Gordon College Hosts Collaborative Research Meeting on Hate Speech in Conflict Zones

DATE OF PUBLICATION February 16, 2025

Gordon College Hosts Collaborative Research Meeting on Hate Speech in Conflict Zones

Gordon College recently held a productive face-to-face meeting to launch a joint research initiative with esteemed colleagues from the University of Pristina in Kosovo and Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. The focus of this collaboration is the critical topic of "Hate Speech Against Journalists in Times of War and Conflict in Israel, Greece, and Kosovo."

This project is generously funded by the Israeli Ministry of Regional Cooperation, aiming to strengthen academic ties among countries in the region. During the welcoming session, Mr. Gilaad Shadmon and his team shared the ministry's vision, encouraging continued collaborations on both individual and institutional levels.

The gathering included greetings from Gordon College’s President, Prof. Yoel Mansfeld, and Dr. Eli Vinokur, Vice President for Strategy, Academic Development, and Internationalization, both wishing the team success in their research endeavors.

Researchers engaged in comprehensive discussions, finalizing various aspects of the joint project, including the research question, approach, methods, and timeline. Dr. Ornal Turin, head of the Department of Communication and Education, is leading this research effort, coordinated by Ms. Shadia Sbait from the college’s International Center.

Delegations Involved

From Kosovo:

• Mr. Fitim Seferi, Director of the Department for Science, Research, Innovation, and Sponsored Projects at the University of Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
• Dr. Blerta Blakaj, Lecturer at the Department of Journalism
• Prof. Remzie Shahini-Hoxhaj, Lecturer at the Department of Journalism and Vice Dean
  
  

From Greece:

• Ms. Sofia Papadopoulou, Journalist/Researcher at the Peace Journalism Lab, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Dr. Ilias Nikezis, Peace Journalism Lab, School of Journalism and Mass Communications Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
  
  

This collaborative research represents a significant step towards understanding the complexities of hate speech in conflict situations, fostering good practices, and promoting constructive dialogue among nations.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation supports the Israeli academia, recognizing it as a significant anchor for advancing collaborations with the countries of the region in the academic and cultural spheres, contributing to strengthening Israel's position and image in the regional and international stage.