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Melbourne Forum gives you access to the highest level of expertise and real-world lessons that our conversation leaders – all with a reputation for excellence – bring to the table under the Chatham House rule.
We are committed to providing a platform for, and the increased visibility of, diverse voices.
With varied formats (in-person or virtual; conversation leader or members engaging with each other; learning from experts or new experiences) there are multiple ways to participate.
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Israel, Palestinians and Hamas— is civil discourse possible?
Dangerous Dinner
Hosted by:
Prof Ian Dunn AM
Trisha Avery
November 14, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
$45A series of coordinated attacks, conducted by the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas, from the Gaza Strip onto bordering areas in Israel, commenced on Saturday 7 October 2023, a Sabbath day and date of several Jewish holidays. The attacks initiated the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, almost exactly fifty years after the Yom Kippur War began on 6 October 1973.
Tunnels, hostages, casualties, torture and mutilations – is civil discourse possible?
In a relaxed, intimate dinner party format, we draw on the diverse expertise of our members sharing their ideas and experiences on complex or controversial topics; to learn from others, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or point the way for potential actions.
Dangerous because the topics may be difficult to discuss, ask the silent questions, challenge thinking, unpack pressing issues, test emerging trends. Safe because we respect others’ views, it is polite not offensive, under Chatham House rule and listening with the intent to learn.
Once a month, you will be able to join your fellow Melbourne Forum members for a robust discussion on a range of themes in dynamic company and over a light meal. The focus is on ‘food for thought’ with shared conversations and shared platters as part of the collegiality.
Our Member Forums are a wonderful way to spend more time getting to know others around the table. Melbourne Forum is often regarded as a community who comes together because they are keen to engage for a better civil society. As one member explained, they are “… as good a connection to the other members present as I have got from any Melbourne Forum event I have been to.”
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