We are pleased to announce that Encounter is now accepting appli­ca­tions for our upcoming July 12–13 trip to Bethlehem. This trip is designed for current and future Jewish leaders who are currently in Israel or visiting during the summer.

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This program does not represent a particular political perspective. We offer participants the opportunity to listen, discover, and integrate new perspectives into their Jewish identities.

Learn, through personal encoun­ters, about key chal­lenges facing Palestinians.
Discover steps that grass­roots, non-violent activists are taking to meet them.
Go beyond news­paper head­lines and tele­vi­sion sound bites.
Examine the social and ideo­log­ical real­i­ties of contem­po­rary Palestinian life.

• Meetings with promi­nent Palestinian activists dedi­cated to non-violence and co-existence.
• Cultural evening of dance and music with local Palestinians.
• Personal and polit­ical presen­ta­tions from Palestinian perspec­tives — exam­ining issues such as the sepa­ra­tion barrier and peace negotiations.
• Confidential, facil­i­tated dialogue within the Jewish group.
• Choice of lodging at a hotel or home hospi­tality with Palestinian families.
• Kosher food avail­able and several davening options.

The programs will take place in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and surrounding areas within 15 minutes of Jerusalem. Click here for a sample itin­erary of this trip.

There will be a manda­tory orien­ta­tion on Monday, July 9th from 7pm-9:30pm in Jerusalem and a debriefing on Sunday, July 15th from 7pm-9pm in Jerusalem.

Cost: The cost for profes­sionals is $600 and for students is $250, all inclu­sive. Generous schol­ar­ships are available.

Space is limited. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Click here to apply online.

Questions are welcome. Please email info@​encounterprograms.​org.