Recommended viewing and reading for the Dialogue Forum
In our weekly sessions of the Dialogue Forum you will listen to your fellow students talking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – its roots, what’s happening today, and what can be done to resolve it? Broader issues will come up too: national identity, personal responsibility, privilege and power, and how we deal with injustice, violence, hope and despair — and not just in the Middle East.
The Forum is a dialogue process, not a history course. It has no required readings and you are not expected to be experts on the Middle East! But having a basic understanding of the historic context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will allow you to participate more meaningfully in the group dialogue. To give you a broader and deeper understanding, you will get a list of websites, films and books (Dialogue Forum Resources List) when you arrive. These are OPTIONAL, but the more you know about how Arabs, Israelis and the international community understand this conflict (and its possible resolution), the more it will enrich your dialogue experience.
While you are still at home, try to view at least a few items in the shortlist below. Do this important preparation for the Dialogue Forum BEFORE you arrive. Once you’re here, it will be much harder to find the time! Whatever you choose, view or read it with an open mind.