2 Dec 2023: Bridging Divides Through Safe Space Dialogues on War in Gaza
2 December 2023
Bridging Divides Through Safe Space Dialogues on War in Gaza
• What are my feelings on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
• How do we handle feelings of frustration, hopelessness, helplessness, anger, pressure, and guilt for not being able to aid civilians affected by the war?
• Do people, regardless of their racial and faith backgrounds, share sentiments similar to mine?
• How do others perceive this war, and how can we empathize with their perspectives, listen, and understand their points of view?
• Why is this issue often associated with religious groups, and how can we view it as a matter of humanity on both sides?
• How can we navigate the imagery presented in our online echo chambers and by social media algorithms?
• Are we influenced by the illusory truth effect, and whose truth should we consider as the ultimate truth?
• What information do we possess, and what remains unknown?
• How can we express our views on this conflict or raise awareness without taking extreme positions that strain relationships?
• What outlets are available for expressing ourselves and managing our emotions?
• How can we find the courage to discuss this issue with friends to foster better understanding?
These questions emerged from dialogue circles within the safe space created by The Whitehatters with support from REACHSingapore and Yayasan Mendaki, addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
As a facilitator, I found it valuable to participate in this conversation, contributing to bridging divides and strengthening community bonds in Singapore.
The honesty in the dialogue among Singaporeans, sharing personal feelings and experiences about a distant yet emotionally charged war, was particularly commendable. The dialogue was grounded in a democratically developed full-value commitment agreed upon by participants, highlighting the importance of shared values in creating a safe space. This contrasts with the limitations of social media, which often fails to provide an environment conducive to genuine dialogue and community-building.
Reflecting on the current situation, I observed that the division caused by the war is exacerbated by toxic activism promoting binary positions and truth battles.
The idea of a negotiated two-state solution was discussed during the panel, emphasising the need to unpack and understand the terms involved. Resolving conflicts and achieving unity requires identifying negotiables, non-negotiables, compromises, and shared assets of peace. This necessitates concerned parties coming to the table and engaging in dialogue. While desiring an end to the war, it's crucial to consider what efforts are being made to help affected communities reconcile and return to the negotiating table as equal partners. How do we get there?
Thank you, Shahrany Hassan, for all the efforts towards this and Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib for being a lead facilitator. Thanks to our group of facilitators for their commitment to grassroots conversations that foster a community capable of open communication and dedication to social relationships. I am proud of this collective effort!
Photo credits: The WhiteHatters , Singapore
Holding the Ropes: Interfaith Dialogue & Reflections Surrounding the Israel-Gaza War is a blog series that follows the events, dialogues and reflections experienced by Nazhath Faheema in the aftermath of the 2023 Israel-Gaza war. Triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s military response, there continues to be widespread destruction and civilian displacement in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli hostages remain in captivity.
Against this backdrop, Nazhath Faheema, through her reflections, provides insights into the dynamics of the war, its impact on interfaith relations, and the inherent challenges and opportunities in fostering understanding and empathy between Jewish and Muslim communities.
