Dear Reader,

Thanks for picking up the final edition of The Fenwick Review of the fall semester!

It’s no secret that the past several weeks have been a bit tense on campus, due in no small part to our sponsoring of a Heather Mac Donald lecture in mid-November. Ms. Mac Donald’s lecture - as well as other areas of division on campus and across our nation - are addressed in the coming pages of this issue, and although they will inevitably spur disagreement and debate, we hope they will also foster a sense of common understanding and a willingness to engage in productive dialogue. With the liturgical season of Advent upon us, there is no better time to look beyond our differences and seek to cultivate an atmosphere of peace, unity, and harmony.

This issue of The Fenwick Review in particular is more heavy on political commentary than usual: in addition to an insightful piece on Ms. Mac Donald’s lecture, you will find a critique of political hypocrisy, an analysis of President Trump’s Syria policy, a discussion on the importance of the abortion debate, a rebuke against the alt-right, and an overview of the U.S.-Israel alliance. This edition is also not without its share of campus commentary: Will Kessler ’23, in his debut Review article, offers a response to last summer’s required freshman reading book, and Justin Lombardi ’20 presents a profound reflection on God’s fixed presence in our lives, especially during moments of uncertainty and transition. We have no doubt that the contents of this issue will, at the very least, leave you with something to ponder, to reflect, and to deliberate over the Christmas holiday.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a restful break

Seamus Brennan ’20 & Jack Rosenwinkel ’21

Co-Editors-in-Chief