Norman Finkelstein appeared on the Henry Ford Community College campus on November 9 in the Forfa Auditorium. He spoke about the creation—and later conflict—of the Israeli/Palestinians. After his lecture, the students were able to ask questions and voice their opinions. Of course, being a diverse campus, HFCC had different students with different thoughts on the situation, and they all held a passionate connection to the subject.

Finkelstein is a man of great knowledge on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and tends to try to be objective when discussing the subject with a crowd. He received a Ph.D. in Political Science at Princeton University, and wrote many books on the conflict. So, as a group who wants to help the world community, AI-HFCC decided to enlist in the event.

As a group, AI-HFCC held petitions that were calling for the abolition of the blockade put on Gaza by the Israeli government. It is vital that this blockade be lifted because the Palestinians in Gaza are not able to receive the resources they need for survival. It is important that the United States takes the necessary steps so they can succeed as a greater, more peaceful power in the world. The United States may be allies with Israel; however, it is important that our country enforces peace because as a superpower, one move made by America may compel other countries to follow.

The petition letter that was handed to the audience during Finkelstein’s lecture is below:

“Dear President Obama,

We urge you to take steps to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza by calling on Israel to immediately lift the Gaza blockade.

More than 1.4 million Palestinian men, women, and children have been trapped in the Gaza Strip for over three years by the Israeli blockade. More than 80 percent of the population depends on aid provided by international agencies. The blockade also often prevents people from receiving urgent medical care and from pursuing their livelihoods. Though Israel says the blockade’s purpose is to stop attacks on Israel, in reality it hits the vulnerable people of Gaza. The blockade constitutes collective punishment of the population and as such is illegal under international law.

Yours Sincerely,”

The letter was signed by the many individuals in the auditorium, and is a great help by the HFCC staff and students because they have made it possible for their voices to be heard and took a step for peace for another country.