the war in Gaza. Finally, in the third round, we reflected on our experience participating in this event and what other events we would like to see moving forward.