Engage in Dialogue: Explore Perspectives on Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Conversation Cafe series in Kelowna is set to host an event focused on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, featuring a presentation by local resident and former president of the Okanagan Jewish Community, Steven Finkleman. Scheduled for September 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metro Hub, the discussion aims to provide an alternative narrative around this complex issue.

Finkleman’s talk will delve into often-overlooked historical details of the Middle East, seeking to foster understanding and dialogue. The event is promoted with the tagline, “We have more in common than we think,” emphasizing the shared values among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

June Forman, the organizer of the Conversation Cafe, explained that this initiative is a continuation of the dialogue that began when Salim Munayer, the executive director of the Musalaha Ministry of Reconciliation, visited Kelowna last year. Munayer’s organization has been dedicated to promoting reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians since its founding in 1990. Forman expressed her desire to present another perspective on the conflict, aiming to broaden the conversation around this vital issue.

“The purpose behind the Conversation Cafe is to invite dialogue and multiple perspectives on the issues we face,” Forman stated. She acknowledged that while such events may not resolve existing problems, they offer opportunities to open hearts and minds.

Despite the geographical distance of the Middle East from Canada, Forman highlighted the interconnectedness of the world today, largely driven by technological advancements. “We can’t each know everything or be invested in every conflict going on around the world,” she noted. “However, we can take the opportunity to look at the roots of those conflicts and draw parallels and insights into how we deal with conflict in our own country and our own lives.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $21 per person and are available online at [https://bit.ly/narrative_tickets](https://bit.ly/narrative_tickets). Attendees will also receive light refreshments, including apples, enhancing the atmosphere of community engagement.

This event presents a chance for the public to engage in meaningful discourse regarding a conflict that has profound implications beyond regional borders.