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Zafra Lerman: What If a Science Class Could Stop A War?
Manage episode 518353990 series 3372805
A chemist slips into dark alleys after midnight (Dr. Zafra Lerman), climbs to an attic, and teaches a seminar that could cost her freedom. By morning, she is back on the university circuit, lecturing in plain sight. That contrast frames our conversation with Dr. Zafra Lerman—scientist, educator, and peace builder—whose work proves that knowledge can be both shield and bridge.
We start with her clandestine support for Soviet refuseniks: smuggling journals, collecting CVs, and hosting secret classes so isolated scientists could stay connected to a global community. From there, we explore how a childhood in a resource-poor Israel forged values of service, creativity, and grit, captured in a birthday letter that set her life’s compass. Those values later shaped the Malta Conferences, where scientists from across the Middle East—Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf—met with Nobel laureates to tackle shared problems like water scarcity, air pollution, climate change, and science education. In those rooms, propaganda gave way to proximity; former “enemies” discovered collaborators.
If you believe science can be a common language that outlives the loudest slogans, this story will stay with you. Listen, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that turn courage into action and ideas into impact.
Website: https://www.zafralerman.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman/
Chapters
1. Zafra Lerman: What If a Science Class Could Stop A War? (00:00:00)
2. Opening And Guest Introduction (00:00:01)
3. Secret Human Rights Work In The USSR (00:00:29)
4. Risk, Refuseniks, And Late-Night Seminars (00:04:33)
5. Being Seen By The Intourist Guide (00:05:12)
6. Early Life In Israel And Core Values (00:06:25)
7. Curiosity, Early Schooling, And Science (00:11:39)
8. Founding The Malta Conferences For Peace (00:16:02)
9. Breaking Stereotypes Through Scientific Friendship (00:21:40)
10. Science Education As A Human Right (00:24:00)
11. Teaching By Relevance And Creativity (00:27:20)
12. No Tests: Perform And Demonstrate Knowledge (00:33:08)
13. Flagship Course With Princeton And Indiana (00:37:15)
14. Transforming An Incarcerated Student’s Life (00:39:00)
15. Hope As A Chain Reaction For Peace (00:44:02)
16. First-Time Honour At ACS Symposium (00:46:20)
17. Messages For Single Moms, Educators, And Activists (00:48:16)
18. Closing Thanks And Book Proceeds To Peace (00:52:02)
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