Establish an environment for a mutually respectful discussion.

Develop guidelines and goals for the conversation, such as seeking to build greater understanding, complicate rather than oversimplify, or to foster empathy for the people affected by the climate.

Strive for a common language based on respect when discussing complex issues. Notice and dispute wording provokes animosity and creates a conflict between people. 

Select a text (or video) from a credible source to anchor the conversation in a shared set of facts. For more on this, see here.

Acknowledge antisemitic bias is widespread, and it may be implicit (unconscious) or explicit (conscious). Notice the thought processes or emotions arising for you with curiosity rather than judgment.

Consider the time and place. As violence unfolds or the conflict escalates, people may need emotional support more than educational opportunities.

Position yourself as a learner, not an expert.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from a period before current occurrences, with many historical, religious, political, and cultural issues contributing. It is complex, nuanced and multi-layered.

In order to truly discuss the conflict, avoid oversimplification, which only leads to stereotyping and bias. Achieving this is best done by consulting various insightful sources. 

Acknowledge and expect that the discussion will remain unresolved. Some questions will remain unanswered. It may cause some discomfort.  

Select language that helps to humanize the people living in the region.

Use precise language. For example, refer to Israel as the State of Israel or the Jewish state, as opposed to “the Zionist entity,” “the Jews,” or other euphemisms. Likewise, distinguish between Hamas and other terrorist organizations and the Palestinian people.

Challenge the use of dehumanizing depictions of individuals and groups of people as non-human, animals, vermin, or insects. Beware of stereotypes and myths portraying people as entirely “good” or entirely “evil” because of their identity group.

Give examples, images, narratives, quotes and other material humanizing people and encouraging empathy.

Make connections across history rather than direct comparisons.

Explore the chronicle of the Jewish people’s origins in the land of Israel and contextualize the current conflict as part of a long history of different empires and peoples asserting a claim to the region.

People will often use language and aspects of the Holocaust and Nazism to illustrate the gravity of discrimination or bias-motivated violence occurring. Comparisons to Nazism or the Holocaust are hurtful and could cause renewed trauma to Jewish people, particularly Holocaust survivors and their families. The Holocaust was not a “lesson” for the Jewish people to learn. Intergenerational and historical trauma may trigger compounded pain during this conflict.

Explore word definitions and origins describing historical mass atrocities. Using terms like “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing” inaccurately in order to provoke a powerful reaction can further cause harm.

Centre and affirm the fears felt by Jewish people about safety.

As antisemitic incidents around the world spike when there is a conflict in Israel, understand the safety concerns Jewish people have.

Keep in mind that safety and comfort differ. Ease of mind defines comfort; a challenged mind signifies discomfort. Safety means no danger or hazards are present; a lack of safety can cause someone physical or mental upset. Geopolitical conflicts can be uncomfortable to talk about; however, Jewish communities face specific risks when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the news, including threats of violence, vandalism of Jewish synagogues, cemeteries and community buildings and exclusion from participation in everyday life.

Challenge and counter the antisemitic belief that Jewish people deserve violence, displacement, or retribution.

Anticipate and seek to hold space for Jewish people to experience apprehension regarding their safety.

Ground conversations in reliable informational resources.

Select a text, video or other resource from a credible organization or expert to anchor the conversation.

Start or continue your learning journey about the history of antisemitism, its roots, and contemporary manifestations. 

Acknowledge misinformation and disinformation are prevalent, particularly during times of violence and conflict. Practice media literacy by assessing the quality of the sources you find and share.

Be sure to include nuanced and different perspectives and minimize one-sided points of view.

Focus empathy by listening to the voices of the individuals directly affected by the conflict.

Listen and highlight voices that have personal experiences, familial ties and trauma associated with this region. War and violent conflict have dire consequences for ordinary people of any or no political ideology.

Ask and hear how individuals define their identity as Jewish people, Israeli people, or Zionists. Identity is complex, and not everyone identifies in the same way. 

Hold space for the distinct experiences of pain and trauma Jewish and Palestinian people carry from this conflict. Hearing diverse personal stories, refraining from correction or evaluation, cultivates empathy and fresh perspectives.

Acknowledge your worldview and perspective to avoid projecting onto the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Though news and social media can be informative, people living outside of Israel and the Palestinian territories will always have a limited viewpoint on the conflict compared to a person who lives in the region.

Centre the voices of those who are in the region and most affected by the conflict.

Resist the temptation to compare the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to other identity-based issues in Canada or elsewhere directly. Direct comparisons can cause more harm and confusion than building understanding.

Conclude the discussion with next steps for learning and supportive actions.

Identify one or more questions to continue exploring beyond the conversation. Gaining knowledge is a journey.

Exchange strategies for applying pro-social and empathetic behaviours online and in person.

Understanding violence and geopolitical conflicts can create strong emotional reactions, including feelings of despair and hopelessness; resolve to build connections and strengthen social ties within your community.

Continue learning more about the unfolding events and how to support people in your community who are affected.

Thanks to the Anti-Defamation League for this resource.