Doodle poll, Prof. Hollander date, Prof. Hasson update, etc

[Rayn]

Hey everyone,

Congratulations again on recognition! It would not have happened without all of you. We can talk about a potential role of treasurer soon, as Michelle suggested (good idea Michelle!), since we'll be applying for funding from TCU next semester. 

1. Doodle poll for group bonding before end of semester: http://www.doodle.com/ued6ytxmx7t538my. Please fill it out before next Thursday if you can so we can talk about when/where it will be! I'm excited!

2. Just a reminder that I'm meeting with Prof. Hollander about Union Square advising & potential UEP collaboration on December 12th from 11:30-12pm. If you can come, feel free to mark your calendar!

3. I sent an initial email to Prof. Hasson today. When he responds (hopefully), we'll get to learn more about what he would theoretically be talking about (if he is interested and able to come) and we can take it from there. I think this is a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to sharing his response with you guys (hopefully he responds)! I also just wanted to share that Hillel is being so supportive of us with this event -- they would even pay for his flight to get here, on top of an honorarium for the event! Also, I think it is highly doubtful that he is either far-right or far-left of the spectrum, because I doubt the Israeli Embassy would list him if that was the case. Also, most people are not extremists to begin with.

4. Just wanted to share this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/world/middleeast/israel-moves-to-expand-settlements-in-east-jerusalem.html?hp. What a coincidence that it is on the front page today! I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. Personally, I think this far-right decision was a terrible move -- and I also think most Israelis would agree except for the ultra-Orthodox. Of course, Israel can't just pull out of the West Bank tomorrow as the far-left may want, because there is no guarantee that Palestinian radicals (who don't recognize Israel's right to exist) won't start firing rockets at all of Israel, as that is what happened after Israel disengaged with Gaza in 2005 and gave it to Hamas (and essentially Iran). But building more settlements instead of removing settlements sounds counter-productive and can only paradoxically instigate more conflict. Anyways... I guess it is all about finding a middle way with these things, but what do I know. Prof. Hasson would theoretically have an interesting perspective on this, which I guess we will find out soon when/if he hopefully responds.

Congratulations again everyone and good luck with all your work!

-Rayn