Guidebook for Deliberation about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

We are happy to announce that we have published the first edition of our Guidebook for Deliberation about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. The Guidebook will enable Jews across the United States to systematically explore the choices they face as they consider how to respond to the conflict.

Click here to read and download the Guidebook free of charge.

What is the Guidebook?

The Guidebook lays out four alternative responses to the question, "How can Jews in the United States respond ethically and effectively to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?" Each chapter recommends a different set of actions and describes some of the hopes, values, principles, and interpretations of history and current events behind that approach. In addition, each chapter describes some of the trade-offs and risks that proponents of that approach are willing to accept, and outlines some "choices within the choice" — areas of debate or controversy within these approaches. The four responses reflect a wide range of ideas and concerns that are discussed within Jewish communities, across the political spectrum. 

How Will the Guidebook Be Used?

• share their stories, experiences, feelings, and ideas about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• learn about the varied perspectives described in the guidebook
• clarify their values, concerns, and priorities
• explore challenging ethical and intellectual questions
• weigh their options for action, and consider ways to explore these issues in the future

These programs will be facilitated in a way that creates a supportive, non-adversarial environment and fosters respect and mutual understanding. Some deliberation programs will be one-time events; others will involve multiple meetings over a period of weeks. In addition, we expect that many people will study the guide on their own and discuss it informally, without participating in structured programs.

Next Steps for the Project

In the coming months, we plan to publish additional materials for use in deliberation. They include:

• a facilitator packet that will contain step-by-step instructions for leading deliberation programs, along with background information about the practice of deliberation
• supplements that describe the perspectives presented in the Guidebook in greater detail
• a companion website that will allow readers to deepen their learning by following links to articles, blogs, maps, and other resources

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to participate in this effort:

1. Participate in a deliberation program in your community.
2. Host a deliberation program in your synagogue, school, or organization.
3. Share your feedback and suggestions for improving the guidebook.
4. Contribute your ideas for the additional materials that we plan to create, or help to write and edit them.

Would you like to participate in any of these ways? Sign up here to get involved. Or feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.