In regard to the Understanding Israel presentation, the event went well. At least two people, who had been leaders of the protest in town over the weekend, were at the presentation; they each identified themselves, while asking a question, during the question and answer part of the event. One of them did try to make his own points, before asking a question; however, he was reminded that it was questions only.
There were two moderators, and six panelists: five were Jewish, one was a Christian pastor. After the panelists answered the questions, a news video was shown of an interview with the Son of Hamas, who is an ex-member of Hamas that speaks out against Hamas. He is very pro-Israel, as well as concerned for the Palestinian people.
As soon as the video started, the two activist leaders got up, as well as about a dozen people sitting in the back of the lecture hall (also identified as activists by their talk amongst themselves) who walked out. Although, three of the activists remained, including one of the leaders. It’s like they know that the Son of Hamas, who spoke in the video, speaks the truth that they did not want to hear.
At least, none of the activists disrupted the presentation. (There had been 3 or 4 police officers there, as well as a security detail just in case). Since the activists were there for the entire presentation, before the video, I hope something that was said may have made an impression on some of them.
After the presentation this evening, I reflected more on what occurred. I asked myself why did several activists remain? Two of the activist leaders got up as soon as the video began, as well as about a dozen activists sitting in the back. Yet, three activists remained, including one of the leaders.
I think that this was planned ahead of time, inasmuch that the leaders signaled the others to leave, perhaps, seemingly as a walk-out protest against the video; yet, more likely, so that the regular activists – underlings – who left, would not be influenced by the words of the Son of the Hamas. In other words, the leaders had the other members of their group leave to prevent them from hearing the truth. That is my analysis.
Yet, there were at least several people in the audience who asked more sincere questions that were responded to by the panelists with the truths that revealed the overall reality of the conflict. I think these, apparently Non-activist students in the audience are more likely to have their hearts changed by the truth.
The following video is the complete panel discussion:
The Tree of Life 