Professor Jacob Meskin returns (via Zoom) to lead a six-session journey for our community— helping us deepen the conversation that began with the question: How can we talk to each other, even when we completely disagree?

What this course will cover:
In this six-week course, participants will study the origins of the Israel-Palestine conflict in a deep yet accessible way, focusing both on really learning the history and on gaining an understanding of the many sides involved in what is, arguably, the longest-lasting conflict of the modern era. 

We will also work on learning how to talk with each other, in particular, when it comes to issues on which people hold strongly opposing points of view.  In doing this work together in this course, we will draw on new educational approaches to the study of the Israel-Palestine Conflict, practices of mediation, and the Jewish tradition of mussar. 

The Goal:
The goal is not to change minds, but rather to gain a richer and more complex kind of understanding, and then to use this to help us forge and strengthen relationships.  

What materials will be used?
While Professor Meskin will offer occasional frontal lecturing in order to clarify things as needed, he always works very hard to make these sessions fully participatory and lively. In addition to secondary sources on the conflict, participants will also read Israeli and Palestinian short stories, and watch videos and films. 

Cost:
This course is free because of the generous support by The Jewish Federation of Central New York’s Philip L. Holstein Community Program Fund and the Kalina Memorial Scholar-in-Residence Fund. All assigned materials will also be supplied free of charge to registered students. 

What if I can't make it to every class?
All classes will be recorded, and recordings of each class meeting will be available free to registered students.

What you'll learn:
Students should emerge from the course with much more information and a considerably expanded cognitive framework for comprehending the conflict.  They should also gain an enhanced ability to speak honestly and respectfully with those with whom they disagree.