Freedom of Speech and Palestine; Reflecting on the Purpose of Life - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi

- Impact of Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Europe and North America
- Attempts to stifle pro-Palestinian protests.
- Premier of Ontario Doug Ford considers Palestinian flags at protests as symbols of terrorism.
- Local politics blinds leaders to the plight of Palestinians.
- Discussing the widespread criticism of academic discussion about Israel
- Efforts to criticize academic discussions existed before the Gaza conflict.
- Bard College faced pressure to cancel a course titled "Apartheid in Israel-Palestine."
- The course, taught by Nathan Thrall, aimed to explore evidence of Israel's breach of international laws against apartheid.
- The College President Leon Botstein defended academic freedom. Botstein, a child of Holocaust survivors, refuted claims of antisemitism regarding the course.
- Questioning the government of Israel in North America
- Reference to former President Jimmy Carter's book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" in 2006.
- Carter defended the use of "apartheid" in the context of Israel's actions in the West Bank.
- Emphasis on Carter's role in the Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
- Making Community and Personal Reflections
- Seven deaths in the community within two weeks, prompting a reflection on the purpose of life.
- Quotes from Imam 'Ali emphasizing the transient nature of the world and the importance of spiritual insight.

Friday Juma Khutba
November 10th, 2023

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