ONE WAY TO CELEBRATE this shared season of light and reflection is to determine to make an individual difference for positive, creative change beginning now.  Carry the light.
     The action of Dialogue is changing and building relationships.  Widening the circles.  Deepening understanding about people and life.
------------------------------------
     In the absence of human relationships, Middle East violence goes on mindlessly. 
     Yet, in contradiction, we receive increasingly more e-mail and phone requests for help to begin Dialogue here and in the Middle East.
------------------------------------
     Lior is a former IDF soldier who was exposed for the first time this summer to Palestinians and to Dialogue as a California Jewish camp counselor. 
     The Israeli writes from Tel-Aviv about his distress from the endless Middle East violence and finishes: ". . .in these days its more than important to have some kind of talking."
     Bracha (benyan@inter.net.il) writes: "I am beginning to wonder if now isn't a good time to try organizing your kind of dialogue group. Sure, Israel is the last place one would think this could work, though of course it should be the first."
     She continues: ". . .people in all areas seem to be generally tired of violence, realizing especially after the last two years how it has no future. . .Perhaps I am a voice in the wilderness, but I just know if I put this idea out, and if it is in some 'higher plan', that some people will start to show interest. If not, then at least I tried."
     Bracha concludes: "It would be helpful to have some idea of the way this process usually develops. . ."

------------------------------------
TOOLS FOR YOU TO BEGIN A NEW DIALOGUE

1.  On the Web are guidelines, inspiration, and links to begin new Dialogue groups at http://traubman.igc.org/peace.htm .

2.  "DIALOGUE AND DETERMINATION IN THE LIVING ROOM -- AND BEYOND"

A new article by Common Ground News (CGN) that updates the history and principles of the 10-year-old Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogue Group of San Mateo.  It discusses the Dialogue-centered approach to peace building, and the challenges faced in bringing this methodology to the Middle East.

This is on the Web at http://traubman.igc.org/dial-cgn.htm .

3.  "TOWARD UNDERSTANDING THE ISRAELI-PALESTIINIAN CONFLICT: APPRECIATING DIFFERING NARRATIVES"

This new essay helps the reader understand the spirit of Dialogue to open up to the parallel yet differing life experiences of Palestinians and Israelis.  Author Deborah Flick, Ph.D.published the award-winning book "From Debate to Dialogue: Using the Understanding Process to Transform Our Conversations."

It's on the Web at http://traubman.igc.org/two-narr.htm .

We hope this helps.

Love,    Libby and Len