My Nonprofit Reviews

I recently participated in a Compassionate Listening trip to Israel/Palestine. The experience was intense and has impacted me in many positive ways. Of course there was the educational value of learning from people directly involved in the conflict, but the unanticipated impact was how deeply the trip changed my perspective not just on the Middle East but in every situation in which conflict is encountered. The compassionate listening model is transformative. I believe that every participant in the trip felt its power, as well as the speakers who were included in our listening sessions. Listening with the heart enabled a person to person connection that was healing, and magnifying that through the power of group process was simply stunning.
The facilitators and trainers were knowledgeable, engaged, sincere and nurturing in their work with us. Even though we were traveling during the stabbing intifada and there were flashpoints where violence was breaking out, the group was shepherded carefully through an amazing itinerary and informed daily of what was happening on the ground. The Compassionate LIstening Project has many partners in this area who share a long history of involvement in making peace. As a result, participants in the trip were able to listen to a broad array of speakers including working class, professionals, Jewish settlers, Palestinian refugees, Bedouins, educators, students, and former soldiers.
Pre-trip preparation was meticulous and as it is turning out, the post-trip interactions are also strong.
I can't recommend this program too highly. Kudos to Leah Green, Andrea Cohen Kiener and Tali Goodfriend. Also, Joanie Leviine and Yehuda Winter: teachers and deep spirits all.