Dear TalkMatters Supporters,
Despite the spiralling turmoil in the Middle East, the initiatives that TalkMatters supports continue their work of enabling Jews and Arabs to come together on an equal footing and through their common interests to build up trust.
We here in the UK can learn a lot from people who are able to listen and learn from another person’s point of view. Not always easy when feelings run high and words get ugly.
With this in mind we are beginning a new series – Tools to Cope with Difficult Conversations. We will be sharing with you the techniques needed to co-operate and communicate as effectively as possible. Tools that help us to think about empathy, deep listening, understanding nuance, holding space for different truths, etc.
To take this further, we are excited to announce that TalkMatters is now regularly publishing on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram as part of our commitment to expanding our reach and amplifying our message.
Updates from our partner organisations
Oasis of Peace UK
The International Annual General Meeting of the Friends Associations of NSWaS recently concluded a two-day conference in London. Sadly unable to meet in Israel due to the present situation, the Friends Groups from across Europe and the USA came together with Palestinian and Israeli representatives from the village. Read more here
The Interfaith Encounter Association
The Interfaith Encounter Association’s primary purpose is to foster dialogue between different religious groups within the Holy Land (specifically Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Baháʼís). This is done on a grassroots level throughout Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Read their latest news here
The Parents Circle-Families Forum
The Forum is a grassroots organization of Palestinian and Israeli families who have lost relatives due to the conflict. Amidst unimaginable loss, over 85 new Palestinian and Israeli families have joined the Parents Circle since October 7. They operates under the principle that a process of reconciliation is a prerequisite for achieving a sustained peace. Read their latest news here
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) encompasses the mosaic of religions, languages, ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds that make up Israeli society. HUJI is increasingly a meeting place for students from the Jewish and Arab societies: in the past 15 years, the percentage of Arab students at the University has doubled. For many Jews and Arabs, the university classroom presents a unique, and for most, a first opportunity to meet and interact as equals over an extended period. Read their latest news here
The Abraham Initiatives
The TAI is a Jewish-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli organization that advances social inclusion and equal rights for Israel’s Palestinian citizens by influencing public policy, shaping public opinion and demonstrating practical models for a shared society. Read more here about their work since October 7th
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Please pass on this information
Please pass on this information to your friends and colleagues. Please talk about the human stories that we share with you. In the horrendous circumstances we all find ourselves, TalkMatters continues to introduce the UK public to the people who refuse to see one another as enemies. We believe in supporting the grass-roots work in Israel and Palestine and we know that it is only by working together with you – our UK supporters – and with our Israeli-Palestinian Associates that we can ever walk another path. A path that leads to a future of peace, justice and equality for everyone.
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We send out regular newsletters like this, and run our own in-person and online live events – we’d love to be able to keep you up to date! Please subscribe to our free mailing list using the form on this page.
Well that’s it for now with hopes that we meet again in 2025.
Whether you are celebrating Christmas or Chanukah, we wish you a good time. May this season bring light and joy to our homes, the end of war, the swift release of the hostages and peaceful coexistence to all our communities.
Jenny and the TalkMatters Team. Team.