This in-person event is only for UCLA students. Registration is required.

Organized by the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies.

About the Talk

This presentation delves into the challenges and insights of living with a hybrid identity as both Israeli and Palestinian, rooted in a family that straddles two deeply divided cultures. It will explore the impact of the tragic events of October 7th and the loss of friends from both sides, reflecting on how these experiences have underscored the urgent need for peace and mutual understanding. The talk will also highlight how creative writing has served as a powerful medium for processing and navigating the complexities of hybrid identity, war, and coexistence while emphasizing the essential role of peace in moving forward.

About the Speakers

Amir Sommer is an award-winning writer, born to an Israeli Jewish mother and a Palestinian Arab father. A bond bridging cultural and religious barriers. His unique background shapes much of his work, which has been published across the globe, from Los Angeles to London, Germany, Sweden, Israel, and the Arab world. With a foot in both worlds, Sommer's writing offers a rare perspective on hybrid identity, conflict, and coexistence. Currently, he splits his time between Berlin and California as he works on his debut novel.

Dr. Ethan Pack (moderator) has been a lecturer at UCLA since 2019 and has taught courses on Israeli literature, television and film sponsored by the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center. Ethan’s research focuses on Hebrew and Arabic literature, Middle Eastern film and Postcolonial Studies. In addition to his teaching and research, as a fellow with the Center, Dr. Pack has moderated discussions with Israeli authors, playwrights and filmmakers at events and performances at UCLA and across Los Angeles.

DISCLAIMER: The views or opinions of our guest speakers and the content of their presentations do not necessarily reflect the views of the UCLA Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Hosting speakers does not constitute an endorsement of the speaker's views or opinions.

Sponsor(s): Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies