On October 1, 2024, United for All hosted a powerful event aimed at holding space for dialogue and understanding in the face of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
The event brought together scholars Omar Dajani, a Palestinian-American law professor, and Mira Sucharov, a Canadian-Jewish political scientist, who have been collaborating for three years on issues surrounding Israel-Palestine, Diaspora identity, and equality.
Moderated by United Way East Ontario’s Director of Community Initiatives Cameron Ketchum, the panel discussion covered the complex challenges facing North American communities in the wake of the violence in Gaza following the attacks of October 7 and the ongoing war. The speakers also talked about the rise in hate crimes, with antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, and Islamophobia on the rise in Canada.
Omar and Mira emphasized the importance of empathy and solidarity in confronting these issues. Their shared experiences—traveling together six times to Israel and Palestine and collaborating on a forthcoming book and podcast—serve as a model for the type of dialogue that can bridge emotional and political divides. While they don’t always agree, Mira and Omar stressed how important it is to learn from others with different perspectives, listen empathetically, and air frustrations while recognizing that their friendship and care for each other is always at the forefront.
The event centered on the importance of connecting with communities outside our own, being mindful of our language, avoiding generalizations, and understanding the timing and impact of discussions. Participants were reminded of the need to strip away assumptions, actively listen, and approach conversations with empathy.
