Courageous Conversations: An Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue

PART 1
Personal Backgrounds
Video (0:00-07:51)

PART 2
Conflicting Narratives
Video (07:52-17:30)

PART 3
Common Misconceptions
Video (17:31-21:18)

PART 4
Prospects for Peace
Video (21:19-30:32)

In a moment when conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often become polarized, this dialogue between Palestinian-American analyst and writer Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib and Israeli-American educator and activist Yirmiyahu Danzig presents an alternative approach. Rather than debating to win, both speakers engage in active listening, share their personal experiences, acknowledge complexities within their respective communities, and seek areas of mutual understanding without abandoning their distinct perspectives.

This discussion demonstrates what is possible when two people approach a deeply polarizing issue with intellectual honesty, humility, emotional courage, and genuine curiosity about each other’s experiences. Although Ahmed and Yirmiyahu don’t agree on everything, they demonstrate how to disagree respectfully while maintaining their friendship and shared commitment to the well-being of both communities. The dialogue offers a concise example of a courageous conversation — showing students what it looks like to hold multiple truths simultaneously, to critique one’s own community while still advocating for it, and to envision a future that respects the dignity and aspirations of all people involved in this complex conflict.

How to use this guide
This guide is designed to enhance your students’ engagement with the video. You can pause at the suggested “Stop/Do/Discuss” points to explore key concepts through discussion and reflection questions provided for each section. Alternatively, you may prefer to show the entire video without breaks and use the discussion questions and activities at the end of this guide (“Summative Activities & Reflection”) for a comprehensive post-viewing discussion.

You can also utilize a flipped classroom approach, assigning the video (in full or in segments) for students to watch at home, then using class time to unpack ideas together through reflection, discussion, or hands-on activities. Choose the approach that best fits your students and classroom setting, whether it’s real-time engagement or a deeper dive after the video.

Discussion Questions

1. Courageous Self-Reflection: Both Ahmed and Yirmiyahu demonstrate the ability to critique aspects of their own communities while remaining proud advocates for their people.
   • How do they balance their love of their communities with authenticity and candor?
   • What would this kind of courageous self-reflection look like in your own community?
2. Interconnected Fates: Ahmed and Yirmiyahu emphasize that Palestinians and Israelis are interconnected and are both deeply tied to a shared land.
   • How do both speakers embody this idea?
   • What does this perspective suggest about the nature of sustainable solutions to deep conflicts?

Learning Activities

1. Glossary Deep Dive: After watching the video, using the provided glossary of terms from the dialogue, students will work in pairs to:
   • Define key terms referenced in the conversation (Nakba, Zionism, Palestinian Authority, etc.)
   • Identify 2-3 terms they want to research further
   • Consider how shared vocabulary (or lack thereof) impacts cross-cultural dialogue
2. Letters Between Neighbors: A Reading Activity Read the following excerpts from Yossi Klein Halevi’s “Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor” and Mohammed Dajani Daoudi’s response. After reading, students should write reflections on the following questions:
   • According to Yossi Klein Halevi and Mohammed Dajani Daoudi, what is the value of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians?
   • How do both authors acknowledge their own community’s narrative and claims while also showing empathy and understanding for the other side’s perspective?
   • What can we learn from their approach when facilitating difficult conversations?
   • Both writers emphasize the importance of challenging societal narratives about “the other.” How can we create safe spaces for students, teachers, and faculty to examine and question deeply held beliefs without feeling threatened?

1. Book: Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, the paperback edition With an Extensive Epilogue of Palestinian Responses by Yossi Klein Halevi
2. Video Series: “Neighbors” 3-part series by Tablet Magazine documenting Yossi Klein Halevi and Mohammed Dajani Daoudi’s first meeting: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3
3. Podcast: The Dispatch Podcast – What The People of Gaza Actually Think | Interview: Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib
4. Podcast: Wondering Jews with Mijal & Noam – Speaking to the Soul: Yirmiyahu Danzig’s Journey Through Identity, Empathy and Dialogue
5. Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin on Nonviolence as The Path to Freedom for Palestinians and Israelis
6. Video Course: Institute for Islamic, Christian, & Jewish Studies mini-course – Speaking Across Differences: Navigating Dialogue in Polarized Times
7. ConnectED Resources:
   • Listening Skills
   • The Complex History of 1948
   • What Does It Take for Sworn Enemies to Make Peace?