Istanbul: Academics, students and rights advocates discussed Palestine, Gaza, Jerusalem, media narratives and the role of international organizations at a two-day program that began on Tuesday at Bogazici University in Istanbul. The event, titled "Cut To The Chase: Truth Beyond Borders," brought together academics, researchers, human rights defenders and students and was organized by Marmara Anadolu Imam Hatip High School at the university campus.
According to Anadolu Agency, Sami Al-Arian of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University spoke at the program, emphasizing that the Palestinian issue should not be framed solely as a humanitarian question. He argued that the nature of Zionism makes it a regional and global issue, and the conflict should not be seen as one between Islam and Judaism or Muslims and Jews. Al-Arian highlighted that Judaism is recognized in Islam as a revealed religion and Jews as "People of the Book," asserting that the issue concerns "truth" and "justice" against aggression and oppression.
Nedaa Al-Abadla, a Palestinian human rights defender from Gaza, shared personal accounts from her life, stating that the suffering of Palestinians "did not start on Oct. 7." She recounted family members lost under Israeli occupation and her childhood memories of military operations. Al-Abadla described how children in Gaza learn early that "childhood is a luxury" and shared her personal experiences of Israeli military actions.
Abdallah Marouf Omar of Istanbul 29 Mayis University focused on Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, stating that the city remains central to the Palestinian issue and cannot be separated from the war in Gaza. He warned of potential changes in the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, drawing parallels with the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and highlighting the crucial role of Jerusalem in past Palestinian uprisings.
Hasan Basri Bulbul of Bogazici University discussed the role of the United Nations and UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. He noted that UNRWA has become more than a humanitarian agency, helping preserve Palestinian identity through education and services. Bulbul criticized Western countries for suspending funding to UNRWA following Israeli allegations that some agency employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, stating that the accusations lack sufficient evidence.
Yahya Mavituna, a student at Marmara Anadolu Imam Hatip High School, addressed media narratives and the representation of Palestinians in cinema and news coverage. He argued that media often acts as a filter, shaping perceptions by deciding which images and words are used. Mavituna encouraged students to diversify their sources and question headlines to better understand the narratives presented.