Courageous Conversations: An Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue

Introduction & framing

In a moment when conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often become polarized, this dialogue between Palestinian-American analyst and writer Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib and Israeli-American educator and activist Yirmiyahu Danzig presents an alternative approach. Rather than debating to win, both speakers engage in active listening, share their personal experiences, acknowledge complexities within their respective communities, and seek areas of mutual understanding without abandoning their distinct perspectives.

This discussion demonstrates what is possible when two people approach a deeply polarizing issue with intellectual honesty, humility, emotional courage, and genuine curiosity about each other’s experiences. Although Ahmed and Yirmiyahu don’t agree on everything, they demonstrate how to disagree respectfully while maintaining their friendship and shared commitment to the well-being of both communities. The dialogue offers a concise example of a courageous conversation — showing students what it looks like to hold multiple truths simultaneously, to critique one’s own community while still advocating for it, and to envision a future that respects the dignity and aspirations of all people involved in this complex conflict.

How to use this guide
This guide is designed to enhance your students’ engagement with the video. You can pause at the suggested “Stop/Do/Discuss” points to explore key concepts through discussion and reflection questions provided for each section. Alternatively, you may prefer to show the entire video without breaks and use the discussion questions and activities at the end of this guide (“Summative Activities & Reflection”) for a comprehensive post-viewing discussion.

You can also utilize a flipped classroom approach, assigning the video (in full or in segments) for students to watch at home, then using class time to unpack ideas together through reflection, discussion, or hands-on activities. Choose the approach that best fits your students and classroom setting, whether it’s real-time engagement or a deeper dive after the video.