Since Sept. 11, 2001, the word "terrorist" has a new significance for many Americans and has created a misconception that terrorists will never change their ways.

Walid Shoebat, a former Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) terrorist, will share with students the story of his "Journey from Hate to Love," starting at 7:30 tonight in 26 Hosler.

Shoebat's speech will tell a story of complete transformation, said Jennifer Putterman, a member of Chabad, which is a campus Jewish organization co-sponsoring Shoebat's lecture.

"He was raised as a Palestinian terrorist but he came to the U.S. when he was 18 and realized what he had learned his whole life was wrong," Putterman said.

The speech is being co-sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and funded by the USG Senate.

"I wanted USG to get involved with this important event because it is so essential that students hear this message," USG Town Sen. Chris Winn said.

"[Shoebat] is not taking sides, he just has incredible things to say; his whole life is such a journey," Winn added.

Putterman said that Chabad wanted Shoebat to speak at Penn State so students could be exposed to tolerance.

"To completely turn your life around like that and to support people you were taught to hate," Putterman said, "I think that is something Penn State students need to hear."

Pollock-Nittany Sen. Eddie Fisher said he heard Shoebat speak about two years ago while in Washington, D.C.

"It's a different point of view, it affects a lot of people. I mean, a lot of kids are from that area or have friends from that area, and [Shoebat] gives just a positive message," he said.

Fisher said he encourages students to go hear Shoebat speak.

"Normally you don't get to hear someone who's seen the hate, lived the hate, but really enforces love and tolerance ... he's a powerful, moving speaker," he said.