NOTE DATE CHANGE TO JUNE 1

American Jewish Committee Los Angeles, the Shalom Hartman Institute, and Stephen Wise Temple are proud to present the first in a series of conversations focusing on how American Jews can and do talk about Israel and issues of anti-Semitism. Each program will explore the complex nature of the Israel-U.S. Jewish relationship and seek to facilitate the expansion of our understanding of what it means to have meaningful, nuanced, and deep awareness of the issues. 

What are the conversations we can and should have among ourselves, how do we speak about Israel outside of the Jewish community, and how do we speak about Israel with our children? 

Part 1:  Walking in Israel’s Shoes: How can American Jews better understand Israeli society? Israel is a complex Middle Eastern democracy with a unique cultural mosaic. American Jews often struggle to grasp Israel’s societal and political dynamics as they are so different from our own lens of experience. Is it fair to engage, criticize or take sides from afar? 

Guest panelists: 

Professor Dov Waxman:  Director of the Y&S Nazarian Center For Israel Studies, (The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair in Israel Studies at UCLA)

Professor Masua Sagiv Scholar in Residence of the Shalom Hartman Institute based in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies at U.C. Berkeley

Recognizing the rising COVID numbers the event will be held in the Wise Temple Sanctuary.  Doors will be left open and ample space is available to spread out.  Masks and proof of vaccine will be required.  The event will also be streamed you can access the stream here: Online - Stephen Wise Temple (wisela.org)