Due to Middle East tensions in recent decades, this dialogue has focused on pastoral matters that affect both communities. However, given the heart-wrenching violence of the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and of the Israeli military response, and enabled by the growth in recent years of friendship among dialogue participants and our communities, the dialogue was able to address the concerns inherent to this most difficult of situations.

On day one, the first discussion topic of the dialogue was a “text study,” wherein Dr. Phil Cunningham and Dr. Adam Gregerman, Co-directors of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at St Joseph’s University, led an exploration of texts produced by various organizations commenting on the October 7 attack and post-attack response, and on war, peace, and justice generally, especially in the context of the Middle East. Moderated by Dr. Tony Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary at the NCC, the conversation aimed to reflect on the violence, listen to others with diverse views and the assumptions (theological and otherwise) they bring to their work, and discuss what needs to be done to preserve and enhance our relationships during this fraught time.

Following this was a discussion on “What Is Liberal/Progressive Zionism?”, and thus on the meaning and lived experience of those who identify with liberal/progressive Zionism, led by Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism at the Union for Reform Judaism and Executive Director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America, and Rabbah Rori Picker Neiss, Senior Vice President for Community Relations at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and former Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis. This conversation, moderated by Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, Director of Intergroup Relations and Rabbi in Residence at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, focused on the intersections between religion and nationalism, and between reality and aspirations when it comes to the meaning of the “land of Israel.” Topics covered included religious identity and anti-Semitism, the history of Zionism, political critique of the State of Israel, and the meaning of “homeland” to both Jews in Israel and Jews in diaspora.

On day two, attention was turned to “Liberation Theology and Its Impact on Palestinian Theology and the American Church,” a discussion facilitated by Rev. Dr. Edward (Ted) Thompson, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Swarthmore and conflict resolution expert, and presented by Dr. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe at the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The discussion included the origins and foundational principles of liberation theology; its influence in various global contexts and historical time periods; its significance for Palestinian Christians (which trace their roots to the first-century church); and the goals of those for whom it is central to their faith identity. This has implications for understanding the “promised land” as a place of peace, reconciliation, and justice for all who live there. It was noted that the principles of liberation theology inform US churches' overall belief and practice.

The proceedings were paused at this point to prayerfully commemorate the Juneteenth holiday. This remembrance was led by Rev. Mark Pettis, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Minister at the United Church of Christ, who shared a video of a sermon on Juneteenth delivered by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.

The final topic of discussion was “How Do We Talk to Each Other, and What Have We Learned?”, led by Mr Zach Shaeffer, Co-founder and Vice President of Community Engagement at Project Shema. This merged into a discussion of “What Can We Affirm Together?”, moderated by Rabbi Leonard Gordon, Chair of the NCS.

Affirmations of the following were voiced in these overlapping discussions: the need to lift up shared values and attempt shared actions consistent with them; the importance of repentance in both traditions; the mutual need to address fear and respond to trauma; solidarity; and the affirmation of the humanity of all and therefore the need to stand against the dehumanization of others.