Gesher: Building Bridges

Since October 7th, we’ve felt many things—grief, mourning, anger, fear, confusion. And one thing has been missing: dialogue. “Gesher: Building Bridges” is a new Tufts Hillel initiative aimed at bridging the divides within the Jewish community.

Gesher fellows will engage in weekly seminars over 10 weeks to study diverse perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a focus on seeing the other and building bridges, particularly amid the ongoing war. We will delve into important themes, including identity, diaspora, humanization, and challenging hate. This is a student-led fellowship designed for all students—Jewish and allies alike—committed to shared learning, open to new experiences, and respectful toward diverse voices. Fellows will have the opportunity to explore their own views in a challenging, tolerant, and respectful environment. The fellowship will feature a highly subsidized trip over Patriots’ Day Weekend to hear insightful speakers and come together in pursuit of collective healing.