On Nov. 5, Richard Goldstone, a former judge in his native South Africa and the chair of the advisory board for the International Center for Ethics, will debate Dore Gold, a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations. This event is part of a forum regarding the merits and implications of the report produced by the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, which was headed by Goldstone. A large part of the report's significance lies in the fact that it criticized both Palestine and Israel for human rights violations, drawing approbation from some and praise from others. While this board does not take any position regarding the report's virtues, we recognize the incontestability of this report's ramifications for the standards and processes of modern international justice and the subsequent importance of holding such a forum at this University.

Serious open discussion over contentious and politicized issues is a fundamental attribute of any university. As students, we should pride ourselves in the fact that such discussion occurs within the bounds of our campus and at such distinguished levels.

With that in mind, we urge all members of the Brandeis community, irrespective of their stances or impassivity on the report, to attend this significant event. This first opportunity to witness a debate between the author of the report and a major Israeli figure should serve as a stepping-stone for our own increased awareness and involvement in matters of international importance.

We encourage students not simply to attend this forum but to attend it with an open mind. Goldstone serves as the chair of the advisory board for the University's International Center for Ethics and has worked toward achieving justice in numerous parts of the world over the course of his legal career. His words cannot be disregarded. Likewise, Gold has been a key diplomatic player on behalf of Israel, crafting foreign policy and negotiating peace. He cannot be ignored either. As students, it is our responsibility to give heed to all sides of this discussion and to be attentive to all arguments.

Students should be prepared to challenge both speakers with effective questions based on the content of the forum rather than loosely connected and divisive political motivations. And to that end, we encourage those planning the forum to ensure a period for questions from the audience of a sufficient length.