The Association for Middle East and African Studies (ASMEA) held its 16th annual gathering from November 4-6 in Washington, DC, a few blocks from George Washington University’s campus. Interestingly, the first day of the conference coincided with the largest pro-Palestinian rally in history, taking place just a few blocks away.
ASMEA is an academic society dedicated to promoting the highest standards of research and teaching in Middle Eastern and African studies, and related fields. Professor Fouad Ajami and Professor Bernard Lewis created ASMEA in 2007 to respond to the Middle East Studies Association (MESA), which they believed had become increasingly “anti-Israel and anti-American.” However, most importantly, they desired an organization committed to protecting academic freedom and promoting the search for truth. This mission has proven to be all the more relevant given the spike in anti-Israel activity following the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, and the war it launched.
The group’s inaugural event, the Fouad Ajami Roundtable: Legacy and Memory, paid tribute to one of the organization’s founders. The gathering featured speakers who shared personal connections with Ajami or had deeply researched his work. These speakers, among them Ajami’s wife Michelle, delved into Ajami’s life journey, including his early trips to Israel. They also pondered how he might interpret contemporary events such as the Hamas/Israel conflict and the prevailing identity politics. Additionally, Michael Lewis, the son of founder Bernard Lewis, presented prizes in his father’s honor for outstanding papers on antisemitism.
The panel titled “Israel’s War with Hamas” was added to address the current conflict. Panelists presented in person and via Zoom from Israel, to discuss the factors that led to the current war. The panelists highlighted how Hamas has systematically used online platforms to demonize and dehumanize Jews, mainly targeting the younger generation. Hamas employed psychological warfare by stripping Jews and Israelis of their humanity as part of their tactics against Israel.
All of the panelists agreed that Israel must dismantle Hamas. Another panel delved into the prospects of the Saudi-Israel normalization talks, especially in the context of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the future of the Palestinian people. While the opinions presented on the Saudi panel were undoubtedly not monolithic, there was a shared tepid optimism for the future of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The panel “BDS and the Occupation of Western Academia” unpacked the growing antisemitism on college campuses, mainly focusing on the rise of Hamas support among students, the marginalization of pro-Israel students, and the lack of response from campus administration.
Professor Walter Russell Mead delivered the timely and fascinating keynote address, “Israeli Policy and American Interest in the Middle East.” Students and scholars from all over the country attended, with participants from as far away as Hawaii, Korea, and Australia. Unfortunately, a significant Israeli delegation was absent from this year’s conference, but many attended and presented remotely via Zoom.
Despite their country being at war, the Israeli speakers confidently shared their research, making invaluable contributions to the panels they were a part of.
In contrast, just a few blocks away, pro-Palestinian protesters spread falsehoods during their supposed peaceful protest. Widespread calls were made during the protest for an end to the “occupation” and “apartheid” and accusations of “genocide,” alongside demands for a ceasefire.
The crowds could be heard chanting phrases like “From the River to the Sea” and “Long Live the Intifada.” Unfortunately and not surprisingly, there was no mention of the brutal massacre carried out by Hamas and the significant loss of Israeli lives.
All of the above demonstrates the need for groups like ASMEA that can understand the region for what it is, versus the perceived reality showcased on American college campuses and in the streets of Washington, DC.
Shira Weissbach is a seasoned Israel educator with an MA in Education and Human Development from George Washington University in the Field of Israel Education.
