Wrestling with Hard Conversations about Israel and Palestine

Nov 24, Dec 8 & Jan 16: Wrestling with Hard Conversations about Israel and Palestine

The DJC is hosting a three-part speaker series featuring Jewish and Palestinian scholars who will explore the narratives shaping modern Israel/Palestine.

The three sessions take place at 7:00 – 9:00 pm:

• Setting the Table (November 24) (In Person Only – Rafos Hall)Led by Michael Soberman from The iCenter for Israel Education, this session will equip our community with the tools to engage in difficult conversations about contemporary narratives surrounding Israel and Palestine.

• The Wall Between (December 8) (In Person- Rafos Hall and Online)Join Raja Khouri and Jeffrey Wilkinson as they delve into what both Jews and Palestinians often avoid discussing about each other. Their book, The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don’t Want to Know About Each Other, serves as essential reading, shedding light on how these narratives affect us as Canadians and how we can respond more effectively.

• Jewish/Zionist Narratives (January 16) (In Person – Rafos Hall and Online) In this session, Derek Penslar, a Jewish Studies professor at Harvard and a long-time friend of the DJC, will offer an insightful analysis of the many forms of Zionism, the different forms Zionism has taken in Israel and in the Diaspora, and why Zionism is viewed so negatively in much of the world.  His expertise promises to challenge and enrich our understanding of these complex issues.

Important Note: The series is designed to foster dialogue and reflection. Together, we will navigate our collective knowledge, challenge assumptions, and confront what remains unexamined. It 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.

We ask that you consider making a donation to support adult education. We look forward to engaging in these important conversations with you!

For more information and to register (members only), please email info@djctoronto.com