Following October 7th
Following October 7th
Since the tragic events of October 7th, our commitment to ‘Siach Shalom’s mission—to foster healing within Israeli society—has only deepened,
affirming the vital importance of this work.
In response, we’ve embarked on a profound journey of self-reflection, research, creativity, and renewal.
Below are some of the new programs we’ve developed in the aftermath of October 7th.
Journey into the Pain and Spiritual Treasures
of the Other
This program takes participants on a physical journey to locations that symbolize the collective pain, as well as the unique values, of various communities within Israeli society. The program consists of six to eight sessions, each held in a different location. The meetings focus on creating a space for empathy and understanding. By being present and attentive, we can honor the pain of others and learn about the significance of each location for the community. Through this process, we aim to address and heal the collective traumas experienced in Israel over the past two years.
Group Decision-Making
and Joint Action
The goal of these groups is to strengthen the spirit of individuals who are already working to heal the divisions in Israeli society. Participants engage in a dynamic group process aimed at reaching an actionable decision.
Some groups are formed in partnership with regional councils and include members of diverse communities—religious, secular, traditional, ultra-Orthodox, right-wing, and left-wing. The group process centers on selecting a joint volunteer project that all members will undertake to help rebuild the area affected by the events of October 7th.
Internal Community Groups
We believe that meaningful dialogue between groups is rooted in each group’s internal exploration of its own identity. Therefore, in addition to the many conflict resolution groups we facilitate, we also organize groups targeting specific communities – Haredi, religious-Zionist, or secular. These groups focus on internal reflection in the wake of October 7th, with the goal of fostering future dialogue between different sectors of Israeli society.
Training for Siach Shalom Facilitators
Our work with current facilitators has two main objectives. First, it invites them into a reflective space rooted in Siach Shalom’s principles, offering an opportunity to discuss the challenges and experiences of post-October 7th Israel—exploring the pain, individual and collective struggles, and their public and community efforts during this time. Second, it equips them to lead the new programs we have developed.
A Journey into Islam
The events of October 7th were deeply disturbing, casting a long shadow over the prospects for peace between Jews and Palestinians in the Middle East. This has initiated a journey that, in many ways, is still in its early stages. Our aim is to engage in in-depth study, collaborative meetings, and meaningful dialogue to explore new possibilities for redefining the vision of Jewish-Palestinian relations in the aftermath of October 7th .
Contact: Dr Alick Isaacs
+972-509-761-168
Siach Shalom - Talking Peace
Mishkenot Shaananim
Yaakov Steinhardt 3
Yemin Moshe
Jerusalem
PO Box 8215
Jerusalem
9108102