About This Lesson
This module centers on showing students Personal Narrative Exchange (PNE) videos in which bereaved Israelis and Palestinians share deeply personal stories of loss and their decision to pursue reconciliation rather than revenge. The goal is to help participants listen for feelings rather than historical facts, opening space for empathy and human connection across divides.
Teachers will guide students through a structured process:
- Preparation (module 2) – Students set intentions for viewing by writing down their expectations and what they hope to learn. Facilitators also acknowledge the sensitivity of the material and encourage strategies for managing strong emotions.
- Viewing the videos (this module, 3) – Each video features two Parents Circle members sharing their journeys and engaging in Q&A. Participants are encouraged to watch without interruption, focusing on the humanity and emotional truth of the stories.
- Processing (module 4) – After viewing, students write down questions or reflections and then share in discussion, focusing on empathy, understanding, and what it means to humanize “the other.”
There are three different video pairings available, allowing teachers to select the speakers most suitable for their group. Each video runs about 20–25 minutes.
Overall, this module models how people most directly affected by the conflict—those who have lost loved ones—can move from grief and anger to dialogue and peacebuilding. It challenges students to consider: if they can choose reconciliation, can we also find ways to do the same in our own communities?
