Who is wise? One who learns from every person.
– Ben Zoma, Ethics of the Fathers, 4:1

Israel has become a volatile topic of conversation in American Jewish life. Discussions are often rife with tension, dividing us as a community and turning people away. While we may disagree on policies, we should nonetheless be able to engage in thoughtful discussions of the issues and express our connection to the Jewish State.

In this spirit, CJP launched the CommUNITY Israel Dialogue in 2017 to foster productive conversations and vibrant engagement around the issues that matter to us as a community. That same year marked 100 years since the Balfour Declaration called for the creation of a national home for the Jewish people; 70 years since the UN voted to partition the British-ruled Palestine Mandate into a Jewish state and an Arab state; and 50 years since the Six Day War, when Israel assumed control of the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and the Old City of Jerusalem. These notable anniversaries sparked debate around Israel’s history and its future and served as a catalyst to bring community members together in conversation.

Through the CommUNITY Israel Dialogue, CJP strives to build a community that engages in respectful discussions across diverse perspectives, voices its concerns, and hears those of others, all while expressing our support for a secure and democratic Jewish State of Israel.

Learn more about ways to participate by finding upcoming events, applying for a grant, or emailing us at Israel@cjp.org.