Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies and director of SIPA's Middle East Institute moderated the panel discussion that focused on both the achievements and the difficulties UNRWA faced in its 60 years of existence.

The panel benefited from the expertise of both the current and the previous two Commissioners General, Peter Hansen (second from the left) and Ilter Türkmen (first from the right). Türkmen recounted Joseph Stalin's reaction to the creation of the Israeli state in 1947 as one predicting long term conflict in the Middle East.

Peter Hansen, who as former Commissioner General of UNRWA came under fire for his attitude towards Israel, answers a question from an audience member.

AbuZayd, Hansen and Türkmen took questions from students in the audience, while McGill political science professor and panelist Rex Brynen congratulated UNRWA for its activity, defended it against criticism, but did not forget to wish it to stop existing.

Philip Wilcox, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace maintained the tone of appreciation for UNRWA's activity, while also insisting on the skewed perception the Western public has of Palestinian refugees, who, according to him, mostly live outside of refugee camps and form tightly knit and successful communities.