On October 7 Brandeis’ Emet for Israel supported group, Students for Accuracy about Israeli and Palestinian Affairs (SAIPA), along with co-sponsors, Israel Campus Coalition and StandWithUs, recently brought Anne Herzberg of NGO-Monitor to campus. SAIPA wanted to bring Herzberg as a follow up to their event “Wheel of Misconceptions,” during which the relationship between Israel and the UN was discussed in great detail. Herzberg provided a “strong and intellectual approach to the United Nations’ (UN) downfalls when approaching Israel.”
Herzberg began her presentation with a basic overview of the UN including its location, what it does and the intricacies of how the UN operates. She also went into her own role at UN conferences and described the exact mission and function of NGO-Monitor. Furthermore, she went on to explain that the work done by NGO-Monitor is used to dispel misconceptions of Israel.
Then Herzberg went on to explain the history of UN’s relationship with Israel, going as far back as the years prior to Israel’s Declaration of independence and the 1947 Partition Plan and how it became so problematic. She also pointed out the significance of the coalitions that formed during the Cold War and how the resolutions during that time highlighted the UN General Assembly’s role in disrupting peace in the Middle East.
During the Q&A session Herzberg expressed her disdain towards to United Nations and her disappointment with the organization when it comes to its treatment of Israel. She also stated that she felt that Israel was not at all benefitted by its membership in the United Nations.
The event drew a crowd of over 50 people due to its topic and the group’s offering food. The crowd’s size and diversity made for an interesting evening and the audience was able to interact with the speaker and learn more about Israel. SAIPA’s desire to reach students in the International and Global Studies, Social Policy advocates and other areas of study and interests was fulfilled by this audience.
SAIPA plans on staying engaged with these students and keeping them interested in upcoming events.
