Cultivating Coexistence and Hope Through Environmental Dialogue

It has been difficult to remain hopeful in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. Through that difficulty, there is an environmental peacebuilding institute in Israel, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, that continues its work in coexistence and regional climate change resilience. Executive Director Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed will tell us about the vital dialogue work of the Arava Institute that continues, even during this war. 

Tareq will be joined by Becca Gan Levy, Boulder JCC Farm and Sustainability Director, who will tell us about her experience as a student at the Arava Institute. Rabbi Marc Soloway, of Bonai Shalom, will moderate this event. Light refreshments will be served.

Discussion Points Include:

• – Sharing stories of students—Palestinians, Israelis, and others from around the world who learn to see each other as human beings beyond the conflict while they study topics ranging from solar energy in agriculture to geopolitics and environmental ethics.
• – The Institute’s cutting edge research and development in cross-border environmental cooperation along with their vision for the future.

Dr. Abu Hamed is the Executive Director of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. Israel21c recently named him one of the 48 Israelis uniquely shaping Israel and the world. He is the former Israeli Ministry of Science’s Deputy Chief Scientist and Acting Chief Scientist, the highest ranking Palestinian in the Israeli government. Dr. Abu Hamed is the co-chair of the regional cooperation and security task force of President Herzog’s Israel Climate Forum. He is a sought after speaker in international environmental conferences, most recently at the UN COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai.

This program is in partnership with Congregation Bonai Shalom, Congregation Har HaShem, and Friends of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies and supported by an Israel Engagement grant from JEWISHcolorado and Together We Shine Bright, which is part of the מתחברים | Mit-habrim | CONNECTIONS funding initiative, a partnership between JCC Association of North America and the Israeli Government’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism.