A co-operation of AMCHA Deutschland e.V. and the Barenboim-Said Akademie
Perspectives for a peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians seem more distant than ever since October 7, 2023 and the subsequent wars in Gaza and in the Middle East. Nevertheless, this symposium aims to pose questions about the possibilities, conditions, and limits of dialogue: Is it even still possible to talk about dialogue after October 7? What needs have arisen for those directly affected as a result of the Hamas massacre and the ongoing violence and wars? What may psychosocial perspectives be able to contribute?
In keynote speeches and panel discussions we will shed light on the reactivation of historical traumas, ask about the effects of decades of conflict and wars on societies, and discuss approaches to shaping a more peaceful future. Guests will include Wasim Birumi, Dr. Dror Golan, Dr. Slieman Halabi, Dr. David Senesh, and Dalia Sivan.
The opening address will be delivered by José Brunner, Professor Emeritus at the Buchmann Faculty of Law and the Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas at Tel Aviv University.
The symposium will conclude with a presentation of the new book Brief in der Nacht: Gedanken über Israel und Gaza (“Letter in the Night: Thoughts on Israel and Gaza,” published this year in Dutch and German) by Chaja Polak, hosted by Shelly Kupferberg.
The symposium will be held in English. Admission is free, registration is required for both events separately.
The state-recognised Barenboim-Said Akademie has been teaching talented young musicians, primarily from the Middle East and North Africa, in the pedagogical spirit of Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said since 2016. In addition to intensive study in music theory and performance, each program also features study in the humanities. Students learn to listen to each other and develop their own ideas within a broad, interdisciplinary, and transcultural educational setting. The Akademie’s goal is to educate musically excellent, curious, and reflected individuals.
10:00
Welcome and opening remarks
Prof. Jacob Eder, Barenboim-Said-Akademie
Carsten Wilms, Head of Division “Culture, Society and Media Relations with Africa, Near & Middle East”, German Federal Foreign Office
Dr. Dror Golan, Clinical Director at AMCHA Israel, and Dr. Juliane Solf, Executive Director of AMCHA Germany
10:30
Keynote: Living Amid Multiple Experiences of Trauma: The Israel-Palestine Conflict after October 7th
Prof. José Brunner, Professor Emeritus at the Buchmann Faculty of Law and the Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas at Tel Aviv University
11:30
Coffee Break
11:45
Panel 1: Decades of War and Conflict in the Middle East: Transgenerational and Psychosocial Consequences
Dr. David Senesh, AMCHA Israel, BeNafshenu, Israel
Dr. Slieman Halabi, social psychologist, University Wuppertal, Germany
Chair: Lukas Welz, Chairman AMCHA Germany
13:00
Lunch
14:00
Panel 2: Solidarity and Recognition: Therapeutic Practice in Israel
Wasim Birumi, Clinical Psychologist, Israel
Dalia Sivan, AMCHA Israel, Trauma Coalition, Israel
Chair: Maja Sojref, Executive Director of the New Israel Fund Germany
15:15
Coffee Break
15:30
Panel 3: Real-life Perspectives: Experiences and Insights of an Arab-Jewish Women’s Group in Israel
Rina Buberoglu, Art Therapist, NATAL, Israel
Arij Srougi Makhlouf, Art Therapist, Israel
Chair: Dr. Martin Auerbach, former Clinical Director of AMCHA Israel
16:45
Coffee Break
17:00
Reading and discussion: A Letter in the Night. Reflections on Israel and Gaza
Chaja Polak, novelist, in conversation with Shelly Kupferberg, journalist and author