Welcome to the Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogue of the Bay Area

Welcome to the Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogue of the Bay Area

Why is Dialogue important?
Dialogue is an intentional way of listening and speaking that values and validates each other’s direct experiences. Dialogue is a path to relationship building; relationship building is the way to collaboration and, ultimately, the path toward lasting peace.
How is Dialogue used?
We begin by sharing stories, listening to learn, and discovering our common humanity. We believe “an enemy is someone whose story we have not heard” (as quoted from Gene Knudsen Hoffman, author and peace activist).
What is our role as citizens?
We are not a political action group. However, we agree with the words of Harold Saunders (Assistant Secretary of State, Negotiator of Camp David Accords) about the citizen’s role: “There are some things that only governments can do, such as negotiating binding agreements. But there are some things that only citizens outside government can do, such as changing human relationships.” This is a goal of Dialogue.

About Us

How did the Dialogue begin?

Responding to the idea of citizens engaging in relationship building through Dialogue, in July 1992, Len and Libby Traubman initiated the Jewish Palestinian Living Room Dialogue intended to discover common ground and improve the environment for reconciliation and change here in America.

The intention was to inspire and model ways for Jews and Palestinians to see each other as human and equal, wanting the best for each other. From the original Dialogue group, many others started here in the Bay Area and eventually around the country.

The focus of the group is the practice of dialogue. Dialogue is neither discussion nor debate. Dialogue begins with hearing each other’s stories in an atmosphere of respect and compassion.

Our  Values Include

  • All our stories and experiences are valid and valued.
  • An enemy is someone whose story we have not heard.
  • The majority of Palestinians and Jews want a peaceful resolution of the conflict between them.

We Reach Out

The Jewish Palestinian Dialogue of the San Francisco Bay Area is available to work with your organization, school, or group to plan a program intended to build meaningful relationships. Members of the Jewish Palestinian Dialogue would model sharing one’s personal story, understanding that “an enemy is one whose story we have not heard.” With compassionate listening we begin to see each other as human and equal. This is the entry point to building trust and creating an environment that works for everyone.

The program can be designed for participants to have their own experience of listening to learn, building a skill that encourages success be it at home, on the job, or living in our very challenging world. Programs can be in person or on zoom.

More About Us

biblical village Cana of Galilee ( Kafr Kanna ) in morning fog,

Our meetings

 

 

In our meetings, we prioritize sharing stories, listening, and relationship building. We encourage a variety of perspectives communicated in principles of Dialogue. We learn by listening and heal by sharing.

Our meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00-9:30.

Who Is This Group For? The group is open to:

  • Any person who feels impacted by the relationships between Palestinians and Jews in the Middle East, including Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, partners and spouses.