HBT Israeli Palestinian Program Committee (IPPC)

The HBT Israeli Palestinian Program Committee began meeting in March 2024 in response to the heightened crisis in the Middle East. The violent October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in horrific deaths, the taking of hostages, and the displacement of residents from the Gaza border region.

Many in our community have been devastated by the brutal attacks of October 7, the loss of Israeli lives, the taking of hostages, and the ongoing threat of rockets and drones. Many of us also carry deep concern and grief over the scale of destruction and humanitarian suffering in Gaza. These intertwined tragedies have left people across our congregation hurting in different ways, and have contributed to rising tensions in the United States, including campus protests and public demonstrations.

News from Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the region weighs heavily on our hearts. Members of our community hold different relationships with Israel, different political orientations, and different approaches to the daily news. The IPPC creates opportunities for learning, listening, and engagement where members can speak openly, hear one another’s perspectives, and learn together.

Our programs strive to uphold two core Jewish values: Sukkat Shalom which invites us to build a shelter of peace where all can gather, and Kol Tzedek which calls us to raise our voices for justice, equality, and compassion.

We are a group of HBT members committed to responding to the realities of Israelis and Palestinians with Jewish values, Reconstructionist principles, and a commitment to shared humanity. Even our name, the Israeli Palestinian Program Committee, expresses our purpose: to humanize this crisis, not politicize it.

Committee Membership

Founding Members (2024):
Sherry Flashman, Keren Sammett, Lenny Markowitz, Rachel Schapp, Beth Reisen, Nechama Katz, Debra Kaufman, and Jonathan Magaziner

Current Members (2025):
Sherry Flashman, Keren Sammett, Lenny Markowitz, Beth Reisen, Nechama Katz, and Debra Kaufman

Conversation with Yoav Peck

Staying Human in a Time of Trauma and Conflict

HBT welcomed Yoav Peck, director of the Sulha Peace Project and a long-time Israeli peace activist, for an evening of learning, moral reflection, and deep listening. Yoav shared insights from decades of dialogue and justice work, speaking with clarity and hope about what it means to stay human in a time of trauma.

This program was co-sponsored by Congregation Dorshei Tzedek and reflects our connection to the wider Greater Boston Jewish community and our commitment to learning grounded in dignity, courage, and compassion.

Previous Programs

Since its founding, the IPPC has offered a range of learning and reflection opportunities, including:

• A Spring Shabbaton with Rabbi Maurice Harris
• A Summer Conversation on personal impacts of the conflict
• An art-based reflection on the Joint Israeli Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony
• A program with Rabbi Aliza Schwartz on protective presence work in Masafer Yatta

Israel Palestinian Google Group (IPPC)

The Google Group allows HBT members to share articles, resources, and event notices related to the ongoing conflict. To join, email k.sammett@gmail.com. Once added, you can post directly to HBTisrael-palestine@googlegroups.com.

Ground Rules

• Share readings, articles, and event notices only
• The forum is not for extended discussion threads
• Include a brief introductory note with any link
• Post to: HBTisrael-palestine@googlegroups.com
• Concerns should be sent to Keren Sammett

Purpose

The IPPC develops programming and initiatives to support learning and discussion at HBT, with goals including:

• Advancing justice, equality, safety, and freedom for all Israeli citizens and Palestinians
• Deepening understanding of Israeli Jewish and Palestinian histories
• Encouraging dialogue grounded in Sukkat Shalom and Kol Tzedek
• Including perspectives of Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, and others affected
• Examining antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and their intersections
• Exploring tensions in American discourse about the conflict
• Learning about political arrangements that support safety and peace
• Building collaborative approaches to being allies for peace

Principles

• Promoting justice, equality, safety, and freedom
• Supporting democratic values and human rights
• Fostering respectful dialogue across perspectives
• Seeking both Israeli and Palestinian voices
• Affirming Jewish connection to Israel as part of identity