What to Expect

What to Expect (and What Not to Expect) During a Voices of Understanding Dialogue

At Voices of Understanding (VOU), we create a space where young people can engage in respectful, meaningful, and confidential conversations about Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East. While these discussions are designed to be open and thought-provoking, it’s important to clarify the objectives of the experience and what you should and should not expect during the dialogue.

If you still have questions, concerns, or special requests after reading the information on this page, please feel free to reach out to in**@*******************ng.org and someone from Voices of Understanding will get back to you quickly to answer your questions, provide additional information, or help address any needs you may have to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared for the dialogue.

What to Expect

When you join the zoom call, either in a group or in a 1-on-1, a trained facilitator will be present at all times. The facilitator will guide the discussion, and will encourage participation by asking thought-provoking questions, such as:

What life experiences have influenced how you approach issues related to Israel, Palestine, and/or the Middle East?
What values and concerns do you bring to your views on Israel and Palestine?
What feelings do you associate with the issue of Israel and Palestine?
Have you had any experiences or conversations on this issue that shaped your perspective?
What do you think are the biggest misunderstandings people have about Israel and Palestine, and why?
Do you feel pressure to take a side in conversations about Israel and Palestine?
In what ways do you think history influences how people view Israel and Palestine?
What role do you think social media plays in how people understand or misunderstand issues related to Israel and Palestine?

Don’t worry if you don’t know much about Israel and Palestine; the facilitator is there to encourage discussion even if you are not familiar with the history or the current events in the region.

What Not to Expect

A Debate or Argument

• This is not a space for political debates, point-scoring, or proving who is “right” or “wrong.”
• The purpose is to listen and understand, not to convince others to change their beliefs.

Hostile or Aggressive Exchanges

• Disrespectful, accusatory, or inflammatory language is not tolerated.
• If tensions rise, the facilitator will step in to ensure the discussion remains productive and respectful.

A Platform for Activism or Advocacy

• While your personal views are important, VOU is not a space for political activism or advocacy.
• The focus is on human connection and understanding, not promoting specific policies or solutions.

A One-Sided Conversation

• Everyone in the discussion will have the opportunity to share and be heard.
• You may encounter perspectives that challenge your beliefs—this is part of the learning experience.

An Easy or Superficial Discussion

• These conversations may be emotionally challenging. You may feel discomfort when hearing perspectives that differ from your own.
• However, discomfort can lead to growth, empathy, and deeper understanding.

Immediate Solutions or Consensus

• The issues around Israel and Palestine are complex, and there are no simple answers.
• The goal is not to reach a consensus but to leave with a broader, more nuanced understanding of others.

Final Thoughts

At Voices of Understanding, we believe that real dialogue starts with listening, not debating. If you come with an open mind and a willingness to engage with honesty and respect, you will walk away with a new perspective – even if your core beliefs remain unchanged.

These conversations aren’t about changing minds – they’re about changing the way we see and hear each other.