Photo by Shulamit Seidler-Feller

Our Programs

Encounter’s educational programs equip Jewish leaders with a more textured understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Participants return with a renewed commitment to engaging with perspectives entirely different from their own, and a dedication to leading new conversations in their communities. Through our Immersive and Continuing Education programs, Encounter is building the capacity of the Jewish people to confront the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian issues and lead in new ways. For a complete list of our upcoming programs click here.

Photo by Shulamit Seidler-Feller

Immersive Education

Our programs offer Jewish leaders’ an opportunity to augment their understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Encounter’s Immersive Education programs invite Jewish influencers to visit the West Bank and East Jerusalem to meet Palestinian civil society leaders with a diverse cohort of their peers.

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Photo by Shulamit Seidler-Feller

Continuing Education

Encounter convenes open, honest and uncensored discussion on issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our continuing education programming offers Jewish leaders opportunities for ongoing learning through encounters with Palestinians and thought leaders on the conflict. Tailored programming for past participants provides a platform to leverage their membership in Encounter’s wider community, accessing a network of thoughtful peers to serve as thought partners and exchanging best practices with colleagues.

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Encounter reinforced that certainty is not our friend if we are going to be drivers of peace. We need more questions than answers, more curiosity than certainty. Elana Kahn Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation

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

I am so impressed with the staff and the culture of this organization. Debbie Cosgrove Chair, Jewish Women’s Foundation NY

The trip forever colors your understanding of the security of Israel… It deepens your knowledge and exposure no matter how much you've read. Angie Atkins Director of Heritage Alumni, Wexner Foundation

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