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Program Overview
Dreams of Others is an educator training program that equips teachers with tools to navigate the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through face-to-face seminars, group facilitation, and online learning. We provide historical background and instructional strategies that present multiple perspectives with clarity. Our approach guides educators through moments of friction where conflicting ideas are weighed and understood, enabling them to foster meaningful dialogue in their classrooms and help students engage with diverse perspectives respectfully.
This program is made possible with the generous support of the Jim Joseph Foundation
Program Duration
In-person seminars: 3-5 days
Online course: 6-8 hour-long sessions
Workshops: 1-2 days
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Methodology and Tools
The Worlds of Meaning methodology is a unique framework that equips participants with tools to explore more complex issues. This pedagogical model is designed to help learners engage with multiple perspectives, refine their own views, and navigate nuanced conversations. It follows a set of steps to enable participants to better understand different narratives, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Balancing Din and Hessed: Jewish mystical principles in practice
Our Approach
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Professional Staff
The Dreams of Others team is an exceptional group of educators and facilitators, with expertise and extensive experience in the fields of Middle Eastern History, Conflict and Peace Studies, Political Science, and Jewish Philosophy. They have facilitated, led, and taught groups all over the world Our team knows how to foster critical thinking, active listening, and nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Narrative and Educational Arc
Our seminars follow a powerful narrative arc that takes participants on a journey—from encountering clashing worldviews to imagining a better future. Each seminar brings together diverse voices, grounded in real communities, with a focus on depth, not just variety. We explore different “worlds of meaning,” and guide participants toward moments of connection, clarity, and hope. It is not a collection of stories—it is a story in itself.
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Danny Weininger
Program Administrator and Lead Educator
Danny heads Makom's "Dreams of Others" program as administrator and lead educator. With extensive experience teaching diverse groups in Israel, North America, and Europe, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the program. He made aliyah from New York in 2011. Danny holds an MA in Jewish Philosophy and was ordained by the Schechter Rabbinic Seminary in 2021.
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Personnel
Mohammad Darawshe
Scholar-in-residence, Lead Educator, Facilitator, Lecturer
Mohammad Darawshe is a prominent political analyst and expert on Jewish-Arab relations in Israel. He serves as Director of the Center for Shared Society at Givat Haviva, has worked with the Prime Minister’s Office on strategic planning for Arab sector development, and is a research fellow at the Hartman Institute and Robert Bosch Academy. Holding advanced degrees in Conflict and Peace Studies and Political Science, Darawshe brings extensive expertise and leadership to fostering shared society initiatives in Israel.
Arnon Degani
Lead Educator, Facilitator, Lecturer
Dr. Arnon Degani holds a doctorate in history from UCLA. His doctoral dissertation focused on the integration of Arab citizens into Israeli society between 1948 and 1967. He researches and teaches courses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the history of the Middle East, and Zionism. He writes and hosts the podcast "Oslo Cast" and the web series "The Conflict."
Beyond Surface Learning
Good education allows learners to weigh different ideas and propositions rather than accept them at face value. Our method encourages patient listening, helping learners understand speakers from their own perspectives. Moments of friction in discussion enrich the educational process by challenging assumptions and requiring learners to critically engage with complex ideas.
Testimonials
All sides of the story
"The Din and Hesed [tools] are constantly on my mind. This has become a regular piece I take into my conversations with my participants on campus…. I take a lot of these experiences we have had into many of my day to day conversations on campus."
Program Participant, Hillel Campus Professional Seminar
A brilliant approach, and one of the reasons that it's brilliant is that it gives everyone permission to put down their defensiveness. I found it very helpful to have that structure to listen, so that I don't have to worry what's true. I can hear your story for your story and not compare that. There'll be space for that. You don't have to ignore it. That was really helpful for me. And it sort of gave permission to listen without anger. That was great and so simple and good.
Program Participant
The Din/Hesed [framework] is a useful one for pretty much everything, any education that is not an echo chamber, that is asking you to encounter difference.
Program Participant
The Worlds of Meaning framing has been the most frequent method I have used since October 7th. Specifically, it has helped me to effectively utilize storytelling to offer alternative perspectives for students' consideration.
Program Participant, Hillel Campus Professional Seminar
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a Zionist organization and believe that the land of Israel is a central part of the Jewish story. Having said that,we do not endorse one political platform or agenda over another -- our goal is to educate our learners about Israel, its component parts -- peoples, parties, ideas, etc. -- and the challenges it faces. We are committed to openly exploring where Israel has been and where it is headed.
We want our learners to be able to speak with anyone and about anything. Diversity of opinions is educationally valuable and we want to be able to expose our learners to as many voices as possible -- this is critical to facilitating “radical listening.”
We want our program alumni to leave with a firm set of tools to help them listen and consider the different voices in a given conversation. Furthermore, we want them to walk away familiar with basic terms, events, ideas relating to the conflict. Most importantly we want our participants to engage with people on the ground in the different communities, and to meet colleagues with whom they can learn with and from.
While we appreciate the need for Israel advocates, this is not an advocacy program. We do not provide scripted talking points or believe people will leave our programs thinking the same thing. We want our participants to gain skills and encounter new ideas in order to foster a meaningful and sincere educational process.
Step Into the Dialogue
Seeking a framework that honors complexity with compassion? Contact us to explore how your school or organization can benefit from our unique dialogue-centered approach, rooted in Jewish values.