How did the Dialogue begin?
Responding to the idea of citizens engaging in relationship building through Dialogue, in July 1992, Len and Libby Traubman initiated the Jewish Palestinian Living Room Dialogue intended to discover common ground and improve the environment for reconciliation and change here in America.
The intention was to inspire and model ways for Jews and Palestinians to see each other as human and equal, wanting the best for each other. From the original Dialogue group, many others started here in the Bay Area and eventually around the country.
The focus of the group is the practice of dialogue. Dialogue is neither discussion nor debate. Dialogue begins with hearing each other’s stories in an atmosphere of respect and compassion.
Experience Dialogue in Your Community
The Jewish Palestinian Dialogue of the San Francisco Bay Area is available to work with your organization, school, or group to plan a program intended to build meaningful relationships. Members of the Jewish Palestinian Dialogue would model sharing one’s personal story, understanding that “an enemy is one whose story we have not heard.” With compassionate listening we begin to see each other as human and equal. This is the entry point to building trust and creating an environment that works for everyone.
The program can be designed for participants to have their own experience of listening to learn, building a skill that encourages success be it at home, on the job, or living in our very challenging world. Programs can be in person or on zoom.
Our Values Include
All our stories and experiences are valid and valued.
An enemy is someone whose story we have not heard.
The majority of Palestinians and Jews want a peaceful resolution of the conflict between them.
Our Meetings
In our meetings, we prioritize sharing stories, listening, and relationship building. We encourage a variety of perspectives communicated in principles of Dialogue. We learn by listening and heal by sharing.
Our meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00-9:30.
Who is the Group for
The group is open to Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, partners, spouses, and others directly impacted by Jewish-Palestinian relationships.