I have totally opened to a new perspective on the conflict, one that I thought I understood but I now realize that I did not.
Rabbi David Schuck
Rabbi, Beth El Synagogue Center
The Encounter experience was such a powerful reminder of the importance of face-to-face interaction. After listening to and learning from actual Palestinian human beings, it’s impossible to revert to grand pronouncements about ‘the Palestinians’ as an undifferentiated, homogenous collective: They’re just as complex, multi-dimensional, thoughtful, and fallible as the rest of us. What a gift to be reminded of that elusive truth in this era of insidious generalizations.
Aaron Dorfman
President, Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah
Incredible opportunity to see/hear Israel from another perspective.
Anonymous
Jewish Communal Executive
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
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
