Thank you for sharing the conversation between Orna Guralnik, an Israeli, and Christine, a Palestinian (‘Many people would throw a tantrum at this point’: An Israeli and a Palestinian discuss 7 October, Gaza – and the future, 13 September). We believe these dialogues, though uncomfortable and sometimes triggering, are hugely important to fight the polarisation that we’re facing. We are two friends in London – one European Jewish, one Lebanese – grappling in our own way with the Israel-Palestine conflict. The 7 October attacks in Israel and subsequent war have deeply affected us both: one distressed by the attacks and rising antisemitism in Europe, the other anxious about Lebanon’s vulnerability and the rising threat to Palestinian statehood. Our narratives transcend simple labels.
We share fears, pains and hopes that don’t fit neatly into binary public narratives or social media soundbites. Seeking understanding, we began meeting to discuss the conflict’s complex angles, knowing full comprehension would take lifetimes. We also noticed a growing divide around us – people from different communities stopped talking to each other; hate spread on the streets but also among friends and colleagues. Scared by this trend and driven by our belief in bridge-building, we felt compelled to act and started hosting listening circles, inviting anyone connected to the region or interested in the topic.
These circles provide a safe space to express ourselves, hear others differently and connect vulnerably. They’re not about debate or convincing, but about learning, empathising and building trust. So far, we’ve hosted 12 circles. They have become outlets for difficult emotions and spaces for genuine connection. Our experience shows the power of sitting with discomfort and truly listening. It’s a small step, but one we believe is vital in nurturing understanding and empathy in these challenging times. Through these circles, we’re learning that shared humanity can transcend political divides, offering hope for mutual understanding and hopefully, eventual peace.
Lola Wajskop and Ramzi Rafih
London
• What saddens me most is that discussions like these, which acknowledge the deep pain on both sides, seem rare at the decision-making level. Without such conversations happening among leaders, it’s hard to see how the dialogue between Orna and Christine can lead to significant change. It is heartening to witness two individuals, both deeply affected by the conflict and holding opposing views, attempting to understand each other’s suffering while also grappling with their own perspectives of responsibility. Often, the debate centres on “who started it”, and it feels unjust that countries like Germany, whose history with the Holocaust is intertwined with the establishment of Israel, or the US, whose political and military support for Israel has shaped the region, are geographically distant from the ongoing tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Monika Ma
London
• This conversation was frustrating to read. As a Palestinian from Gaza living in Germany, I have found myself in these types of situations and recognise the patterns of argument from supporters of Israel (even if critical of the current government). I have been asked to privilege the pain and trauma inflicted on the Jews over my own people’s suffering, and I believe this is what Orna is asking of Christine.
It is frankly disheartening to read that Orna insists on borders that would keep her separate from the people who are indigenous to the land she is claiming as her home. I wonder why Orna would feel comfortable asking Christine to subscribe to a version of the future that prioritises her own safety in such a way. It would be very hard for me to maintain a friendship with a person who asks me to take a back seat when envisioning a shared future.
Abir Al-Laham
Heidelberg, Germany
• I would love to see this conversation made into a play for the stage. It is exactly what I, as an American Jew who has lost friends and family over my opinions about Israel and the war, have wanted to see. I think it captures so much and although I know the staunch supporters of Israel among my family and friends will not read this article, as they tuned out any criticism or alternative voices on this topic months ago, I do think if it were made into a theatrical performance they might watch it.
Jill S Levien
Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
• I wanted to write in to acknowledge how extraordinary the exchange about Israel and Palestine between Orna Guralnik and Christine was. It was by far the most nuanced and thoughtful journalism I’ve seen on the topic since 7 October, but at the same time, it didn’t shy away from the harrowing and heartbreaking human stories behind the small-p politics. I’m in awe of both Orna and Christine, and I hope to hear more from both of them, just as much as I hope to learn myself from their incredible candour and open-mindedness. Thank you!
Jack Collier
Sheffield
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