Photo by Shulamit Seidler-Feller

Our Programs

Encounter’s educational programs equip Jewish leaders with a more textured understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Participants return with a renewed commitment to engaging with perspectives entirely different from their own, and a dedication to leading new conversations in their communities. Through our Immersive and Continuing Education programs, Encounter is building the capacity of the Jewish people to confront the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian issues and lead in new ways. For a complete list of our upcoming programs click here.

Photo by Shulamit Seidler-Feller

Immersive Education

Our programs offer Jewish leaders’ an opportunity to augment their understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Encounter’s Immersive Education programs invite Jewish influencers to visit the West Bank and East Jerusalem to meet Palestinian civil society leaders with a diverse cohort of their peers.

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Photo by Shulamit Seidler-Feller

Continuing Education

Encounter convenes open, honest and uncensored discussion on issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our continuing education programming offers Jewish leaders opportunities for ongoing learning through encounters with Palestinians and thought leaders on the conflict. Tailored programming for past participants provides a platform to leverage their membership in Encounter’s wider community, accessing a network of thoughtful peers to serve as thought partners and exchanging best prac­tices with colleagues.

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Jewish communal leaders simply must recognize the need for us (right now!) to listen and learn, honor and engage, struggle and sit with all of these issues, narratives, experiences...for our sake collectively as a Jewish people, and specifically as American Jews. Lindsey B. Mintz Executive Director, Indianapolis JCRC
I understand so much more. Even the basic history, the dates, the wars, the treaties… Eric Robbins President/CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
Essential and transformative. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue
I feel more engaged [after the Encounter program]. When I read news stories or hear personal narratives about the conflict, I feel like I have the tools to respond. I'm more sensitive to the challenges that Palestinians face, though I retain skepticism for any simplistic solutions to the conflict. Rabbi Joshua Heller Senior Rabbi, B'nai Torah, Sandy Springs, Georgia
Encounter reinforced that certainty is not our friend if we are going to be drivers of peace. We need more questions than answers, more curiosity than certainty. Elana Kahn Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation