Tzipi Livni, the current opposition leader of the Israeli Knesset and head of the Kadima party, addressed questions posed by students, faculty and other members of the Brandeis community yesterday in a town hall-style meeting. While the event, which was sponsored by the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, was designed to discuss Israel-Diaspora relations, or relations between Israeli citizens and Jews who do not live in Israel, a wide range of issues pertinent to Israel were discussed, such as the role of American Jews in Israeli politics, the possibility of a peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians and the appropriate way to criticize Israel. According to Prof. Ilan Troen (NEJS), director of the Schusterman Center, about 450 members of the University community attended the event.

With regard to Diaspora relations, Livni emphasized the need for an open dialogue among world Jewry and said that Israel should make a more concerted effort to consider the opinions of Jews who live in the Diaspora. Livni said that an open dialogue among world Jewry is necessary and that all Jews must work together to define Israel as a Jewish state and work toward a common vision.

On the issue of criticizing the state of Israel, Livni asserted that it is possible to advocate in favor of Israel even if one doesn't agree with the policies of the Israeli government, emphasizing that criticism is not automatically delegitimization or denying Israel's right to exist. She pointed out that she is one of the most vocal critics of the Israeli government, yet she is not considered an enemy of Israel, and she said that American Jews can criticize Israel because "this is your government as well."

However, Livni limited this statement, saying one must be careful when criticizing Israel. She said, "We need to take-all of us-into consideration that sometimes criticism is used by those who lead this process of delegitimization of the state of Israel."

Heddy Ben-Atar '11, the student representative to the Board of Trustees and the former president of Brandeis Israel Public Affairs Committee, an American pro-Israel lobby, said in an interview with the Justice after the event, "I think that she really addressed one of the problems that we face on campus, which is that a lot of people misuse any kind of criticism of Israel and twist it to delegitimize the right of the state of Israel to exist as a sovereign state."

When asked about opponents of Israel such as the vocally anti-Israel president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Livni responded, "This ideology is not connected to the Israeli government policy, is not connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is extreme religious ideology." She continued to comment about those who do not believe the Jewish people should have a state of their own that "this is not criticism." She attributed this to anti-Semitism and extreme religious ideology.

Livni also discussed her vision of a two-state solution, which she said she believes is essential to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Livni emphasized that a deal with the Palestinians must be implemented and that "time is of the essence." Livni said that in an effort to achieve peace, she would give up territory that she believes is historically Jewish because it would be in the best interest of the Jewish people.

In a meeting with student leaders prior to the event, Livni said of the peace process, "The price is very difficult for any Jew, and especially for an Israeli, but I believe that the price of not having an agreement is higher than the price of having an agreement."

Livni acknowledged that a peace agreement would not include Hamas, the party that rules Gaza and is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, but said that a deal with Fatah will change the position of Hamas because it will portray the group as an explicit obstacle to the peace process and garner international support for Israel.

Livni was asked if Kadima, the party she leads, will join Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's current government and form a new coalition. She said Netanyahu needs to make the decisions that are necessary in order to make peace, but he first must ask Kadima to join the coalition. She noted that after the Gaza flotilla incident last May, she told Netanyahu that he must change the current coalition completely and form a more centrist government if he is serious about peace. She also said that she will not be part of a government that is not willing to make peace because it would ruin both her national and international credibility. Additionally, Livni said that she supports any decision Netanyahu takes to relaunch negotiations.

When asked by a student why there is a need for a Jewish state, Livni responded that Israel does not only provide a safe shelter for the Jewish people but also serves as a place for fostering a strong Jewish identity.

Community members expressed excitement about Livni's event.

Judah Marans '11 praised Livni and said, "Ms. Livni was able and willing to give thoughtful, honest answers,"and that is something that one does not often see in politicians."

President-elect Frederick Lawrence noted, "Ultimately I found her presentation to be very optimistic and uplifting and it is inspiring to hear somebody who is optimistic and well-informed and a pragmatist all in one."



-Jillian Wagner contributed reporting.