You know how seriously I take this job. We have our moments of fun along the way,

but on balance we look to provide thoughtful insight into critical issues to elevate our discourse

and align our interests in the spirit of progressivism. Today begins a journey into

dicey territory, to put it mildly.

So here's how I've decided to approach the subject. This opening salvo is a level setter.

Time to take a deep breath and understand the task at hand, which is to contextualize a horrific

dispute that has real life and death consequences.

I fully recognize that my insights are insignificant in the face of war and genocide,

and that I have no agency in discussions surrounding ethnicity, religion, or territorial claims.

I do, however, have a perspective that is hopefully valuable to those willing to listen.

It's not from lived experiences, it's from scholarship. This episode is merely to set the table for subsequent shows that will cover the Palestinian conflict through a historical lens.

Any viewpoints expressed along the way, which will be minimal, are mine alone.

These entries into the record are

not intended to take a stance or sway opinion. They're designed to inform and educate and all

reasonable feedback will be incorporated into our discussions moving forward. The UNFTR audience

is extremely small on the grand scale, but we are interconnected. You've given me your trust,

and I've offered you forums to challenge my assertions and to connect with one another in meaningful

dialogue. Most of us identify as progressives, though there are others who listen as part of their

own learning journey and might identify on other parts of the political spectrum. On the whole, our exchanges

exhibit a high level of empathy, and I expect nothing less moving forward. But it would be foolish not to

acknowledge that tensions are running high and humanity is being challenged all around us at this

moment. I expect there will be further bloodshed and horror in the weeks ahead as we

...