2012 Intercollegiate Ivy League Colloquium
The Avi Schaefer Fund is proud to announce that the inaugural Intercollegiate Ivy League Colloquium on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, held over President’s Day Weekend at Brown University, was a tremendous success. This first ever Colloquium in Memory of Avi Schaefer brought together a diverse group of pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian student leaders from all eight Ivy League schools, three fabulous facilitators, and dynamic, informative speakers representing a variety of institutions at the forefront of peace building efforts.
This gathering of incredible individuals was dedicated to fostering a more constructive conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the campuses of our elite institutions of higher education. To this end our speakers gave nuanced, informative presentations about aspects of the conflict and the public discussion surrounding it, the facilitators sought to help the participants develop skills in reflective listening and dealing with divergent narratives to better prepare them for intense discourse on these complex issues, and the students themselves were given space to share with each other on a deep level about their personal connection to the conflict.
The skill sessions led by our experienced facilitators complimented the informational panels and lectures delivered by our visiting scholars. There was palpable excitement and incredible energy present throughout the weekend as everyone interacted during meals, workshops, group discussions, and informal gatherings in the hallways as well as our fun game nights.
Participants also spent time during the colloquium developing ideas for projects on their home campuses. As a follow up to the colloquium, each campus delegation may apply for grants from the Avi Schaefer Fund to support a specific project that they wish to pursue at their university. We are excited to stay in touch with these amazing students and, we look forward with anticipation to supporting their endeavors to improve the climate on their campuses surrounding the Israel-Palestine discussion.
In the days since the Colloquium, we have received many uplifting comments through emails and survey responses from participants that have given us a sense of the impact of the program. Students have said:
“This was extremely well done, and I was very impressed!”
“It was a truly life-changing experience. I had an amazing time and met amazing people, and I thank ASF for that opportunity.”
“You didn’t tell us what hope was, but you showed us. And for that, I cannot thank you enough.”
Colloquium 2012 Feedback
Colloquium 2012 Photos
Colloquium 2012 Facilitators and Speakers
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