Over the past few months, we hosted a series of dinners at Broad Street Presbyterian Church that sparked some really meaningful conversations. We called it “Dialogue at Dinner,” and the idea was to hear from people who are part of communities directly impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Over a meal, our speakers tackled big topics like peace, conflict, and hope. We had Zoughbi Zoughbi, a Presbyterian Christian peace worker from Palestine; Rabbi Aaron Portman from OSU Hillel; and Imran Malik, a local Muslim interfaith leader. Each brought unique perspectives, and the conversations were as thought-provoking as they were inspiring. Broad Streeters Dan Sharpe and Julie Smith reflected on what we learned and took away from these dinners.

What is one thing you learned?

Our guests opened windows into their lives, faiths, and struggles. For Dan, it was eye-opening to see the shared emphasis each speaker placed on civil discourse, reconciliation, and nonviolence within their traditions. Julie was particularly struck by Zoughbi’s personal story about facing harassment at an Israeli checkpoint while trying to attend a family wedding. She noted the parallels between his experience and the treatment of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Imran’s insights about the global Muslim community were equally impactful. Julie shared, “Even though Middle East conflicts involving Muslim factions dominate the news, the majority of the world’s Muslims don’t live there. I also didn’t know that devout Muslims begin their day at sunrise in prayer.” These reflections remind us of how much there is to learn when we listen.

What was one thing that gave you hope?

Hope flowed through the passion and commitment of our speakers. For Dan, the unwavering dedication of Zoughbi, Aaron, and Imran to building a better, more just world was inspiring. He observed how politics often work against the teachings of their respective faiths, yet these leaders remain steadfast in their mission for peace.

Julie found hope in the shared experiences of suffering and activism. She noted how Zoughbi and Aaron, despite their different perspectives, share a profound desire for peace in Israel-Palestine. “Both spoke of a two-state solution and fair, dignified treatment for Palestinians and Israelis. It gave me hope that there are people working tirelessly for reconciliation.”

What is one thing you’ll carry with you?

For Dan, the series underscored the importance of persistence. “Hearing about the years of work and history involved in these struggles gave me resolve. It’s a reminder that meaningful progress takes time, but it’s worth the effort. We give thanks for the peacemakers.”

Julie reflected on the power of shared stories across faiths. “Hearing about their faiths’ core beliefs in love and human dignity was powerful. Rabbi Aaron’s story about his recent trip to Germany, where he described Europe as being haunted by the ghosts of the Holocaust, was particularly moving.”

 

 

If you could share something about the series with someone who wasn’t there, what would it be?

Dan emphasized the way the series brought our congregation closer. “The topics were enthralling, but the dinners also built community. We met new people and deepened relationships with familiar faces.”

Julie highlighted the value of firsthand perspectives. “Hearing personal stories from leaders of different religions was invaluable. It reminded me to be cautious about taking sides in a conflict where peacemakers exist on both sides.”

A Conversation Worth Having

This dinner series wasn’t just about learning from amazing speakers (though that was a big part of it); it also brought us closer as a community. Sharing stories and meals with both familiar faces and new ones reminded us how powerful conversations can be. If you missed it, we hope these reflections give you a glimpse of what it was like—and maybe even inspire you to strike up a meaningful conversation of your own. We’re looking forward to hosting more events like this in the future. Who knows what we’ll learn next?

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