On Tuesday 24 September, at 18:00 pm in the Sala Teatro of the LAC in Lugano, we will have the opportunity to participate in a meeting of great political and cultural importance, in which the well-known journalist and television host Gad Lerner will dialogue with Roberto Antonini.
The event, promoted by LAC in collaboration with the Dante Alighieri Society, is a special opportunity to delve into the topic – current and controversial – of the conflict in the Middle East and its repercussions on Jewish identity. It is precisely this second aspect that is perhaps still overlooked by the mass media and much of international politics, which is why Lerner's intervention proves indispensable.
The Italian journalist of Lebanese origin will present his latest book, Gaza: Hate and Love for Israel, published by Feltrinelli, in which he addresses the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the political and identity challenges that await Israel and the Jewish people.
Breaking Out of the Rigid Polarization on the Jewish Question
The meeting marks the opening of Beyond the wars, a thematic path within the LAC edu program, which aims to reflect on contemporary conflicts and their impact on the present. The dialogue between Gad Lerner and Roberto Antonini, in particular, will offer an important starting point for reflection on Jewish identity, in light of the events following October 7, when Hamas fanaticism sparked new tensions in the region. At the center of the debate, Lerner questions the role of the State of Israel and how it has become, in recent years, a symbol for right-wing movements globally.
In his book, Lerner critically explores the political and social evolution of Israel, describing its current phase of denaturation. “Just take sides, even if it means remaining silent in the face of aggression,” Lerner says, summarizing the difficulty of expressing a non-standardized position in such a complex and polarized context.
A broad cultural path
The meeting at the LAC is part of a broader reflection that will continue during the performing arts season, with three shows that will explore the theme of conflict and its human consequences. It begins with The great nothingness by Romeo Gasparini (January 28 and 29 at Foce), a work that addresses the theme of memory through the concert of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, scheduled for January 23 on the occasion of the Day of Memory. It will be followed Catarina is the beauty of fascist matar (February 20 and 21), directed by the Portuguese Tiago Rodrigues, which is inspired by a true event that occurred under the Salazar dictatorship. Finally, Sorry we didn't die at sea (from 4 to 6 April), a show directed by Emanuele Aldrovandi, starring Mirko D'Urso.
Lerner and Antonini: two great readers of change
Born in Beirut to a Jewish family, Gad Lerner moved to Italy at the age of three, starting a journalistic career that saw him collaborate with the main Italian newspapers and direct Tg1. With highly successful programs on Rai, La7 and Laeffe, Lerner is known for his commitment to public debate and for his writings on Il Fatto Quotidiano e Africa. The meeting with Roberto Antonini, director of the Course of Journalism of Italian Switzerland and former correspondent in Washington for RTS and RSI, represents a unique opportunity to explore the challenges of Middle Eastern current affairs through the lenses of two great interpreters of our time.
The event is free to enter, but places are limited: booking is recommended on LAC official website.
