Temple Beth-El to host Israel scholar: Looking Back to Look Forward

Founding President and Chief Content Officer of the Center for Israel Education, Ken Stein. [Photo by the Center for Israel Education]

Temple Beth El in Boca Raton is hosting scholar Ken Stein, the founding president of the nonprofit Center for Israel Education, for a free lecture marking the 77th birthday of the state of Israel Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

Although Israel declared independence May 14, 1948, the date on the Hebrew calendar this year falls on April 30, when Israel will celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day).

“Israel@77: Looking Back to Look Forward” will focus on the mistakes and lessons of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, as well as the likelihood that Israel and its supporters can learn those lessons. Among other issues, Stein will address peace prospects, Hamas’ goals, and future commemorations and teaching of Oct. 7.

Stein is an emeritus Emory University professor of contemporary Middle Eastern history, political science and Israel studies, a former Carter Center director, and the author of definitive histories on land sales in Palestine during British rule and on the Egyptian-Israeli peace process. He founded

CIE in 2008.

The Beth El program is open to the public, but advance registration is required at tbeboca.org/event/israel-77-looking-back-to-look-forward-with-dr-ken-stein-of-the-center-for-israel-education.