This past year, I had the privilege of organizing two J Street Clergy Trips to Israel and the West Bank, in partnership with T’ruah. Over two trips in May and July, nearly 45 clergy from across the U.S. joined our version of a Solidarity Mission; together we stood in unity with Israelis and Palestinians who have been deeply traumatized by a conflict which has lasted over 75 years, but which boiled over in horrific ways starting with Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.
The purpose of our trip was to explore the challenging realities and glimpses of hope embedded within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In times like these, filled with tragedy and polarization, our trips offered a space for engaging with a broad spectrum of voices and experiences, guiding us to listen and learn even when our views differed.
Our groups experienced a range of deeply moving and difficult encounters. We met with peace activist Maoz Inon, who shared his commitment to maintaining his moral center even after his parents were brutally murdered at his family’s kibbutz on the Gaza border. We visited the site of the Nova music festival where more than 350 concert goers were killed by Hamas terrorists, and also traveled to the Occupied West Bank to hear from Palestinian residents about how the events of October 7 have led to increased violence by Israeli Settlers and soldiers
We met with representatives of the IDF for a security briefing to better understand the military’s perspective, but also made sure to meet humanitarian organizations like PHRI and Gisha, whose insights into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscored the profound human impact of the ongoing conflict. We met both with Israeli lawmakers, and spent time in Ramallah, where Palestinian leaders shared their insights on policy and Palestinian public opinion.
Our July delegation had a unique opportunity to visit Neve Shalom, an Israeli and Arab shared society community rooted in dialogue and coexistence, and both groups had the opportunity to meet with members of the Parents Circle Family Forum, a group comprised of Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones in this conflict and who, despite immense loss, remain committed to peace and reconciliation. This commitment to bridging divides, even amidst suffering, was inspiring and served as a powerful reminder of resilience. As Rabbi Shoshana Tornberg said, “The planners of my trip did something remarkable: They gave us the chance to see the people of the land. All of its people.”
This past spring, I had the privilege of being selected to participate in the Pardes Mahloket Matters Fellowship. Before and during these two trips, I shared teachings from the fellowship – Torah texts on the value of mahloket l’shem shamayim – disagreement for the sake of Heaven. In Judaism we have a tradition of Chevruta, learning through paired dialogue and debate. This approach, which emphasizes mutual respect and the pursuit of deeper understanding, can provide a model for productive conversation, even on contentious issues.
As we now approach a critical U.S. election, nearly 400 days after the tragic October 7 attacks and into this devastating war, the divides we see can feel overwhelming. Yet the Jewish traditions of Chevruta, and mahloket l’shem shamayim offer us a way forward, reminding us that genuine engagement with differing views can guide us toward constructive dialogue and a better future. In an era of rising polarization, the act of listening deeply to others can be transformative, lighting a path toward the shared goal of peace and justice.
These trips didn’t offer easy answers but strengthened our resolve to advocate for understanding and change. I’m deeply grateful to the clergy who joined us and to all who support J Street’s mission. Together, I hope we continue to listen, learn, and work toward a future built on empathy and connection.