Encounter gave me an opportunity that I had long been missing: to listen to the stories, perspectives, and experiences of Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. As a passionate supporter of Israel who yearns for peace, this experience was critical to a more complete understanding of the complexity of this land…
Rabbi Adam Raskin
Senior Rabbi, Congregation Har Shalom
I didn't learn any substantial new facts or yet-unknown perspectives about the conflict. But I was pressed to confront the urgency of... and the untenability of my own blind spots.
Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky
Rabbi, Ansche Chesed
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 have an additional narrative in my head which I didn't have prior--that is why I knew it was necessary for me as a communal leader.
Debbie Cosgrove
Chair, Jewish Women’s Foundation NY
The opportunity to build relationships and process this intense experience with colleagues and new friends feels essential and a gift.
Rabbi Deborah Waxman
President, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College/Jewish Reconstructionist Communities
