Bridging Perspectives

Background

The events of October 7th, 2023, marked a civil and national trauma that profoundly impacted all Israeli citizens. For Jewish communities, personal security was shattered, and historical traumas resurfaced in public discourse. Meanwhile, Arab citizens of Israel faced not only the direct effects of terror but also heightened insecurity as their freedom of expression and civil safety were increasingly compromised.

These challenges are compounded by the separate communication bubbles in which Jewish and Arab communities exist. Media consumption, public narratives, and social realities are entirely segregated, creating blind spots in each community’s understanding of the other. This disconnect has led to deepened mistrust and a growing inability to empathize with the other’s perspective.

At this pivotal moment in Israel’s history, fostering a profound understanding of the other’s perspective has never been more critical. A shared future depends on leaders who can deeply engage with the cultural, historical, and social foundations that shape the other community’s identity and reactions. This understanding is essential for contextualizing each group’s response to crises such as October 7th and for laying the groundwork for a more cohesive society.

Bridging Perspectives provides an unparalleled platform for leaders to explore the defining experiences, cultural influences, and historical events that have shaped the lives of the "other." By examining these narratives, participants gain essential insights into the underlying dynamics of Israeli society, fostering the empathy needed to bridge divides.

Program Overview

Bridging Perspectives is a two-year program designed to create a profound understanding of the perspectives, histories, and cultural foundations of Jewish and Arab communities in Israel. The program begins with parallel single-nationality groups that focus on exploring the narratives of the other community. Participants represent diverse subgroups within their own nationality, ensuring a broad range of voices and perspectives in the learning process.

In the first year, participants engage deeply with the other community’s historical events, cultural milestones, and memorable experiences. This includes examining pivotal moments from 1948 to the present, as well as the societal blind spots and gaps in understanding that persist today. Discussions are framed to connect these historical insights to current events, including the differing responses to October 7th, providing participants with essential context for understanding the other’s reactions and challenges.

The second year brings Jewish and Arab groups together for shared sessions that build on this foundational knowledge. These sessions focus on deepening mutual understanding through storytelling, dialogue, and reflection. While cross-cultural collaboration and joint initiatives are explored, the primary objective remains fostering an empathetic understanding of the other’s identity, history, and societal challenges.

Through this structured process, Bridging Perspectives equips participants with the knowledge and insights needed to become leaders capable of bridging divides. By emphasizing the importance of understanding before collaboration, the program lays the foundation for meaningful connections and a shared future in Israeli society.

Goals and Objectives

Goal: To create a cadre of Jewish and Arab leaders who, by understanding each other’s backgrounds and fostering dialogue, can bridge societal divides and lead Israel toward a more inclusive and shared future.

Objectives

To equip participants with the tools to explore their own and others’ stories, fostering empathy and dismantling stereotypes.
To create safe spaces for honest and meaningful discussions that bridge divides and address tensions.
To develop participants’ abilities to lead dialogue, inspire change, and promote shared values in their communities.
To cultivate partnerships across communities that can drive long-term societal transformation.

This program represents a vital step in healing the divides in Israeli society, ensuring that leaders are equipped to guide their communities toward unity, empathy, and a shared vision for coexistence.

Target Audience

A total of 60 male and female leading figures in their communities between the ages of 30-55 (equal numbers of Jewish and Arab participants) with a strong self-identity, activists in the field of a shared society.

Activities

First Year - Exploring Histories and Perspectives

Two groups of Jewish participants and one group of Arab participants (15 members in each group) engage in eight full-day sessions guided by facilitators of their own nationality. These sessions include:

Background Presentations: Setting the context for each session’s topic, from cultural milestones to historical events.
Lectures and Community Dialogues: Insights from historians, cultural leaders, and representatives of the other community.
Reflection and Expression: Participants share new knowledge and experiences, and voice their thoughts.

Each group also participates in an immersive seminar to deepen their understanding of the topics explored and strengthen connections within their group.

Second Year - Shared Dialogue and Collaboration

The Arab group and one Jewish group come together for four full-day sessions co-facilitated by one Arab and one Jewish professional. The second Jewish group joins an Arab cohort from the program's pilot occurred in 2024. These sessions include:

Workshops: Training in storytelling and leadership skills to equip participants with tools for dialogue and leadership.
Collaborative Dialogues: Creating a shared understanding of each community’s challenges, aspirations, and potential paths forward.
Initiatives Development: Working in teams to design projects that promote shared society and express a shared vision for the future.

This two-year process ensures participants not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills and relationships necessary