Have you ever wondered…what is Hamas’s theology? What historical forces led Islamic theologians to develop this particular theology roughly 200 years ago—and what pressing question were they trying to answer? What is Hamas’s ultimate objective in its war with Israel? It is likely not what you think. What is the purpose of the extensive tunnel system Hamas has constructed—and what critical role does it actually serve? Again, it may not be what you expect. Join Dr. Esther Pittman for a compelling lecture that explores these questions in depth. The presentation will include video clips of Muslim leaders addressing their communities in Arabic, with English translations provided. Questions, comments, and open discussion are warmly welcomed.

Dr. Esther Pittman holds a doctorate from Harvard University. She served as a tenured Full Professor of Organizational Behavior and Management and was the recipient of both her university’s Best Professor Award and her professional society’s National Distinguished Professor Award for Outstanding Contributions to Management Education. She has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed academic journals and, both during her academic career and after retirement, worked as a consultant to industry executives. Over the past five years, Dr. Pittman has devoted herself to an in-depth study of the history of the Jewish people in Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She has spent more than 1,000 hours developing a comprehensive 16-hour PowerPoint course on the subject, which she teaches at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) at Furman University and Clemson University. Dr. Pittman is the daughter of Holocaust survivors.