Unpacking Israel & Palestine

03/01/2026
60 min
[video_views]

Philosopher Peter Hacker reflects on the ideological debates that have followed the events of 7 October, drawing on arguments from his recent work on contemporary forms of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. He is joined by historian Colin Shindler, whose book A Forever War traces the historical development of the Israel-Palestine conflict and examines the challenges of maintaining objectivity in an increasingly polarised world. In conversation with Professor Miri Rubin, they explore how competing narratives take shape, how international law is interpreted and debated, and how scholars might seek clarity amid moral and political disagreement.

About the speakers

Peter Hacker

Peter Hacker is Emeritus Fellow in Philosophy, St. John’s College, Oxford, UK.

Colin Shindler

Colin Shindler is Emeritus Professor of Israel Studies at SOAS. He is the founding chairman of the European Association of Israel Studies. He is the author of A History of Modern Israel, published by CUP, among many other books. Image © Pinchas Davis

Miri Rubin

Miri Rubin is Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at Queen Mary University of London. Her research and teaching explore the religious cultures of Europe through social relations, relations between Jews and Christians, and the operation of gender. She is interested in the diversity of urban life, as explored in her recent book Cities of Strangers, […]

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Unpacking Israel & Palestine

03/01/2026
|
60 min

Speaker

Peter Hacker

Peter Hacker is Emeritus Fellow in Philosophy, St. John’s College, Oxford, UK.

...

Colin Shindler

Colin Shindler is Emeritus Professor of Israel Studies at SOAS. He is the founding chairman of the European Association of Israel Studies. He is...

Miri Rubin

Miri Rubin is Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at Queen Mary University of London. Her research and teaching explore the religious cultures...