November 2024 was a milestone month for the European Wasatia Graduate School, featuring an outstanding lecture series and notable student contributions.

Truth and Reconciliation Lecture Series

• November 15: Prof. Martin Leiner (Jena Center for Reconciliation Studies) delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled "Is Reconciliation Possible After the War Since October 7th?" He examined the complexities of reconciliation after violent conflict, emphasizing truth-telling, empathy, and justice to overcome mistrust and trauma.

• November 16: Dr. Francesco Ferrari explored Martin Buber’s philosophy of reconciliation, emphasizing self-reconciliation, justice, and shared humanity as pillars for healing fractured societies.

• November 20: Europa-Universität Flensburg hosted the panel discussion "From Division to Dialogue: Navigating Trauma and Building Bridges in Israel-Palestine." Featuring Prof. Arie Nadler (Tel Aviv University) and Prof. Mohammed Dajani Daoudi (Wasatia Movement), and moderated by Prof. Ralf Wüstenberg, the event highlighted the role of leadership and empathy in fostering peace. Chancellor Stephanie Brady’s opening remarks inspired hope and action.

• November 21: Prof. Arie Nadler presented "Collective Victimhood and Intergroup Conflict," discussing how "chosen trauma" perpetuates conflict and mistrust. He proposed empathy and mutual recognition of suffering as critical tools for dismantling entrenched narratives and fostering sustainable peace.

Student Achievements

Yosur Alkukhun (First Cohort):

• Presented "The Israeli and Palestinian Cinemas as Visual Narratives" at Europa-Universität Flensburg’s LiWiKo Colloquium.

• Delivered lectures at Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie on transforming ideas into documentary films and the relationship between religion and violence.

Nemer Shaheen (New Cohort):

• Participated in a Georgetown University lecture on genocide by Prof. Omer Bartov.

• Presented research on "Home Re-enactment and Political Attitudes in Gaza" and "The Creation of Israel and Its Global Geopolitical Impact" at the Wasatia Graduate School.

These lectures and student contributions showcased the Graduate School’s commitment to advancing critical dialogue, fostering empathy, and exploring innovative approaches to reconciliation and conflict resolution.

Dates: November 23–28, 2024

Introduction

This report outlines the key elements and outcomes of the recent educational field trip to Auschwitz, undertaken by selected graduate students from the European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Supported by [BMBF], the visit was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Holocaust, foster critical reflections on reconciliation and dialogue, and inspire ethical considerations in addressing modern societal challenges. The trip provided an opportunity to encounter historical truths while linking them to contemporary efforts in peacebuilding and justice.

Program Overview

The program began with preparatory sessions at the Center for Dialogue and Prayer (CDIM) in Oświęcim, Poland, where students attended lectures on Polish-German-Jewish relations and the history of the Holocaust. Survivor testimonies and expert presentations offered personal and historical insights, creating a foundation for participants to approach the visit with sensitivity and informed perspectives. The evening before the site visit included a film screening to provide additional context on the Holocaust’s devastating impact.

On November 25, participants visited Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Guided tours exposed students to the barracks, gas chambers, crematoria, and other key locations that bore witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust. Walking through these sites provided an unfiltered confrontation with the past, fostering personal reflection and a deeper emotional connection to the victims and survivors. At Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the enormity of the genocide became starkly evident, leaving a profound impression on everyone present.

After the visit, the group reconvened at CDIM for a facilitated discussion to process the emotional weight of the experience. Participants shared their reflections on the moral and social lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of memory, justice, and forgiveness. A post-visit questionnaire allowed students to articulate how their understanding of the Holocaust and its implications had evolved, contributing valuable insights to broader research on educational visits to sites of historical trauma.

The program included additional activities aimed at exploring reconciliation and dialogue. Lectures on interfaith and intercultural understanding highlighted the role of religious and cultural perspectives in fostering peace, while visits to the Harmęże art exhibition and Kraków’s Jewish heritage sites added depth to participants’ understanding of Holocaust memory. In Kraków, interactions with a Holocaust survivor and discussions at the Jewish Community Center underscored the complexities of coexistence and the enduring challenges of reconciliation.

