Encounter's value is being one of a kind in creating a thoughtful, safe space [and a] responsible and diverse cohort of inspiring colleagues who can support each other in engaging the conflict in our communities. It offers Jewish leaders access to the voices we want to be talking to and with and about from the other side of the messiest, most personal global conflict we are in some way all a part of. It softens our ears and hearts even while dogmatically resisting specific political solutions or pat answers.
Rabbi Steven Exler
Senior Rabbi, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
It's a powerful and necessary experience.
Lindsey B. Mintz
Executive Director, Indianapolis JCRC
The Encounter experience was such a powerful reminder of the importance of face-to-face interaction. After listening to and learning from actual Palestinian human beings, it’s impossible to revert to grand pronouncements about ‘the Palestinians’ as an undifferentiated, homogenous collective: They’re just as complex, multi-dimensional, thoughtful, and fallible as the rest of us. What a gift to be reminded of that elusive truth in this era of insidious generalizations.
Aaron Dorfman
President, Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah
Encounter gave me an opportunity that I had long been missing: to listen to the stories, perspectives, and experiences of Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. As a passionate supporter of Israel who yearns for peace, this experience was critical to a more complete understanding of the complexity of this land…
Rabbi Adam Raskin
Senior Rabbi, Congregation Har Shalom
I am so impressed with the staff and the culture of this organization.
Debbie Cosgrove
Chair, Jewish Women’s Foundation NY
