The Great Misinterpretation: What Palestinians Think of Israelis

Bridges for Change Inaugural Lecture with Haviv Rettig Gur

Kane Hall, May 19 , 2024

Haviv Rettig Gur is an acclaimed journalist, analyst for the Free Press, frequent guest on Call Me Back, and former senior political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He is also the host of the widely respected “Ask Haviv Anything” podcast.

Haviv’s private lecture at UW’s Kane Hall drew a full and deeply engaged crowd. Students and faculty from across disciplines filled the room, joined by alumni spanning generations, university staff, and senior administrators including the Provost, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, and a member of the Board of Regents. 

Haviv spoke about the central misunderstanding at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: that Israel is not a colonial power, but a society built by refugees. He explained why this truth is the key to understanding why Israel continues to endure, thrive, and outlast attempts to dismantle it.