As the drama surrounding Israel’s current judicial reform unfolds, a voice calling for sustained, committed dialogue is emerging. Sia’h Shalom is playing a central role in strengthening that voice and creating a platform that resonates on both sides of the political divide. As we assist President Isaac Herzog in his efforts to create a space for dialogue, we are drawing upon years of work and carefully built connections of trust. Through our network of Sia’h Shalom graduates, we are able to engage critical players. These leaders will be the ones who prevent future violence and deeper unrest, as they engage in a collaborative process, a pathway that in time can lead to more genuine trust and a mutual understanding.
Participants, who are left and right wing activists, connected in the mixed city of Lod at Beit HaNassi, the residence of President Herzog. In spring 2021, Lod was the site of civil unrest and violence.
Rabbis Request to Meet with the President “To Have a Real Dialogue,” Kipa, February 2, 2023
President Herzog
In response, President Herzog has convened a series of very intense discussions between supporters and opponents of judicial reform and has turned to Sia’h Shalom to facilitate the interactions. Many of these rabbis have been active participants in prior Sia’h Shalom groups and they are actively encouraging the President’s efforts to: “Do everything in your power to hold talks between the parties.”
רבנים ורבניות יזמו מפגש הידברות אצל הנשיא: “לקיים שיח אמיתי”
באחרונה נערך שיח הידברות בין תומכי ומתנגדי הרפורמה המשפטית בבית הנשיא. במפגש, ביוזמת אנשי “שיח שלום” בינהם הרב רא”ם הכהן והרבנית הדסה פרומן הביעו תמיכה ביוזמת הנשיא: “עשה כל שביכולתך לקיים הידברות בין הצדדים”
For a link to the full article in Hebrew, click here.
As we face this moment of so much pain—and so much potential—we are exploring questions such as these:
1. How can we provide the unique, dynamic relationships that we are able to create in small-scale groups on a larger scale and even make a national impact?
2. How is it possible to create a spirit of connection and see each other with a “good eye” (ayin tova) when so much of what characterizes the political system, and what the press profits from, is exactly the opposite philosophy of divide and conquer?