This conference was organized under the joint auspices of the Ben-Gurion Research Center and the Chaim Herzog Center for Middle East Studies and Diplomacy.
The conference took place from April 2-4, 2001 and marked the culmination of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
On April second, a festive opening evening was held at the Minkoff Senate Hall on the main campus of BGU. On April third and fourth discussions days were held at Sde-Boker campus.
The aim of the conference was to provide insight into Israel's place in the Mediterranean context, via images, symbols, and texts. Sessions included History, The Public Sphere, Literature, Writers' Discussions of Israel and the Mediterranean Culture, Society, Cinema and Theater, and The Plastic Arts. A special session entitled Between the Desert and the Sea closed the conference as a tribute to Danny Karavan.
The Mediterranean Sea links three continents, three religions, and thousands of years of civilization. Throughout history the Mediterranean has acted as a conduit of mutual influence and cultural exchange. The cultural junction of our sea was also the cradle of western culture and the locus of a singular encounter between East and West. The Mediterranean dialogue that is likely to fill a key cultural and political role in the future has two distinct features. It is the common heritage of the region's nations, and it contains the potential for creating new channels of communication. In order to embark upon a renewed spatial dialogue we must become familiar with our own culture, Arab culture, and the culture of others in our area.
The ancient Mediterranean ethos may provide an alternative answer to national xenophobia, religious separation, and ethnic isolation. 'The Mediterranean option', therefore, aspires to achieve a regional dialogue on the basis of common cultural ground. The frequent swings between violent clashes and conflict resolution in the area have often led to paralysis and bewilderment; but they also have the potential to spark mutually creative discussion and thinking. Hope exists that an awareness of Mediterranean cultures and Israel's place in Israel's place in the Mediterranean context, will provide us with a deeper understanding of our own spatial identity and give us an opportunity to live at peace with ourselves and with our neighbors.