Among MeltonKC’s adult Jewish educational offerings this year is “Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict.” This 10-week series provides students with a strong historical overview from the late 19th century through present day, and will engage students as they understand this ongoing conflict through the lens of religion, culture, history, politics, economics, identity and survival.
“The course uses a variety of materials — including newspaper articles, speeches, photographs and memoirs — to encourage discussion and debate,” said Bill Greenberg, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and instructor of this year’s “Beyond Borders” course. “My goal is to challenge students to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict to provide them with new tools to understand the conflict as it continues to unfold in present day.”
Greenberg is particularly well suited to teach the course, having served for 28 years in all dimensions of military operations throughout the U.S., Middle East, Europe and Asia. He was involved in operations in Iraq, through multiple roles, including as senior adviser to Saudi Arabian National Guard and Royal Saudi Land Forces during his multiple tours in Saudi Arabia.
“All of us at MeltonKC are thrilled to have Bill on board to teach this class,” said Megan Pener, director of MeltonKC, powered by HBHA. “His experience and his unique perspective will bring so much to the ‘Beyond Borders’ curriculum.”
No stranger to overseas conflict, Greenberg has gained knowledge through his on-the-ground strategic work and later, as a military instructor. He served on numerous peacekeeping operations in countries including Egypt, Kuwait, and the Balkans, and he helped oversee the transition to independence of war-ravaged East Timor. Following his work overseas, Greenberg began teaching at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and he has been a facilitator at the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies in Leavenworth since 2007.
“I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with students in Kansas City’s Jewish community. I already teach parts of the Arab-Israeli conflict to military students in Leavenworth, and I have been on most of the battlefields and key areas when I served on the Sinai Peacekeeping Force,” said Greenberg.
“Beyond Borders” is one of many offerings from MeltonKC in the coming year. There are four additional courses that begin during the fall 2019 semester, with more to follow in the spring 2020 semester.
MeltonKC is also planning a Friends of MeltonKC dinner on Nov. 3. The kosher BBQ dinner takes place at Kehilath Israel Synagogue, and will reflect on 25 years of Melton adult Jewish learning in Kansas City, with special guests Rabbi Morey Schwartz and Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz. Dinner co-chairs are Robin Carr and Susie Goldsmith.
“We are truly looking forward to a special Friends of MeltonKC event,” Pener said. “It will be an exciting show of support for the next generation of adult learners and leaders, delicious food and a celebration of all that Melton has accomplished in Kansas City over the last 25 years. We have fantastic, energetic co-chairs leading the charge, and the committee is excited. More information will be coming out about the event in the coming months.”
MeltonKC courses are $250 per student, plus materials. Thanks to the support of generous donors, subsidies are provided as needed. To register for a MeltonKC course, or for more information, go to hbha.edu/melton, or contact Megan Pener, MeltonKC director, or 913-327-8161.
MeltonKC, powered by HBHA, is a regional division of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. It is a program of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy that is generously funded by Menorah Heritage Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.