The Hard Conversations about Israel/Palestine Series, Season 2: Looking to the Future

Following a very positive reception for the first series, when each evening had close to 100 people in-person and online, the DJC invites you to a second three-part adult education series. The series is designed to foster dialogue and reflection. Together, we will navigate our collective knowledge, challenge assumptions, and confront what remains unexamined. 

This series builds on the discussions from Season 1, with three different sessions under the “Looking to the Future” theme. The first provides DJC members with an opportunity to explore where the Israel/Palestine conflict may be heading. The second explores different perspectives on how progressive Jewish communities can respond to antisemitism. The third session consider how we as a DJC community can continue to move forward together, and tentatively features the return of Michael Soberman from the iCenter. The series includes a mix of lectures and facilitated community discussion. 

We have designed the three sessions to be experienced as a series. We will be advertising all three sessions for registration in the near future and requesting that if possible, as with the first series, you register for and attend all three sessions.

Important Note: We want to clarify that this series is not aimed at establishing a common analysis, advocacy position or emotional support. While advocacy and emotional support are crucial, our focus here is on education and dialogue.

To ensure we can accommodate everyone, registration will be necessary. Please register HERE for the first and second session. Registration for the third session to open soon. 

Session 1: Israel-Palestine and the Region: Where Are We and What Are My Hopes for the Future?

March 30, 7-9:30pm. Rafos Hall

Jon Allen, a former Canadian ambassador to Israel,  will speak about the current situation facing Israelis and Palestinians, recent developments in the region writ large and what his hopes are for the future of these two peoples who share the land “between the river and the sea”. His talk will include future political solutions, such as two states, a confederation, and one state, and why, despite the trauma being experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians and despite the current leadership in Israel, Palestine and the United States, he continues to be supportive of two states. 

About Jon Allen:

Born in Winnipeg in 1950, Jon Allen (LL.B., University of Western Ontario, 1976; LL.M., International Law, University of London School of Economics, 1977) joined the then Department of External Affairs in 1981.

In addition to postings abroad in Mexico City and New Delhi, Mr. Allen held the positions of Minister (Political Affairs) at the Canadian Embassy in Washington (2004-2006) and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas (2010-2012),

From 2006 to 2010, he was Canada’s Ambassador to Israel and from 2012 to 2016 he was Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. From 2012 to 2014, he served concurrently as Charge´ d’affaires at the Canadian Embassy to the Holy See.

He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian International Council, and the Chair of Rozana Canada, a not for profit whose objective is to build bridges between Palestinians and Israelis via the health sector. He contributes opinion pieces on the Middle East to the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star and he regularly appears on TV and radio.

Session 2: Examine different perspectives on how progressive Jewish communities define and respond to antisemitism

April 27, 7-9:30pm. Rafos Hall

Mark Sandler: “The Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA) is a coalition of community groups, organizations and individuals who are concerned about the sharp rise in antisemitic activity in Canada, particularly on Canadian university campuses, especially since the attacks of October 7th, 2023.”  Mr. Sandler will speak about some of the recommendations for change that the Alliance’s members have proposed that include action by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, educational institutions, law enforcement and national security agencies, prosecution services, human rights commissions, professional associations, and others.

Mira Sucharov: Hear from Professor Mira Sucharov will speak about the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, competing definitions of antisemitism, and the significance of this controversy. Mira will address the issue of whether the IHRA definition has been deployed to suppress legitimate political criticism of Israel.