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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.
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Course #1 / Dilemma #1 – 7 minutes
Drink
Dilemma: Israel’s Participation in Eurovision
Over the years, Israel has gained a reputation as a musical empire in Eurovision, winning the competition 4 times, coming in second 3 times, and third twice. In recent years, the competition has become very political, and the enjoyable musical aspect has been damaged.
Israel receives a hostile reception from host countries, anti-Israel signs are frequently displayed, and Israeli fans who come to support the team are harassed. This trend has only intensified after October 7.
Some argue that Israel should stop participating in a political display intended to defame Israel, and that 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?
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Course #2 / Dilemma #2 – 15 minutes
Appetizer
Dilemma: Changing the National Anthem of Israel
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...
Today, about 28 percent of Israel's citizens are not Jewish...
In recent decades, there have been calls to change the anthem...
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."
Conversely, some argue that the anthem expresses the Jewish people's yearning to return to Zion after 2000 years, and since the State of Israel is a Jewish state, there is no essential reason to change the anthem.
Dilemma Question: What do you think should be done?
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Course #3 / Dilemma #3 – 20 minutes
Main Course – Returning the Hostages or Continuing the War
(This is a discussion about past events that is likely informing current opinions and, hence, may be worth doing.)
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...
One of the most famous cases is the Gilad Shalit deal...
During the war, voices emerged arguing that the war should be ended...
Conversely, voices argued that Hamas's demands should not be met...
Dilemma Question: What do you think should be or should have been done?
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Course #4 / Dilemma #4 – 15 minutes
Dessert – The Dismissal of Knesset Member Ayman Odeh
In early July 2025, the Knesset Ethics Committee convened to discuss a petition against statements made by Knesset Member Ayman Odeh...
After the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal, Odeh wrote on his Twitter account...
Those arguing for his dismissal explain that these statements express identification with the Hamas organization...
On the other hand, some argue that Knesset Member Odeh's freedom of expression must be preserved...
Dilemma Question: What do you think should be done?
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Debrief and wrap up – 10 minutes
Let’s reflect for a moment about the process we used:
- How was this framework for discussing controversial issues different from other frameworks?
- What made it work? What made it hard?
- What is one new insight you gained about Israeli society?
These are just a few of many dilemmas faced in Israel. We hope this is the beginning of many fruitful conversations!
The dilemmas below are ongoing dilemmas. You can also choose very timely, current dilemmas.
