Tensions have been high in the diverse township of Teaneck since the Israel-Hamas war began, including at the high school. There have been protests at the school in support of Palestine, as well as push-back from other groups who have called those protests antisemitic.
But two Teaneck High School students — one Jewish and one Muslim — are working to bring their community together. Rawda Elbatrawish and Liora Pelavin have organized discussions for youth to openly discuss the Israel-Hamas war in a safe space and to educate people about the history of the conflict.
The first conversation took place for students at Teaneck High School, the second one a month later, specifically for adults.
“We made everyone sign a contract that you couldn’t even start yelling,” Pelavin told NJ Spotlight News. “You could have a passionate conversation, but yelling was not allowed.”
Elbatrawish and Pelavin are starting a nonprofit called The Deeper Lens to offer the program to other school districts or community organizations that want to have similar, uncomfortable conversations.
Leadership support for “Exploring Hate” is provided by Charlotte and David Ackert, The Peter G. Peterson and Joan Ganz Cooney Fund and Patti Askwith Kenner. Additional support is provided by the Tiger Baron Foundation, Nancy and Morris W. Offit and Josh Weston.
