ROCKLAND — David Freidenreich will discuss “The Changing Role of Religion in the Israel-Palestine Conflict” on Monday at the Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, 50 Willow St., Rockland.

The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is free.

“The conflict over Israel- Palestine was not originally religious in nature. As recently as 50 years ago, the major players on both sides were all secular and justified their competing territorial claims within the framework of nationalism,” states a release. “Today, however, the loudest voices among Israelis and Palestinians alike express themselves in religious terms. Why did religion play just a marginal role during the initial phases of this conflict? What’s changed? And what does it mean for the future and the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians?”

Those are some of the issues Freidenreich, a Colby College professor, plans to address.

Hosted by the Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, this presentation is offered as a free community event in anticipation of the 26th annual “Camden Conference: The Middle East: What Next?” scheduled Feb. 22-24 at the Camden Opera House and streamed to satellite venues.

The mission of the Camden Conference is to foster informed discourse on world affairs through year-round community events, public and student engagement, and an annual weekend conference.

For more information, visit www.camdenconference.org or call 236-1034.