Being in some of the actual places most impacted by the conflict with one's actual body, feelings and self along with a cohort of incredibly thoughtful, passionate Jews who know a lot about the conflict and care deeply about Jews, Israel and the conflict itself, allows for an encounter with living history deeper than any panel, essay, sermon, or organizing session ever could.
David S. Koffman
Assistant Professor of History, Israel & Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies, York University
I thought I had a solid command on so many facts and figures and data points and narratives. This trip gave me more facts, data points and anecdotes and voices that offer different narratives… Being present for that testimony was a gift.
Rabbi David Seth Kirshner
Rabbi, Temple Emanu-El, Closter, New Jersey
I am so impressed with the staff and the culture of this organization.
Debbie Cosgrove
Chair, Jewish Women’s Foundation NY
Encounter's value is being one of a kind in creating a thoughtful, safe space [and a] responsible and diverse cohort of inspiring colleagues who can support each other in engaging the conflict in our communities. It offers Jewish leaders access to the voices we want to be talking to and with and about from the other side of the messiest, most personal global conflict we are in some way all a part of. It softens our ears and hearts even while dogmatically resisting specific political solutions or pat answers.
Rabbi Steven Exler
Senior Rabbi, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
It is incumbent upon us, as lovers of Israel, Jews and Judaism, to know all aspects of the issues. We are people of the book, of seeking truth and knowledge and peace.
Debbie Cosgrove
Chair, Jewish Women’s Foundation NY
