Come Curious. Leave Wiser.
JCCPGH Israel Engagement Series
This new series, developed by the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, invites participants to go beyond the headlines through dialogue and multiple perspectives featuring leading voices and meaningful community discussion. The series is grounded in the belief that the antidote to polarization is not disengagement, but deeper, more informed engagement. Participants will be encouraged to challenge one another, remain open to perspectives that differ from or directly oppose their own and practice respectful, curious conversation. Through a dynamic mix of live panel discussions, documentary and feature film screenings, interactive workshops and facilitated dialogue, participants will move beyond headlines toward a more nuanced understanding of Israel and the questions it raises today. There will be three sessions in the spring and three in the fall.
The series will “cover everything under the sun related to Israel, including politics, culture and history,” says Yisrael Klitsner, the moderator of the series. He is a fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) who
has deep connections to our community. He and his family lived in Squirrel Hill but returned to Israel after
October 7 so he could rejoin his IDF unit. Klitsner, who has served as Diaspora Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and worked for AIPAC in Israel, is passionate about educating and building community around the state of Israel and its relationship with the United States.
