Click here for the May Calendar.

Tuesday, 1 June 2010, 13:00—17:00

Brunei Gallery SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG (tube Russell Square)

Seminar: The Forgotten Palestinians

 The Middle East Monitor (MEMO) is convening a half day seminar featuring prominent writers, academics and Israeli parliamentarians.  The seminar seeks to revisit the historical period immediately before, during and after the 1948 Nakba.  The seminar will examine the ongoing threats posed to present day Palestinians, with a particular focus on the condition of Palestinian Arabs in Israel.  Speakers include: Talab El-Sana (Member of the Israeli Knesset); Dr Salman Abu-Sitta (Palestinian author and member of the Palestinian National Council); Ben White (Freelance journalist, author and expert on Palestinian-Israeli relations); Dr Jamal Zahalka (Member of the Israeli Knesset); Professor Ilan Pappe (Professor of History at the University of Exeter).  Free admission.  Click here for more info, or contact MEMO at +44 (0) 20 8838 0231, email: info@memonitor.org.uk.

Tuesday, 1 June 2010, 18:30—20:00 
New Theatre, East Building, London School of Economics, Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE (tube Holborn)
Lecture: Inhumane, illegal and insane: A Medieval Siege on Gaza in 2010

Speaker John Ging, Director of UNRWA Operations, discusses the counter-productivity of the siege on Gaza – a medieval measure which threatens to destroy the mentality, mindsets and outlook of hundreds of thousands of innocents in a process designed to unravel the fabric of civilised society. Left to respond to ever-growing needs, UNRWA in Gaza is not only concerned with the harsh realities of daily life, but also with future prospects for peace and stability.  Between 1989 and 1994, he served three tours of duty as a United Nations Peacekeeper with UNIFIL.  This event is free and open to all with no ticket required.  Click here for more info.  LSE events are generally available as a podcast 1-2 working days after the event. If you are planning to attend this event and would like details on how to get here and what time to arrive, please refer to Coming to an event at LSE

Thursday, 3 June 2010, 13:00

RSA 8 John Adam St, WC2N 6EZ London (tube Embankment)

Lecture: Fanaticism: On the uses of an idea

The idea of fanaticism as a deviant or extreme variant of an already irrational set of religious beliefs is often invoked by the West in order to demonize and psychologize any non-liberal politics.  Renowned author and academic Alberto Toscano presents a counter-history which explodes this accepted interpretation, and explores the critical role fanaticism played in forming modern politics and the liberal state. Toscano sheds new light on an idea that continues to dominate debates about faith and secularism.  Free admission.  You can experience our events in person at the RSA House, through live audio-streaming and live video-streaming over the web, or watch or listen at your convenience, using free video and audio downloads.  Click here for more info.

Saturday, 5 June 2010, 10:00—17:00

Camden Centre London, WC1H 9JE (tube St Pancras)

Conference: Stop Islamophobia

The Stop the War Coalition and the British Muslim Initiative present a conference on Islamophobia. Muslims are under attack in this country as never before. Government policies and the media have created an atmosphere in which all Muslims are portrayed as reactionary and anti-western. This conference will bring together a wide range of opinion united in concern over the escalating demonisation of Muslims in our society.  Admission £5.  Click here for more info and a full speaker lineup.

Sunday, 6 June 2010, 10:55—12 noon

Speakers Corner Café, just south of Speaker’s Corner, Hyde Park (tube Marble Arch)

Public Walk: Walk in Peace

A little bit of peace, starting with yourself, is an inspirational gathering held the first Sunday of every month. Please join in a slow, silent walk in peace, for peace. Meet by at 10.55am to start walking at 11.00am, returning to starting point at 12 noon. Contact Clare 020 8755 0353 or beatricemillar@freeuk.com; www.walkinpeace.co.uk

Monday, 7 June 2010, 18:30—20:00 
Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building, London School of Economics, Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE (tube Holborn)
Book Launch: Cities Under Siege

Professor Stephen Graham’s new book traces how political violence now operates in the world's metropolitan areas. Drawing on a wealth of original research, Graham shows how Western and Israeli militaries and security forces now perceive all urban terrain as a real or imagined conflict zone inhabited by lurking, shadow enemies, and urban inhabitants as targets that need to be continually tracked, scanned, controlled and targeted. This event is free and open to all with no ticket required. Click here for more info, or email d.tanner@lse.ac.uk|.  LSE events are generally available as a podcast 1-2 working days after the event. If you are planning to attend this event and would like details on how to get here and what time to arrive, please refer to Coming to an event at LSE