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Event series Israel / Palestine

Creating dialogue and Safe Spaces together

Dear students, 

In the face of the terrible events in Palestine and Israel, grief and mourning are also experienced in Germany, along with the fear for the escalation of anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism affecting many of you inside and outside our university. However, we have also found signs of solidarity and mutual support that give us hope in the midst of this desolate panorama. 

Considering the requests of many of you and appreciating your interest for an open exchange of perspectives, I extend to you the invitation to participate in the following events that aim to promote a culture of dialogue free of discrimination in our university in which all voices have a place.

This series of events is intended as a continuous format but it is not essential to participate in all events.

Workshop: “Nonviolent Communication in Sensitive Discussions”

Date and place:

1st session November 30th Hardenbergstr. 33 Room 101 from 2 to 5 p.m.   
2nd session December 1st Hardenbergstr. 33 Room 110 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Who should attend?

This workshop is suitable for all students who want to improve their communication skills in challenging situations.

Content:

In the first session of this workshop we will get to know the essential principles of non-violent communication and tools to navigate discussions marked by sensitivity and conflict. Together, we aim to cultivate a constructive mindset and explore how communication can serve as a catalyst for personal and collective growth. From the conflict transformation approach, we will reflect on the process of reaching agreements in conflict situations and the dynamics of power in communication, in order to foster a culture of respectful coexistence despite different perspectives.

In the second session, based on the conclusions of the first workshop, we will collectively draft a communication protocol to create safe and inclusive spaces. This protocol will set the guidelines for moderating the following exchanges together.

This workshop will focus exclusively on the topic of communication and therefore will not be a discussion of current political events.

“Safe spaces amidst the current events in Palestine / Israel”

The first part of the workshop series is intended to offer a safe space for students affected by the events taking place in Israel and Palestine. These sessions will provide a dedicated space for the participants to share their feelings, needs and concerns, and to support each other in a trustful environment. We are aware that students from the affected communities have experienced fear of discrimination and even racist violence, and we aim to address this issue as well. The participants will be encouraged to express and process together their difficulties and concerns, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

External facilitators who are themselves members of the respective communities will moderate these spaces.

Many students have expressed the need for an understanding through a shared experience, and not everyone feels ready or does not yet wish to be in an exchange so these two safe space sessions will be divided as follows:

Group A: 1. Students from Palestine, Muslim students or students with a direct connection to Palestine.

Group B: Students from Israel, Jewish students and students who have a direct connection with Israel.

Group C: Students who may not have a direct connection or do not identify with the other 2 groups, but nevertheless is concerned or feels affected by the current situation.

Date and place:

1st session December 5th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Group A: Hardenbergerstr. 33 - R. 101

Group B: Grunewaldstr. 2 – 5 - R. 16/Galerie

Group C: Fasanenstr. 1b - R. 311

2nd session December 7th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Group A: Grunewaldstr. 2 – 5 - R. 16/Galerie

Group B: Fasanenstr. 1b - R. 311

Group C: Hardenbergstr. 33 - R. 101

The participation is anonymous.

“Spaces of encounter amidst the current events in Palestine, Israel and Germany”

Date:

1st session December 12th from 6 to 9 p.m.         
2nd session December 14th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Place: To be announced

After the first two safe space sessions, the facilitators will collect feedback from the participants to see if they wish to continue with the safe space format in sessions 3 and 4 or if they wish to dedicate these sessions to making encounter spaces where all three groups participate. This will be decided according to the participants’ needs.

If the decision is made to hold the exchange spaces this will consist of two ‘Spaces of Encounter’ sessions, which are open for the students of the three different groups. These designated spaces intend to promote dialogue between students who wish to share their feelings, needs and concerns about the events in Israel, Palestine and in Germany. The aim is to promote understanding and recognition of the perspectives, experiences and emotions of all participants. The discussion topics will be based on the students' needs gathered by the facilitators within the safe spaces.

The participation is anonymous.

"Expert discussions: in connection with current political events"

We know that there is a great need for information and knowledge to promote critical reflection and informed opinion on this and other socially relevant topics. Starting in January, sessions will be organized with professors from UdK Berlin or external experts to address these issues. The exact dates and topics will be communicated as planning progresses. Your suggestions for topics and speakers are welcome.

These events are for students who take a stand against any form of racism and exclusion and who wish to build paths for mutual understanding and support, any conduct contrary to these principles will be rejected.

Thank you for joining in this commitment!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to: dib_ @intra.udk-berlin.de .