The Conflict Studies Research Center organized a field trip to the city of Jerusalem for students of the Arab American University and The New School as part of the "International Graduate Studies" program for the summer of 2023.
The trip included an exploration of the contested geopolitical structures in Jerusalem and a visit to the Old City to understand its social and historical context. The students also learned about the impact of Jewish settlements in the Old City on the Islamic and Christian quarters.
During the visit, the students met some Jerusalem residents and learned about their struggles due to displacement from their homes in the Old City. They also familiarized themselves with the symbolic structures of occupation and the checkpoints leading to the city, as well as the communal spaces under full control of Israeli soldiers.
Participants from The New School were accompanied by Dr. Mary Watson, Dean of Public Engagement, and Dr. Pantea Farvid, the Chair of the Psychology Department at the New School.
