Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit

This workshop will feature firsthand personal histories by Jews who have come to understand the immense injustices committed by Israel upon the Palestinian people--especially in the West Bank and Gaza. For those on our panel, learning about the history and current conditions of Palestinians has created a powerful transformation by requiring us to question what we were taught and absorbed as children. Each of us will discuss how we felt as we became conscious of what Israel has done and is doing in the name of security. The focus will be to understand how someone becomes an activist, supporting equality and justice for Palestinians in the midst of a community that wants to silence all questioning of Israel and its actions. After an hour we will break up into smaller groups and discuss with participants their experiences with activism. This discussion can lead to seeking out others who are doing similar work to create a sense of solidarity, support and the right to resist, and lead to a sense of hopefulness about the future. By examining the thought processes and feelings involved in taking a position at odds with one’s community or origin, we can reinforce participants’ ability to take difficult stands.

This workshop will feature firsthand personal histories by Jews who have come to understand the immense injustices committed by Israel upon the Palestinian people--especially in the West Bank and Gaza. For those on our panel, learning about the history and current conditions of Palestinians has created a powerful transformation by requiring us to question what we were taught and absorbed as children. Each of us will discuss how we felt as we became conscious of what Israel has done and is doing in the name of security. The focus will be to understand how someone becomes an activist, supporting equality and justice for Palestinians in the midst of a community that wants to silence all questioning of Israel and its actions. After an hour we will break up into smaller groups and discuss with participants their experiences with activism. This discussion can lead to seeking out others who are doing similar work to create a sense of solidarity, support and the right to resist, and lead to a sense of hopefulness about the future. By examining the thought processes and feelings involved in taking a position at odds with one’s community or origin, we can reinforce participants’ ability to take difficult stands.