Outcomes and Reflections

The visit to Auschwitz had a profound impact on the participants, fostering a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its enduring lessons for humanity. Students expressed a heightened awareness of the importance of preserving memory to combat hatred and intolerance. Many noted that the experience fostered empathy and prompted them to think critically about moral responsibility, both individually and collectively.

The visit also reinforced the Wasatia School’s commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. Students reflected on how these principles could be applied to contemporary conflicts, emphasizing the need for ethical leadership and meaningful engagement in peacebuilding efforts. The experience challenged participants to confront difficult historical truths with courage, humility, and a renewed dedication to fostering understanding in divided societies.

Conclusion

The educational visit to Auschwitz was a transformative experience for the participants, embodying the Wasatia School’s mission to promote peace through education and dialogue. By engaging deeply with one of history’s darkest chapters, students not only expanded their knowledge but also strengthened their commitment to justice, reconciliation, and compassion. This journey will continue to shape their academic pursuits and professional endeavors as they work toward building a more reconciled and humane world.

Autumn Lecture Series: "Truth and Reconciliation: Empathy in the Face of Suffering"

The European Wasatia Graduate School, in collaboration with ICES, organized a series of lectures aimed at fostering empathy and understanding in reconciliation processes. Key highlights included a lecture by Professor Christo Thesnaar from Stellenbosch University on October 9, titled "Suffering in Reconciliation: Relationally Connecting with Interpathy." He introduced the concept of interpathy, emphasizing its role in fostering empathy and dialogue free from prejudice, essential for genuine reconciliation. On October 16, a distinguished delegation from Epoka University, Albania, engaged in discussions with doctoral students, promoting international academic partnerships and providing a platform for students to present their research.

Broader Academic Initiatives

Ph.D. students from the graduate school actively participated in various academic engagements throughout October:

On October 15, Ph.D. students Astela Veis, Doa Jabari, and Philipa Joseph attended a lecture by Dr. Tobias Nanz on "European Crisis Communication," which examined the role of communication during periods of tension, focusing on British and French diplomatic strategies.

 From October 16-19, Ph.D. students Nemer Shaheen, Tea Hodaj, and Yosur Alkukhun participated in the Autumn School on "Europe and the Post-Global World" at Villa Vigoni, Italy. The event, organized by multiple European universities, facilitated discussions on the future of European identity and democracy. 

Additionally, on October 23, Stephen Omondi presented his research on the "Impact of Social Media and Youth Spirituality" at the Hekima Research Week Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, exploring social media’s dual role as both a bridge and a barrier to youth spirituality.

Research Contributions by Ph.D. Candidates

Yosur Alkukhun presented her thesis on "Cinemas of Conflict," which examines the role of Palestinian and Israeli films as visual narratives in shaping the ongoing conflict.

Langton Muchenjekwa, a first cohort Ph.D. student, was deeply engaged in a series of lectures throughout October, focusing on conflict resolution and reconciliation. On October 1, he attended a lecture on "Conflict Narration and Analysis" by Professor Dr. Matthias Bauer, which offered insights into the complexities of conflict narratives. On October 8, he participated in a lecture by Prof. Dr. Anna Katharina on "Conflicted Institutions and Human Rights Arguments," exploring the intersection of institutional conflicts and human rights issues. Langton presented his thesis, "Religion and Reconciliation: The Case of the Gukurahundi Massacre in Zimbabwe," on October 9, sharing insights on the role of religion in reconciliation. That same day, he attended a lecture by Professor Christo Thesnaar titled "Suffering in Reconciliation: Relationally Connecting with Interpathy," which emphasized empathy as a key component of reconciliation efforts. On October 23, Langton joined two lectures from Groningen University, one by Sven Gins on "Living with Difficult Neighbours," addressing strategies for coexistence in conflict-prone areas, and another by Federico Minzoni on "Socialising Empowerment," focusing on community empowerment in conflict resolution. His active participation underscores his dedication to understanding conflict dynamics and reconciliation strategies.

