All of our professors are very very special

So yes, an event discussing a UN report which connects archaeology to genocide in Gaza belongs on the listserv. Because if we disconnect ancient studies from politics (and thereby give a fiat to those abusing the discipline), we are neglecting the reason for which we are here in the first place.

We are not hobbyists. We are professional scholars. It is our duty to use our knowledge and skills to help create a better world. The fact that we study the past does not release us from the obligation to improve the present - on the contrary!

Ancient studies have fantastic potential to show people that what is happening today is neither unique nor inevitable. Even better, it can do so while avoiding many of the ideological trenches that other disciplines (political science, etc.) may run into when communicating with the public.

There is enough political pushback against the humanities without senior scholars wrongly confirming that ancient studies hold no relevance. And for what? To retreat into a safe ivory tower, so we do not have to admit that our disciplines can be used to reinforce structures of oppression?

Genuinely, what is the point of what we do if we do not connect it to the 'interesting times' we currently live in? Yes, for me studying ancient history is enough in itself, but if we actively resist making that study relevant, it's just a hobby.