Former Head of School Rick Melvoin Offers Perspective on Middle East Conflict

Belmont Hill welcomed back Rick Melvoin, former Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School, to offer his perspectives on the conflict in the Middle East, specifically toward Israel and Gaza. Dr. Melvoin grew up in a reformed Jewish community in Chicago and has been active at his temple in Wayland since his family moved to the area in 1988. He has been a member of the Board of Facing History and Ourselves since 2011. He is a noted historian and scholar who did his undergraduate work at Harvard and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. 

“My goal is not to try to provide answers about who is right and who is wrong,” Dr. Melvoin explained to the boys. “Instead, my goal this morning is to raise questions for you to consider. And you will take those questions with you to your next class, take them home, and talk about them with your friends.” Dr. Melvoin delved into the history of Israel and Palestine and also spoke reflectively about the dangerous rise of antisemitism throughout the world. 

“We need to work toward a world that can honor those who practice different religions, in safety, without fear or discrimination because of their beliefs,” he noted. I hope you boys understand how important it is.”