On October 30, 2023, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica hosted the talk “A Perspective on the Israel-Hamas Conflict”, given by David Abraham, President of the Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce (CILIB) and Director General of the Center for Jewish Studies (CEJAPIM). The lecture addressed one of the most relevant issues on the international scene: the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
From the First Zionist Congress to October 7, 2023
Abraham gave an account of the most relevant historical events of the conflict, from the First Zionist Congress, held in 1897 in Basel (Switzerland) and convened by Theodor Herzl, to the events of October 7, 2023, with the massacre that took place in Israel. On that day, Hamas launched an attack from the Gaza Strip against southern Israel.
The speaker discussed the roots of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the political, social and religious dynamics that have influenced tensions over the decades. He highlighted the impact of the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and the events that led to the persistent confrontation between the two sides. He also explained the rise of Hamas as a key player in terrorism in the region and its influence worldwide.
The CILIB President devoted a significant part of the talk to recent events, with emphasis on the attacks by the terrorist group Hamas and Israel’s military responses. He also offered a geopolitical analysis of how the conflict affects the stability of the Middle East and has global repercussions, and referred to international diplomatic efforts and the difficulties of peace negotiations.
The importance of historical context for understanding the present
Abraham stressed the importance of understanding the historical context in order to properly interpret the current situation. He explained how the conflict has been shaped by wars, failed agreements and interrupted peace processes, as well as by the consequences of the Cold War, factors that have contributed to maintaining a situation of permanent tension in the region.
He also called for an analysis of the ideology behind pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas demonstrations, and explained the meaning of slogans such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will prevail”, which, as he explained, is a slogan that calls for the disappearance of the State of Israel.
A space for dialogue with students and faculty
The talk offered a space for open dialogue in which students and faculty asked questions about:
- the possibility of a peaceful solution;
- the role of international powers;
- the humanitarian impact of the conflict on both populations.
The event encouraged critical reflection on the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in finding sustainable solutions to global conflicts.
Collaboration between CILIB and Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
CILIB thanks Universidad Latina de Costa Rica for providing this space for discussion and analysis. On behalf of the Chamber, Abraham expressed his gratitude for the university’s hospitality and highlighted the role of academic institutions in the exchange of ideas and in developing critical perspectives that contribute to peace and global cooperation.
The event strengthened ties between the two institutions and opens the door to future collaborations that foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between Israel and the Ibero-American nations. With this talk, CILIB reaffirms its commitment to disseminating objective information and promoting understanding between cultures.
About the Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a private, international, non-profit organization founded in Israel in 2019 and registered in Florida (USA). It works in foreign trade, training and cooperation between Israel and 22 Ibero-American countries, Andorra and the United States. See the Israel country profile, the Costa Rica country profile and the training offered by the CILIB Academy.
