An event this morning at the Kadima Jewish Community Center. Passionate conversation followed the presentation.

Several said they appreciated the stories from Palestine AND wanted to hear stories from Israel. One woman responded to that sentiment by questioning the need for telling “both sides” of this particular story. She:”I teach my students about slavery and I doesn’t feel the need to tell the stories of the slave owners…and the same goes when I teach about the Inquisition. Is this so different?” Which led us into a discussion of what makes this conflict unique and what brings up the desire for hearing “two sides of the story”. I invited anyone to tell the stories that they wanted to hear which led to a few suggestions of what I should do with my NEXT book. : – 0.

Two saw the work as potentially “dangerous” if used by those who are anti-semitic, which led us into a discussion about differentiating between anti-semitism and being critical of government policy.

At the end many said they felt glad for the opportunity to talk.