Last August, Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun hosted a unique event in which, amid conflict in the Middle East, an Israeli and a Palestinian appeared for in-person dialogue.
The event grew out of Cantor David Barash’s series of trips to Israel, in which he visited the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and met both the Israeli and the Palestinian, who ended up coming to Milwaukee for the event.
“It was fantastic,” Barash told the Chronicle, remembering that 80 to 90 people attended. “We had a really, really nice dialogue.”
“They actually met each other for the first time, five hours before the program, because they’ve been talking on WhatsApp,” he said of the two participants in the dialogue. “They really got to know each other in those four or five hours.”
“The two of them embraced at the end of the program,” the cantor added. “It was really quite astounding and people left, I think, with a very kind of hopeful vision at that moment.”
Now, a year later, with war still on, another version of the same event has been scheduled.
“Continuing the Conversation: An Evening of Dialogue on Israel and Palestine” will take place on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m., once again at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. To attend, visit CEEBJ.org to pre-register.
The Palestinian participant from last year’s event, whom we’ll call Omar, will be returning for the Aug. 21 event, Barash said, although he’ll be joined by a different Israeli alum of the Arava program, named Yahel Tirosh.
Karen Schapiro, board chair of Friends of the Arava Institute, will serve as moderator once again.
“Through honest discussion and mutual listening, we seek to deepen our understanding of the complexities of the conflict, the shared humanity on both sides, and the possibilities for a more hopeful future. This evening promises to challenge assumptions, inspire compassion, and strengthen our commitment to peace,” the event description said.
“Omar,” the Palestinian participant, was moved by last year’s event, calling it “truly powerful and deeply touching for me. I was moved by how open and welcoming the audience was to this kind of dialogue. People were not just listening, but really absorbing the stories and perspectives we shared. There was a genuine sense of curiosity, empathy, and willingness to understand beyond the headlines.”
Yahel Tirosh, the Israeli participant, who was born in the U.S., grew up in Tel Aviv, and now lives in Chicago.
“David was looking for an Israeli alum of the Arava Institute, and I happened to be both Israeli and local,” Tirosh told the Chronicle. “Naturally, I said yes right away. I’m an alum not only of the Arava Institute but of several other Israeli-Palestinian programs, and I’m also a certified dialogue facilitator. I hold the Israeli-Palestinian reality very close to my heart, and I welcome every opportunity to share my story — and to listen to others.”
“I’m mainly looking forward to reconnecting with the spirit of the Arava Institute, to having an open and honest conversation with a fellow alum, and to inviting others into a piece of that experience,” Tirosh said. “While we may be seen as representing ‘two sides,’ I feel that we’re actually coming from the same community — a group of people shaped by a shared, transformative journey at the Arava. There’s a sense of camaraderie among alumni that transcends identity lines, and I hope the audience gets to witness that.”
Omar, a West Bank resident, told the Chronicle via WhatsApp about his difficult year since last year’s dialogue.
“It’s been a heavy and complex year, to be honest. As a Palestinian, the last year has brought a lot of emotional and mental pressure. Witnessing everything happening around me, while trying to stay grounded and focused on my studies and peace work,” he said. “Staying safe hasn’t been easy. There are no shelters, and the rockets don’t distinguish between civilians or places. But despite that, I’ve been doing my best to stay safe and continue moving forward.”
Barash pitched the event as a potential “ray of hope,” amid all the negative recent headlines.
“I deeply hope for peace, and I believe it’s possible, but I also know that it won’t happen overnight. The conflict is complex and rooted in decades of pain, mistrust, and political challenges,” Omar said. “What gives me hope, though, is the work being done every day by individuals and groups on both sides who are committed to dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Peace requires patience, courage, and a willingness to listen and compromise.”
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