In a year when conversations about Israel often collapse under the weight of politics, pain, and fear, more than 30 community members came together at the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia for something different: honest dialogue rooted in listening, not debate.

The evening was hosted in partnership with the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and led by one of our community shlichim (Israeli emissaries), whose work bridges people, perspectives, and purpose across Greater Washington. Together, they created space not for agreement, but for connection.

Stories That Set the Tone

Arava alumni Brian Crann, Jawdat Kasab, and Arielle Ben-Hur opened the session by sharing their own experiences in dialogue at Kibbutz Ketura, where Palestinians, Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, and others from across the region live and learn together.

Their stories didn’t shy away from pain or complexity. They grounded the room in something real.

Listening, Not Convincing

Then came the heart of the evening: small groups gathered with one goal—listen to understand. No debating, no fixing, just sitting with each other’s stories.

It wasn’t always easy. But it was real.

As one participant put it, “Meaningful conversations like these are often part of the solution.”

What We Carried Forward

Before leaving, each person shared one word they were taking with them:

“Curiosity.” “Compassion.” “Understanding.”

And most of all—“Hope.”

Staying in the Room

It didn’t take a panel or a facilitator to make the evening powerful. It took people willing to show up, listen, and stay in it together. That’s what our shlichim are helping nurture—quietly, consistently—across Greater Washington.

Learn more about how the shlichim are helping to build these bridges across Greater Washington.