by: Foundation for Jewish Camp
January 8, 2026
Cafe Dilemma
Program details
| Camp Name | Camp Livingston |
|---|---|
| Type of Camp | Overnight |
| Submitted by | Tzach Shmuely |
| Short description | Over Shabbat, we created a space where the counselors could sit comfortably (without their campers) and discuss key issues that concern Israeli society. The format of Café Dilemma provides a structure that enables multiple viewpoints to emerge in a respectful and constructive manner. The first two dilemmas are timeless and can be used in multiple years. The second two are more timely for 2025 but can be presented as representative issues that arise again and again. |
| Tags | staff training, discussion, Israeli society, dialogue |
| Theme/Topic | Staff Training/Programming |
| Outcomes/Goals | Participants will: |
| Age group(s) | Israeli and American staff members |
| Groupings | 15-20 participants at a time |
| Materials |
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| Staffing | Program leader |
| Physical space | Comfortable space for lunch and conversation |
| Set up | This program is done during lunch. Tables for 15-20 participants (small round tables, if possible) |
| Timing overview | The activity took place during the campers’ lunchtime and rest period. Each time, half of the staff were free to participate in the program, while the other half stayed with the campers. |
| Detailed Description | • Introduction/welcome 5 minutes Machloket, disagreement, is part of the Jewish tradition and part of the culture of a democratic society. Sometimes we avoid conflict, but the ability to learn from each other comes through dialogue. We are a diverse staff, some of us live in North America, some come from Israel, others from Europe and other parts of the world. Our perspectives are often shaped by the world in which we live most of the year. We now have a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and be exposed to perspectives different from our own. We recommend that you enjoy the food but also be ready to step out of your comfort zone, share your thoughts and feelings, and especially be open to accepting opinions different from your own. • Course #1/Dilemma #1 7 minutes Some argue that Israel should stop participating in a political display intended to defame Israel, and that, in any case, significant political pressure is being exerted by many organizations and countries to cancel Israel’s participation, which could harm its image. On the other hand, some argue that this is precisely an opportunity to showcase the beautiful and diverse faces of Israeli society, and that despite rising antisemitism, we have a commitment to attend and proudly wave the flag. Dilemma question: What do you think should be done? • Course #2/Dilemma #2 15 minutes In 1886, Naftali Herz Imber wrote "Hatikvah," a poem describing the Jewish people's yearning to return to their land, and how this hope has been preserved in the heart of the people for 2000 years. Sixty-two years after the words of the song were written, the State of Israel was established, and the State of Israel was defined as a Jewish and democratic state. At the declaration of the state, it was decided that Naftali Herz Imber's poem would become the official anthem of the state, due to the way it symbolizes the Jewish sentiment for the Land of Israel. Today, about 28 percent of Israel's citizens are not Jewish; they are Muslims, Christians, Druze, Bedouins, etc. Some of them do not feel comfortable with the national anthem. The complexity of this problem can sometimes be seen in national team sports games, where non-Jewish players do not sing the anthem because they do not identify with its words. In recent decades, there have been calls to change the anthem so that all citizens of the state can identify with it. Prominent proposals include the song "Sahaki Sahaki" by Shaul Tchernichovsky and "Jerusalem of Gold" by Naomi Shemer. Others argue that changing the anthem is not feasible, but a small change should be made: instead of the words "a Jewish soul yearns," write "an Israeli soul yearns." This way, the anthem can retain its original meaning without being replaced. Dilemma question: What do you think should be done? • Course #3/Dilemma #3 20 minutes After the surprise attack on October 7th, the State of Israel found itself in an unprecedented reality, with 253 of its citizens kidnapped to Gaza and held captive by Hamas. During the first months of fighting, several deals were carried out, during which the State of Israel released many security prisoners, some of whom were responsible for the murders of many Israelis. The question of the hostages and the price the State of Israel is willing to pay is not a new issue; the State of Israel has had to face this dilemma before, but on different scales. During the war, voices emerged arguing that the war should be ended, that Hamas's demands for the release of many terrorists from Israeli prisons should be met, and that the Hamas organization should effectively remain the ruling body in Gaza. Their main argument is that we have an obligation to our citizens and soldiers, and that leaving them in Hamas captivity is an immoral act. Conversely, voices argued that Hamas's demands should not be met, and that the price Israeli society would pay for such a deal would only lead to more attacks and more casualties in Israel in the future (as in the Gilad Shalit case). Their argument is that saving a small number of Israelis at the cost of future risk to many more Israelis is immoral and unethical and should not be done. Dilemma Question: What do you think should be or should have been done?
In early July 2025, the Knesset Ethics Committee convened to discuss a petition against statements made by Knesset Member Ayman Odeh. Ayman Odeh heads the "Hadash" party, which is an Arab party in the Knesset. In the Israeli Knesset, there are 2 Arab parties that constitute about 10 percent of the members of the Israeli parliament. After the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal, Odeh wrote on his Twitter account that he was happy to see the release of both Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. This statement angered many in the Israeli public, and many complaints were filed against Odeh's statement. In addition, Odeh wrote on his account that on October 7th, Gaza won, and Gaza will win. In light of these statements, a wave of protest began, demanding the dismissal of Knesset Member Ayman Odeh. Those arguing for his dismissal explain that these statements express identification with the Hamas organization, which is defined as an enemy, and that there is no place in the Israeli parliament for statements supporting our enemy, especially during wartime. On the other hand, some argue that Knesset Member Odeh's freedom of expression must be preserved, and that he represents the voice of many Arab citizens in the State of Israel, and that in the name of freedom of expression, he should not be dismissed. Dilemma Question: What do you think should be done? • Debrief and wrap up 10 minutes Additional Potential Dilemmas (As of November 2025) Additional potential dilemmas: |
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