Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor

Research the Palestinian perspective on the Israel/Palestine conflict. Imagine that you are writing a letter in response to Halevi as a friendly outside observer of both sides of the argument. What would you say?

Consider a prevalent political, social, or religious issue with personal significance. Using Halevi’s literary structure as a model, write a letter to a hypothetical dialogue partner who inhabits the other side of this issue.

Which aspects of Halevi’s case for a sympathetic view of Israel do you find most compelling, and why?

Which aspects of Halevi’s case for a sympathetic view of Israel do you find least compelling, and why?

Research one of the other social or religious elements of Israeli and Palestinian society, one which Halevi does not address directly—Palestinian Christians, Druze, Messianic Jews, or others—and write an essay analyzing their general position on resolving the Israel/Palestine conflict.

Research one of the historical peace processes from the 20th century in which a two-state solution was proposed and compose an argumentative essay on why the proposal failed.

In what ways could Halevi’s American background affect the way he perceives the Israel/Palestine conflict?

Research the ways that other global Jewish communities (those not in Israel) regard the Israel/Palestine conflict. Do their views tend to match Halevi’s depiction of the Israeli position or not, and why?