The Problem
The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is the hundred-year struggle of two peoples, Jews and Arabs, for the same land. The struggle is complex, involving Judaism, Islam and Christianity, as well as nationalistic factions and geo-political interests. This violent struggle has important repercussions throughout the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world. Media portrayals of the conflict are usually polarized and inhibit balanced discussion. An international university forum is needed so that the leaders of tomorrow can learn about all sides of the conflict, the history, perspectives, and possible solutions, as well as dialogue about issues in a civil manner with each other.

The Educational Solutions Model for University Dialogue
The mission of Educational Solutions (ES) is to complement traditional learning by providing global Internet-based forums for students to learn about and discuss challenging issues that divide communities and nations. ES has successfully developed and tested balanced educational materials on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. These materials enable students to address divisive issues and consider solutions. Pairs of classes study the same curriculum and engage in informed, civil dialogue on the ES Website and through videoconferencing.

Proposed International Israeli/Palestinian Dialogues
ES proposes the implementation of university course inserts on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict for international use in relevant university courses. To date, 120 professors from 12 countries are interested in participating. The goal is to involve 200 universities in international dialogues by 2011.

In April/May 2006, ES conducted its second pilot dialogue on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. For one month, 37 students in classes at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), United Arab Emirates, and the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), USA, studied the same ES-developed curriculum and dialogued via the ES Website and videoconferencing. Over 90% of the students reported increased understanding of both Palestinian and Israeli perspectives, as well as improved critical thinking ability.

Students were asked, “What was the most important point(s) they learned in this course insert?” The following is a sample of individual responses: AUS – 1) "Western views on the I/P conflict; cooperation between the West and Arab world can work; with peaceful negotiations a solution would arise;" AUS - 2) "Listening to the other side is always beneficial, because even if we don't come up with solutions we will be reducing the amount of hatred and misunderstanding between different cultures and states;" OIT – 1) "That neither side can come to a resolution unless they understand the suffering of the other;" OIT – 2) "Both sides of the conflict, not just those presented by the media."

Program Objectives
Learning objectives include decreased stereotyping and increased student understanding of the history, perspectives of the different sides, and possible solutions to the conflict. Students will also practice conflict resolution skills.