Virtual Professional Development Program for Educators
Building Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence with Civil Discourse
The Israeli‐Palestinian conflict has been one of the world’s most enduring struggles, and it has escalated to its most tragic phase with the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, and the catastrophic war in Gaza.
Event Details
Date and Time
Location
Live Online via Zoom
The horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the catastrophic war in Gaza once again put the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict on the global agenda. Educators across America ask:
- How do we help our students understand complex contemporary religious differences and conflicts?
- Is living in peace and harmony attainable?
Scholars Mustafa Akyol and Ari Gordon will address these challenging questions with insights from their religious traditions, Islam and Judaism, respectively, explore the nuanced and intertwined relationships among world religions, and share how discovering truths of the past can offer pathways for critical dialogue toward peace and understanding. Join Sphere Education Initiatives on January 29, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom for an important and informative discussion.
- This event will be presented via Zoom.
- All Sphere alumni and interested educators for grades 5–12 are eligible to attend.
- Earn professional development for attending.
Context for the Conversation
The Israeli‐Palestinian conflict has been one of the world’s most enduring struggles, and it has escalated to its most tragic phase with the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, and the catastrophic war in Gaza. The pain in the Middle East has been felt across the world, including on campuses and streets of America, where pro‐Palestinian and pro‐Israeli sentiments confronted each other. But there is a way to understand and facilitate important discussions around this conflict with respect and empathy for both sides and with a vision of peace and reconciliation. Mustafa Akyol and Ari Gordon have been working to that end, building bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities and highlighting the sources of moderation and coexistence in their respective religious traditions. Join us as we explore with them the prospects of peace in the Middle East and the values that connect different religious traditions and communities.
Program
Building Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence with Civil Discourse
Mustafa Akyol, Senior Fellow, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, Cato Institute
Ari Gordon, Director of Muslim‐Jewish Relations, American Jewish Committee
Moderated by John Snoad, Senior Manager, Sphere Education Initiatives