Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al‑Qudwa faced off in a high-profile debate at Yale University on October 22, drawing national attention to the ongoing ideological divide on U.S. campuses. Hosted by the Yale Political Union, the event focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and featured proposals rooted in a “land-for-peace” framework, including a return to the pre-1967 borders.
Olmert, who served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2009, represented the Israeli side. Al-Qudwa, the nephew of Yasser Arafat and former UN ambassador, spoke on behalf of the Palestinian perspective. Their appearance followed the release of a joint peace plan promoting a two-state solution and controversial territorial concessions.
The debate came as campus tensions over Israel and the Gaza conflict continue to escalate nationwide. At Yale, the event drew a packed audience and prompted strong reactions from students on both sides. While some praised the opportunity for civil discourse, others criticized the inclusion of leaders they viewed as politically controversial.
The Yale Political Union, America’s oldest collegiate debating society, has long hosted major political figures. This event, however, underscored how the Israel-Palestine issue remains one of the most polarizing topics on college campuses.