Tea Hodaj attended the FReDA Autumn School at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, receiving training on data analysis software Stata, highlighting her engagement in advancing her research skills.

Ongoing Initiatives

The Autumn series also featured weekly #LunchbreakInputs, brief sessions held every Tuesday at Campelle, Flensburg, where Ph.D. students shared their research progress, fostering quick and insightful academic discussions.

These events and initiatives reflect the diverse academic contributions and active participation of the European Wasatia Graduate School’s students, underscoring their engagement in international dialogues and interdisciplinary research.

Autumn Lecture Series at the European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

The European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution has launched its Autumn Lecture Series, themed "Truth and Reconciliation: Empathy in the Face of Suffering," in collaboration with ICES. This series includes a variety of research presentations that delve into critical issues surrounding conflict, education, and peacebuilding.

Keynote Presentation by Dr. Nir Levitan

Dr. Nir Levitan from Bar Ilan University delivered a keynote address titled "The Normalization Process Between Israel and Arab Countries Amidst the Gaza Conflict and Global Geopolitical Shifts." He provided a historical overview of the Arab-Israeli conflict, examining key negotiations and the involvement of global powers. His insights into the complexities of normalization between Israel and Arab countries sparked lively discussions about the broader implications for achieving lasting peace.

ICES & Wasatia Graduate School Book Club

The ICES & Wasatia Graduate School Book Club, led by PhD student Tea Hodaj, is kicking off its Autumn series with The Lives of Michel Foucault by David Macey. The theme, "Biographies of Remarkable Individuals," aims to explore the impact of influential figures like Foucault on philosophy and conflict studies. The club will meet biweekly, starting October 14th, both on campus and online. Hodaj will also present a lecture titled Communicating Conflict through Literature as part of the EUCS Interdisciplinary Lecture Series on November 19th.

Research Contributions from PhD Students

PhD student Tea Hodaj presented her research on folkloric songs and inter-ethnic relations at the 29th IAICS Conference in Opole, Poland. Langton Muchenjekwa attended a seminar on academic integrity in the Netherlands and is preparing two articles on ethics in African philosophy. Ada Cara has been involved in the peer-review process for the Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning journal and attended training on open science and data sharing.

Nemer Shaheen and Finn Büttner completed training courses on qualitative data analysis, while doctoral students Doa Jabari, Philipa Joseph, and Astela Veis attended a webinar on legal education during armed conflict, discussing how to maintain justice and legal education in such contexts. Veis has also co-authored the Albanian book Mbrojtje e Raimond Sebondit and completed a book review on Refugees and Religion published in Reviews in Religion and Theology.

Workshops and Research Presentations

On September 17, Stephen Omondi attended a hybrid workshop on climate change and security and had his abstract accepted for the Hekima Research Week Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where he will present his work on social media and youth spirituality.

Research Paper by Yosur Alkukhun

Finally, Yosur Alkukhun from the first cohort has completed her research paper titled The Question of Forgiveness: Is it an Individual Social Behavior, or a Collective One? Her study argues that forgiveness is a cultural behavior that shapes collective identities and societal dynamics, serving as a proactive tool for peacebuilding and reconciliation in conflict-ridden societies.

Academic Contributions by Astela Veis

Astela Veis continues to make significant academic contributions, exploring the intersection of refugee experiences and religious identity in her recent work. She co-wrote the book Mbrojtje e Raimond Sebondit and completed a book review on Refugees and Religion: Ethnographic Studies of Global Trajectories, published in Reviews in Religion and Theology.

The European Wasatia Graduate School is proud to support the academic endeavors of its students and foster dialogue on critical issues in peace and conflict resolution.