Staying Human in a Time of War
A Talk by Yoav Peck, Israeli Peace Activist and Organizational Psychologist
What does it mean to stay human when violence, fear, and grief dominate the headlines?
Join us for a heartfelt and compelling evening with Yoav Peck, an Israeli human rights activist and organizational psychologist who has spent decades working to advance dignity, dialogue, and justice across some of the most difficult divides in Israeli society.
In this 60-minute public talk, Yoav will draw on fifty years of lived experience in Israel, speaking candidly about the war in Gaza, the trauma of hostages, escalating violence in the West Bank, and the unraveling of social trust. He will speak not as a politician, but as someone who has stood in the streets and devoted his life to the belief that freedom and security must be shared if they are to be real.
Yoav will speak to:
The emotional and societal toll of the war, and what comes next
What it means to bear witness, even when the truth is painful
How Israelis and Palestinians can only heal when they face one another’s humanity
Why vulnerability, listening, and dignity are acts of resistance
“We Israelis are not going anywhere, but we must be accountable for the impact of our presence on our Palestinian neighbors.”
— Yoav Peck
This is not a training, a panel, or a political debate. It’s a talk by someone who has spent decades on the ground in Israel, working for dignity, justice, and human connection.
With Yoav being in Boston for a very short time, this is a rare opportunity to listen deeply and reflect with someone who has witnessed conflict and still believes in the possibility of healing.
About Yoav Peck:
Born in New York City and educated at Berkeley during the People’s Park years, Yoav Peck has been a citizen of Israel for over fifty years and brings a first-hand perspective on life and politics in the region.
An organizational psychologist, Yoav conducts programs in Israel’s public sector focused on the systemic advancement of human dignity. He has been active in the Israeli peace movement since 1978, holding leadership roles in civil society efforts that aim to build connection and accountability across divides.
Yoav believes that responding to the realities and concerns of Palestinians, in both Gaza and the West Bank, is a moral imperative for committed Jewish Israelis. He explores these issues and others on his blog: jerusalemheart.wordpress.com
🗣️ Talk followed by Q&A
🎟️ Free and open to all
Temple Hillel B’nai Torah is committed to bringing people and meaningful discussion into our community. Your donation helps us continue to create opportunities like this—where learning, reflection, and connection can flourish.
“In a place where there is no humanity, strive to be human.”
— Pirkei Avot 2:6