Post Kiddush Talk at Temple Emanuel - Newton, MA

Mohammad Darawshe, Director of Strategy, Givat Haviva, with Jeff Goodman, Board Chair, Friends of Givat Haviva
 

Following Kiddish at Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA, Givat Haviva Director of Strategy Mohammad Darawshe and Friends of Givat Haviva Board Chair engaged in a one-hour conversation about relations between Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens and Givat Haviva’s mission and programs to strengthen those ties and build a shared society.

 

Darawshe told his personal story of growing up in Iksal, an Arab village near Nazareth, where his family has lived for more than 800 years. His first positive interaction with Jews his age took place at Givat Haviva. He explained in detail the challenges and opportunities Arab citizens face, and cited how Israeli Arabs have made impressive achievements in higher education and the workplace.

 

Prompted by Goodman’s questions Darawshe provided a comprehensive, detailed overview of Givat Haviva’s innovative educational programs, including bringing young Arab and Jews together for meaningful encounters, art residencies, photography projects, as well as teaching Hebrew in Arab schools, and teaching Arabic on the Givat Haviva campus.

 

Darawshe’s appearance at the Newton synagogue on October 10, was one of several stops during his visit to Boston. He is visiting more than 20 ciites across the U.S.

Watch Mohammad Darawshe’s post-Kiddish talk.