We Refuse to Remain Enemies:
Israelis and Palestinians Building Peace and Pursuing Justice Together
A Symposium with Follow-Up Conversations
Sunday, September 15, 1:30-4:30 PM
At Temple Shalom, Chevy Chase, MD
Come discover the inspiring and ongoing work of partnership organizations of Israelis and Palestinians who are still working together after October 7th. We’ll gain an overview of groups operating today, and what has changed since October 7th. A panel of speakers will discuss their challenges, goals, and experiences. Small-group discussions will follow with panelists and additional organizational representatives; participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. We’ll close with a brief ritual of unity and purpose in this season of reflection and turning.
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Program and Speakers
1:30-2:45 Speaker Panel
Welcome and Greetings: Rabbi Gerry Serotta and Tali Herskovitz (New Israel Fund)
Introduced and moderated by Avi Meyerstein, Founder, ALLMEP
Danielle Cumpton, New Story Leadership
Riman Barakat and Karen Brunwasser, Feelbeit
Tareq Abu Hamed, Arava Institute
Standing Together - Omdim B'yachad (On Zoom from Israel)
2:50-3:55 “Tents of Peace”
1. U.S. and Local Dialogue and Education: (facilitated by Rabbi Melanie Aron)
-- Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society: Daniel Spiro
-- JAMAAT: Walter Ruby, Maqsood Chaudry, Andra Baylus
-- Tovanot Dual Narrative Curriculum: Ruti Kadish (Mo’ed)
-- Am Kolel Peace Catalog & Speakers Bureau: Bob Schlehuber
-- Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom: Kay Halpern
2. Political Horizon (facilitated by Rabbi Gerry Serotta)
-- New Story Leadership - Phoenix Plan: Danielle Cumpton
-- A Land for All: Rabbi Gerry Serotta
-- DC Supporters of Standing Together Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff
3. Arts and Education in Israel/Palestine: (facilitated by Rabbi David Shneyer)
-- Feelbeit: Riman Barakat & Karen Brunwasser
-- Arava Institute: Tareq Abu Hamed
-- Givat Haviva: Larry Garber
-- Jerusalem Youth Chorus: Micah Handler
4. Leadership Development: (facilitated by Ira Weiss)
-- New Story Leadership: Caroline Mays
-- Hamze Awawde
-- MEET: Students from MIT Supported Project
5. Solidarity/Humanitarian (facilitated by Rabbi Elizabeth Goldstein)
-- Project Rozana: Rev Anne Derse
-- Combatants for Peace: Gili Getz
-- Women Wage Peace: Tzili Mor
-- Parents Circle Family Forum: Mohamed Abu Jafar
4:00-4:30 Closing Gathering: A Time for Turning and Coming Together
-- Mohamed Abu Jafar, Parents Circle Family Forum
--Tali Herskovitz, New Israel Fund
--Music: Muath Idriss and Aaron Shneyer
--Rabbi David Shneyer, Am Kolel, and Rabbi Gilah Langner, Kol Ami
Co-Sponsors
ALLMEP
Am Kolel Jewish Renewal Community
New Israel Fund
Temple Shalom
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Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation
Adas Israel Congregation
Bet Mishpachah
Congregation Or Chadash
Fabrangen
Hill Havurah
Humanist Chaplaincy at American University
JIDS
JAMAAT
Kol Ami: Northern Virginia Reconstructionist Congregation
Machar: The Secular Humanistic Jewish Congregation of Greater Washington
Oseh Shalom Congregation
Religious Action Center
6th and I Historic Synagogue
Temple Micah
Temple Emanuel
Temple Beth Ami
Temple Rodef Shalom
Tifereth Israel Congregation
Washington Hebrew Congregation